Maine
Maine Age of Consent Laws: Statutes, Penalties and Reporting
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited September 30, 2026). · 20 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
Maine's age-based sexual act and sexual contact offenses that do not depend on a position of authority protect persons under 16 (17-A M.R.S. sections 253, 254 and 255-A), separate provisions protect persons under 18 in listed school, facility and parental relationships, and prostitution and trafficking provisions protect persons under 18; most of the structure is tiered by age and by the age of the other person.
To report a concern: if a child is in immediate danger, call 911. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services states on its official page: "To report suspected child abuse and/or neglect call Intake 1-800-452-1999, if you are deaf or hard of hearing call 711 (Maine Relay)." The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-422-4453, call or text) can help you figure out where and how to report. Online exploitation can be reported to the NCMEC CyberTipline at report.cybertip.org or 1-800-843-5678.
Information last verified on 2026-09-30. This article has not yet been reviewed by a licensed lawyer. It is legal-reference information, not legal advice.
This page covers Maine's criminal statutes on sexual offenses involving minors, principally 17-A M.R.S. chapter 11 (sexual assaults), chapter 12 (sexual exploitation of minors) and chapter 35 (sex trafficking and prostitution). Federal law is summarized on the age of consent laws by state hub. The official Maine statutes text is stated to be current through October 1, 2025. The Laws of Maine for the 2026 Second Regular Session list amendments to 17-A sections 281 to 284 (P.L. 2025, chapter 719, effective April 16, 2026), reflected below for section 282, and list no amendments to the other sections described here.
This page describes the main age-based sexual offense statutes. Other Maine statutes also protect minors, and one of them can apply even where none of the offenses described here does.
How Maine law protects minors by age
Maine's sexual assault chapter is organized around the age of the person protected and, for the lower age tiers, the age of the other person. The table gives an overview, and the sections below describe each group.
| Person protected | Offense | Cite | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 12 | Gross sexual assault (sexual act) | 253(1)(C) | Class A, special sentencing under 253-A |
| Under 14 | Gross sexual assault (sexual act) | 253(1)(B) | Class A |
| Under 14 | Unlawful sexual contact, actor at least 3 years older | 255-A(1)(E), (F) | Class C; Class B with penetration |
| 14 or 15 | Sexual abuse of a minor, actor at least 5 years older | 254(1)(A) | Class D |
| 14 or 15 | Unlawful sexual contact, actor at least 10 years older | 255-A(1)(F-2) | Class D |
| Under 18 | Parent, guardian or similar person responsible for care | 253(2)(H); 255-A(1)(M), (N); 260(1)(G) | Class B or C (touching, Class D) |
| Under 18 | Authority figure in a children's facility | 253(2)(G) | Class C |
| 16 or 17, or any enrolled student | School teacher, employee or official | 254(1)(C); 253(2)(F); 255-A(1)(S) | Class C to E |
Persons under 14 and under 12
17-A M.R.S. 253(1)(B) makes a sexual act with a person who "has not in fact attained the age of 14 years" gross sexual assault, a Class A crime. The paragraph contains no age-difference element. Paragraph (1)(C) separately covers a person who has not attained 12, also Class A.
Where the State pleads and proves that a section 253 crime was committed against an individual who had not yet attained 12, section 253-A requires the court to impose a definite term of imprisonment for any term of years, with a basic term of at least 20 years, plus a period of supervised release.
For sexual contact rather than a sexual act, 17-A M.R.S. 255-A applies where the person is under 14 and the actor is at least 3 years older. That is a Class C crime under paragraph (E), Class B where the person is under 12 (E-1) or where the contact includes penetration (F), and Class A where the person is under 12 and the contact includes penetration (F-1). The chapter also covers a person under 14 in unlawful sexual touching where the actor is at least 5 years older (260(1)(C), Class D).
Persons 14 and 15
17-A M.R.S. 254(1)(A) (sexual abuse of a minor) covers a sexual act with a person who is 14 or 15 where "the actor is at least 5 years older than the other person," a Class D crime. Paragraph (A-1) raises it to Class C where the actor knows the person is related within the 2nd degree of consanguinity, and paragraph (A-2) raises it to Class C where the actor is at least 10 years older. Section 254(4) points to section 556 for the meaning of "related within the 2nd degree of consanguinity."
Sexual contact with a 14- or 15-year-old is covered by 255-A(1)(F-2) where the actor is at least 10 years older, a Class D crime.
How the age-difference provisions work
In sections 254(1)(A) and 255-A(1)(E), (F) and (F-2), and in 260(1)(C), the age difference between the actor and the person is written into the definition of the offense, so it is an element of each offense and not a defense or a grading rule. The elements differ by provision: 3 years for contact with a person under 14, 5 years for a sexual act with a person 14 or 15 and for touching a person under 14, and 10 years for contact with a person 14 or 15. Gross sexual assault of a person under 14 under 253(1)(B) has no age-difference element.
Other Maine provisions turn on consent, capacity or a relationship rather than age and are not described on this page. The statute text controls in every case.
Positions of trust and authority
Maine's authority provisions protect persons under 18 in listed settings, and several apply to an enrolled student of any age.
- Parent, guardian or similar person. Where the person has not attained 18 and the actor is "a parent, stepparent, foster parent, guardian or other similar person responsible for the long-term care and welfare" of that person, a sexual act is gross sexual assault, a Class B crime (253(2)(H)). The contact version is a Class C crime, or Class B where the contact includes penetration (255-A(1)(M), (N)), and unlawful sexual touching is a Class D crime (260(1)(G)).
- Children's facilities. Where the person is under 18 and is a resident in or attending a children's home, child care facility, children's residential care facility, drug treatment center, licensed youth camp or similar facility, and the actor is a teacher, employee or other person with instructional, supervisory or disciplinary authority (or was a substitute teacher with that authority within the prior 12 months), a sexual act is a Class C crime (253(2)(G)).
- Students of any age. A sexual act with an enrolled student by a teacher, employee or other official with instructional, supervisory or disciplinary authority over the student is gross sexual assault, a Class C crime (253(2)(F)). The paragraph states no age for the student. The contact and touching versions, which also state no student age, are 255-A(1)(K) (Class D), 255-A(1)(L) (Class C where the contact includes penetration) and 260(1)(F) (Class D).
- Students 16 and 17 and an actor at least 21. Section 254(1)(C) covers a sexual act with a 16- or 17-year-old student by an actor who is at least 21 and is a teacher, employee or other official in the school in which the student is enrolled, a Class E crime. Paragraph (D) raises it to Class D where the actor knows the student is related within the 2nd degree of consanguinity, and paragraph (E) raises it to Class D where the actor is at least 10 years older than the student. Sections 255-A(1)(S) and 260(1)(J) contain matching contact and touching provisions for a student under 18 (Class E), and 255-A(1)(T) makes the contact version a Class D crime where the contact includes penetration.
Other offenses that protect minors
Maine's sexual assault, sexual exploitation of minors and prostitution chapters (17-A chapters 11, 12 and 35) contain further offenses with a minor-age element.
- Visual sexual aggression against a child (17-A M.R.S. 256): an actor who has attained 18 who, for a sexual purpose or to cause affront or alarm, exposes the actor's genitals to a person who has not attained 14 or causes that person to expose the person's genitals, or who engages in specified visual surveillance of a person under 14, commits a Class D crime, and a Class C crime where the person is under 12.
- Sexual misconduct with a child under 14 (17-A M.R.S. 258): an actor who has attained 18 who knowingly displays sexually explicit materials to a person under 14 with the intent to encourage a sexual act or sexual contact commits a Class D crime, and a Class C crime where the person is under 12.
- Solicitation of a child to commit a prohibited act (17-A M.R.S. 259-A): an actor who is at least 16, knows or believes the other person is under 14, and is at least 3 years older than the age the other person expresses, commits a Class D crime by soliciting a sexual act, sexual contact or sexual exploitation, and a Class C crime where the other person is believed to be under 12.
- Solicitation of a child for commercial sexual exploitation (17-A M.R.S. 259-B): knowingly soliciting, by any means, a person the actor knows or believes is under 18 to engage in an act of prostitution is a Class C crime.
- Commercial sexual exploitation of a minor (855(1)(A)): giving, offering or agreeing to give a pecuniary benefit in return for an act of prostitution, where the person being prostituted has not attained 18 or the actor knows or believes so, is a Class C crime.
- Aggravated sex trafficking (17-A M.R.S. 852): knowingly promoting prostitution of a person 15, 16 or 17 is a Class B crime, and knowingly promoting prostitution of a person 14 or younger is a Class A crime.
- Sexual exploitation of a minor (17-A M.R.S. 282): as amended by P.L. 2025, chapter 719 (effective April 16, 2026; the online statute text predates this amendment), knowingly employing, soliciting, enticing, persuading or using a minor (for this chapter, a person under 16) to create child sexual abuse material, knowing or intending that the conduct will be used to create an image for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire, is a Class B crime. Compelling or inducing a person under 18 by threat to engage in sexually explicit conduct, knowing or intending that the conduct will be used to create an image, is also a Class B crime. The paragraph's text sets out its own 5-year provision for 14- and 15-year-olds, and a minor under 12 raises the offense to Class A.
Penalties
Maine sets penalties by crime class. The classes below carry these maximums under 17-A M.R.S. section 1604 and section 1704.
| Class | Maximum imprisonment | Maximum fine |
|---|---|---|
| A | 30 years | $50,000 |
| B | 10 years | $20,000 |
| C | 5 years | $5,000 |
| D | Less than 1 year | $2,000 |
| E | 6 months | $1,000 |
Section 253-A and section 282(2) add special provisions. For example, section 282(2) requires a sentencing alternative involving a term of imprisonment of at least 5 years for certain sexual exploitation convictions, and the court may not suspend a minimum term without writing out its reasons. Enhancements for repeat offenders are in the statute text and are not summarized here.
Sex offender registration
Maine's sex offender registration chapter (34-A M.R.S. section 11203) defines "sex offense" to include, where the victim was under 18, 17-A sections 254 and 255-A(1)(A), (B), (C), (F-2), (M) and (S), section 253(2)(E) to (J), and section 855, among others, and defines "sexually violent offense" to include section 253(1), section 253(2)(A) to (D) and section 255-A(1)(E), (E-1), (F) and (F-1). Under section 11203 and section 11225-A, a person convicted and sentenced in Maine for a sex offense is a 10-year registrant and registers for 10 years. A person convicted of a sexually violent offense, or of a sex offense with another conviction for a sex offense or sexually violent offense, is a lifetime registrant and registers for life. The chapter also contains exceptions and relief provisions.
Prosecutor's written notice
Under 17-A M.R.S. 254-A, a prosecutor who elects not to commence a criminal proceeding for an alleged violation of section 254 must, at the request of a parent, surrogate parent or guardian of the alleged victim, inform that person in writing of the reason.
How to report
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services lists Intake at 1-800-452-1999 (711 for Maine Relay) on its official reporting page. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-422-4453, call or text) and the NCMEC CyberTipline (report.cybertip.org or 1-800-843-5678) are also available.
Disclaimer
This page is general legal information about Maine criminal statutes as verified on 2026-09-30. It is not legal advice. Statutes change, summaries simplify, and the statute text controls. Anyone with a specific situation should consult a lawyer licensed in Maine.
Related articles
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can the current text of Maine's sexual assault statutes be found?
The Maine Legislature publishes the Maine Revised Statutes online at legislature.maine.gov/statutes. Most sections discussed here are in Title 17-A, chapter 11 (sexual assaults), chapter 12 (sexual exploitation of minors) and chapter 35 (sex trafficking, prostitution and public indecency). The site stated that its text was current through October 1, 2025, so it does not show the April 2026 amendments to chapter 12 made by P.L. 2025, chapter 719.
Does Maine use a different age for teachers and other school employees?
The statutes use several. Section 253(2)(F) covers a sexual act with an enrolled student by a teacher or employee with authority over the student and states no student age, while section 254(1)(C) addresses students who are 16 or 17 and an actor who is at least 21.
Updates
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Maine Revised Statutes, Title 17-A: MAINE CRIMINAL CODE, Part 2: SUBSTANTIVE OFFENSES, Chapter 11: SEXUAL ASSAULTS
§ 254Sexual abuse of minorsIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
1. A person is guilty of sexual abuse of a minor if: A. The person engages in a sexual act with another person, not the actor's spouse, who is either 14 or 15 years of age and the actor is at least 5 years older than the other person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; [PL 2001, c. 383, §21 (AMD); PL 2001, c. 383, §156 (AFF).] A-1. The person violates paragraph A and the actor knows that the other person is related to the actor within the 2nd degree of consanguinity. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime; [PL 2001, c. 383, §21 (NEW); PL 2001, c. 383, §156 (AFF).] A-2. The person violates paragraph A and the actor is at least 10 years older than the other person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime; [PL 2001, c. 383, §21 (NEW); PL 2001, c. 383, §156 (AFF).] B. [PL 1989, c. 401, Pt. A, §5 (RP).] C.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 53 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Hinds (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1984, 485 A.2d 231)“…ty, the defendant was convicted of sexual abuse of a minor, 17-A M.R.S.A. § 254 (1983), and aggravated furnishing of sc…”
- State of Maine v. John A. Fahnley (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2015, 2015 ME 82)“…dgment of conviction of sexual abuse of a minor (Class C), 17-A M.R.S. § 254(1)(A-2) (2014), entered by the court (…”
- State v. Patton (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2012, 50 A.3d 544)“…2011); and two counts of sexual abuse of a minor (Class C), 17-A M.R.S. § 254(l)(A-2) (2011). Patton contends that th…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Maine Sexting Laws: Legal Consequences and Penalties
§ 253Gross sexual assaultIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
1. A person is guilty of gross sexual assault if that person engages in a sexual act with another person and: A. The other person submits as a result of compulsion, as defined in section 251, subsection 1, paragraph E. Violation of this paragraph is a Class A crime; [PL 2003, c. 711, Pt. B, §2 (AMD).] B. The other person, not the actor's spouse, has not in fact attained the age of 14 years. Violation of this paragraph is a Class A crime; or [PL 2003, c. 711, Pt. B, §2 (AMD).] C. The other person, not the actor's spouse, has not in fact attained 12 years of age. Violation of this paragraph is a Class A crime. [PL 2003, c. 711, Pt. B, §2 (NEW).] 2. A person is guilty of gross sexual assault if that person engages in a sexual act with another person and: A. The actor has substantially impaired the other person's power to appraise or control the other person's sexual acts by furnishing, as defined in section 1101, subsection 18, paragraph A, administering or employing drugs, intoxicants or other similar means. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime; [PL 2007, c. 474, §1 (AMD).] B. The actor compels or induces the other person to engage in the sexual act by any threat.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 406 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Letalien (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2009, 985 A.2d 4)“…sexual assault against a thirteen-year-old girl (Class A), 17-A M.R.S.A. § 253(1)(B) (Supp.1993), and on *8 August 80…”
- State v. Pierce (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1981, 438 A.2d 247)“…appeal from their convictions of gross sexual misconduct, 17-A M.R.S.A. § 253(2)(B) (Supp.1980), 1 a Cla…”
- State v. Farnham (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1984, 479 A.2d 887)“…Farnham was convicted of gross sexual misconduct, Class A, 17-A M.R.S.A. § 253 (1983 & Supp. 1983-1984) and sexual abu…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Maine Self-Defense Laws: Duty to Retreat & Castle Doctrine (2026)
§ 255-AUnlawful sexual contactIn force
1. A person is guilty of unlawful sexual contact if the actor intentionally subjects another person to any sexual contact and: A. The other person has not consented to the sexual contact and the actor is criminally negligent with regard to whether the other person has consented. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; [PL 2023, c. 280, §3 (AMD).] B. The other person has not consented to the sexual contact, the actor is criminally negligent with regard to whether the other person has consented and the sexual contact includes penetration. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime; [PL 2023, c. 280, §4 (AMD).] C. The other person is unconscious or otherwise physically incapable of resisting and has not consented to the sexual contact. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; [PL 2001, c. 383, §23 (NEW); PL 2001, c. 383, §156 (AFF).] D. The other person is unconscious or otherwise physically incapable of resisting and has not consented to the sexual contact and the sexual contact includes penetration. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime; [PL 2001, c. 383, §23 (NEW); PL 2001, c. 383, §156 (AFF).] E.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
§ 260Unlawful sexual touchingIn force
1. Unlawful sexual touching. A person is guilty of unlawful sexual touching if the actor intentionally subjects another person to any sexual touching and: A. The other person has not consented to the sexual touching and the actor is criminally negligent with regard to whether the other person has consented. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; [PL 2023, c. 280, §5 (AMD).] B. The other person is unconscious or otherwise physically incapable of resisting and has not consented to the sexual touching. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; [PL 2003, c. 138, §5 (NEW).] C. The other person, not the actor's spouse, is in fact less than 14 years of age and the actor is at least 5 years older. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; [PL 2003, c. 138, §5 (NEW).] D. The other person suffers from a mental disability that is reasonably apparent or known to the actor that in fact renders the other person substantially incapable of appraising the nature of the touching involved or of understanding that the other person has the right to deny or withdraw consent. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; [PL 2003, c. 138, §5 (NEW).] E.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
§ 253-ASpecial sentencing provisions for gross sexual assaultIn force
1. Any term of years; nonmandatory sentence alternative. If the State pleads and proves that the defendant is a repeat sexual assault offender, the court may impose a definite term of imprisonment for any term of years. The court also may impose as part of the sentence either a period of probation of any term of years pursuant to section 1804, subsection 4 or a period of supervised release of any term of years pursuant to section 1881, subsection 2, paragraph A. As used in this subsection, "repeat sexual assault offender" means a person who commits a new gross sexual assault after having been convicted previously and sentenced for any of the following: A. Gross sexual assault, formerly denominated as gross sexual misconduct; [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. B, §14 (NEW).] B. Rape; [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. B, §14 (NEW).] C. Attempted murder accompanied by sexual assault; [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. B, §14 (NEW).] D. Murder accompanied by sexual assault; or [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. B, §14 (NEW).] E. Conduct substantially similar to a crime listed in paragraphs A to D that is a crime under the laws of another jurisdiction. [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 4 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State of Maine v. Aaron A. Robshaw (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2025, 2025 ME 50)“…one of the Hewey analysis. 17-A M.R.S. § 1252(4-E) (2018); 17-A M.R.S. § 253-A(2) (2025).1 In State v. 1 Title 17-…”
- State of Maine v. Bethany Ringuette (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2022, 288 A.3d 393)“…113, §§ A-1, B-14 (effective Sept. 19, 2019) (codified at 17-A M.R.S. § 253-A(2) (2022)). Title 17-A M.R.S. § 253-A(2…”
- State of Maine v. Keith Merchant (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2026, 2026 ME 17)“…noted that although there were no aggravating factors under 17-A M.R.S. § 253-A(3) (2025) that it was required to consi…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 254-AWritten notification not to pursue charges for sexual abuse of a minorIn force
A prosecutor who elects not to commence a criminal proceeding for an alleged violation of section 254 shall, at the request of a parent, surrogate parent or guardian of the alleged victim, inform that person in writing of the reason for not commencing the proceeding. [PL 2005, c. 328, §14 (AMD).]
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
§ 256Visual sexual aggression against childIn force
1. A person is guilty of visual sexual aggression against a child if: A. For the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire or for the purpose of causing affront or alarm, the actor, having in fact attained 18 years of age, exposes the actor's genitals to another person or causes the other person to expose that person's genitals to the actor and the other person, not the actor's spouse, has not in fact attained 14 years of age. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; [PL 2005, c. 655, §1 (AMD).] B. For the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire, the actor, having in fact attained 18 years of age, exposes the actor's genitals to another person or causes the other person to expose that person's genitals to the actor and the other person, not the actor's spouse, has not in fact attained 12 years of age. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime; [PL 2005, c. 655, §1 (AMD).] C.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 15 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Samson (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2007, 916 A.2d 977)“…(2006); visual sexual aggression against a child (Class D), 17-A M.R.S. § 256(1) (2005); 5 unlawful sexual touching…”
- State of Maine v. Nicholas E. Westgate (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2016, 148 A.3d 716)“…isual sexual aggression against a child (Class C), 17-A M.R.S. § 256(1)(B) (2015). At trial, the Stat…”
- State of Maine v. Erik L. Vultee (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2015, 120 A.3d 93)“…unt of visual sexual aggression against a child (Class C), 17-A M.R.S. § 256(1)(B) (2014); one count of sexual misco…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 258Sexual misconduct with a child under 14 years of ageIn force
1. A person is guilty of sexual misconduct with a child under 14 years of age if that person, having in fact attained 18 years of age, knowingly displays any sexually explicit materials to another person, not the actor's spouse, who has not in fact attained the age of 14 years, with the intent to encourage the other person to engage in a sexual act or sexual contact. Violation of this subsection is a Class D crime. 1-A. A person is guilty of sexual misconduct with a child under 12 years of age if that person, having in fact attained 18 years of age, knowingly displays any sexually explicit materials to another person, not the actor's spouse, who has not in fact attained 12 years of age, with the intent to encourage the other person to engage in a sexual act or sexual contact. Violation of this subsection is a Class C crime. 2. As used in this section, "sexually explicit materials" means any book, magazine, print, negative, slide, motion picture, videotape or other mechanically reproduced visual material that the person knows or should know depicts a person, minor or adult, engaging in sexually explicit conduct, as that term is defined in section 281. 3.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 8 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2022
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State of Maine v. Erik L. Vultee (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2015, 120 A.3d 93)“…of sexual misconduct with a child under twelve (Class C), 17-A M.R.S. § 258(1-A) (2014); and one count of unlawful…”
- State v. Dion (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2007, 928 A.2d 746)“…isconduct with a child under twelve years of age (Class C), 17-A M.R.S. § 258(1-A). [¶ 16] Dion filed a motion to s…”
- State v. Aboda (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2010, 8 A.3d 719)“…was charged with gross sexual assault (Class A) pursuant to 17-A M.R.S. § 258(1)(A), which states that “[a] person is…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 259-ASolicitation of a child to commit a prohibited actIn force
1. A person is guilty of soliciting a child to commit a prohibited act if: A. The actor, with the intent to engage in a prohibited act with the other person, knowingly solicits directly or indirectly that person by any means to engage in a prohibited act and the actor: (1) Is at least 16 years of age; (2) Knows or believes that the other person is less than 14 years of age; and (3) Is at least 3 years older than the age expressed by the other person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or [PL 2011, c. 597, §3 (NEW).] B. The actor, with the intent to engage in a prohibited act with the other person, knowingly solicits directly or indirectly that person by any means to engage in a prohibited act and the actor: (1) Is at least 16 years of age; (2) Knows or believes that the other person is less than 12 years of age; and (3) Is at least 3 years older than the age expressed by the other person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime. [PL 2011, c. 597, §3 (NEW).] 2. For purposes of this section, "prohibited act" means: A. A sexual act; [PL 2011, c. 597, §3 (NEW).] B. Sexual contact; or [PL 2011, c. 597, §3 (NEW).] C.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 3 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2020
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Carter (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2016, 150 A.3d 327)“…licitation of a child to commit a prohibited act (Class D), 17-A M.R.S. § 259-A(l)(A) (2015), entered in the trial cour…”
- State of Maine v. Russell W. Carter (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2016, 150 A.3d 327)“…of a child to commit a prohibited act (Class D), 17-A M.R.S. § 259-A(1)(A) (2015), entered in the trial…”
- In re Child of Ryan F. (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2020, 224 A.3d 1051)“…(2018); solicitation of a child to commit a prohibited act, 17-A M.R.S. § 259-A (2018); or any offense in another juris…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 259-BSolicitation of child for commercial sexual exploitationIn force
1. A person is guilty of soliciting a child for commercial sexual exploitation if the actor knowingly solicits directly or indirectly by any means a person the actor knows or believes is under 18 years of age to engage in an act of prostitution, as defined in section 851. 2. Violation of this section is a Class C crime.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Maine Revised Statutes, Title 17-A: MAINE CRIMINAL CODE, Part 6: PUNISHMENTS, Chapter 63: SENTENCES OF IMPRISONMENT
§ 1604Imprisonment for crimes other than murderIn forcecited in 8 of our articles
1. Maximum terms of imprisonment dependent on crime class. Unless a different maximum term of imprisonment is specified by statute, the maximum term of imprisonment is as follows: A. In the case of a Class A crime, 30 years; [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).] B. In the case of a Class B crime, 10 years; [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).] C. In the case of a Class C crime, 5 years; [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).] D. In the case of a Class D crime, less than one year; or [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).] E. In the case of a Class E crime, 6 months. [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).] 2. Exceptions to maximum term of imprisonment based on crime class. Notwithstanding subsection 1: A. In the case of the Class A crime of aggravated attempted murder, the court shall set a term of imprisonment under section 152‑A, subsection 2 of life or a definite period of any term of years; [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).] B. If the State pleads and proves that the defendant is a repeat sexual assault offender, the court may set a definite term of imprisonment under section 253‑A, subsection 1 for any term of years; and [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).] C.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 30 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State of Maine v. Taylor A. Pelletier (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2023, 2023 ME 74)“…ndictment. That count cites 17-A M.R.S. § 301(1)(A)(3) and 17-A M.R.S § 1604(5)(A) (2021)10 and reads: On…”
- State of Maine v. Germaine Page (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2023, 2023 ME 73)“…e’s sentences exceed the maximum sentences allowable under 17-A M.R.S. § 1604(1)(D) (2023).…”
- State of Maine v. Thomas G. Coffill III (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2026, 2026 ME 18)“…A M.R.S. § 211(1), and an elevating-circumstances statute, 17-A M.R.S. § 1604(5)(A). A crimes. See, e.g., United St…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Maine Smart Glasses Recording Laws: What You Need to Know, Maine Surveillance Camera Laws (2026 Guide), How Long Is a Life Sentence in Maine? (2026 Guide)
Maine Revised Statutes, Title 17-A: MAINE CRIMINAL CODE, Part 6: PUNISHMENTS, Chapter 65: FINES, FEES, ASSESSMENTS AND SURCHARGES
§ 1704Maximum fine amounts authorized for convicted individualsIn forcecited in 4 of our articles
An individual who has been convicted of a Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D or Class E crime may be sentenced to pay a fine. Except as provided in section 1706 and unless a different maximum fine is specified by statute, the maximum fine that may be imposed by a court on a convicted individual is as follows: [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).] 1. Class A crime. In the case of a Class A crime, $50,000; 2. Class B crime. In the case of a Class B crime, $20,000; 3. Class C crime. In the case of a Class C crime, $5,000; 4. Class D crime. In the case of a Class D crime, $2,000; and 5. Class E crime. In the case of a Class E crime, $1,000.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 2 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2022
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State of Maine v. Pedro J. Rosario (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2022, 280 A.3d 199)“…fine is half of the maximum amount authorized by statute, 17-A M.R.S. § 1704(1) (2022), and is not…”
- WE THE PEOPLE PAC v. DUNLAP (District Court, D. Maine 2021)“…17-A M.R.S. § 1604(1)(E), and a fine not to exceed $1,000. 17-A M.R.S. § 1704(5). Inj. Opp’n at 9. The Court agree…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Maine Identity Theft Laws
Maine Revised Statutes, Title 17-A: MAINE CRIMINAL CODE, Part 2: SUBSTANTIVE OFFENSES, Chapter 12: SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF MINORS
§ 282Sexual exploitation of minorIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
1. A person is guilty of sexual exploitation of a minor if: A. Knowing or intending that the conduct will be photographed, the person intentionally or knowingly employs, solicits, entices, persuades or uses another person, not that person's spouse, who has not in fact attained 16 years of age, to engage in sexually explicit conduct, except that it is not a violation of this paragraph if the other person is 14 or 15 years of age and the person is less than 5 years older than the other person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime; [PL 2015, c. 394, §1 (AMD).] A-1. Knowing or intending that the conduct will be photographed, the person intentionally or knowingly compels or induces by any threat another person, not that person's spouse, who is in fact a minor, to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime; [PL 2015, c. 394, §1 (NEW).] B. The person violates paragraph A or A‑1 and, at the time of the offense, the person has one or more prior convictions under this section or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that contained in this section in another jurisdiction.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 15 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State of Maine v. Andrew J. Legassie (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2017, 171 A.3d 589)“…minor (Class C), 17-A M.R.S. § 152(1)(C) (2016); 17-A M.R.S. § 282(1)(A) (2014), one count of sexual…”
- State of Maine v. Ricky Whitney (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2024, 2024 ME 49)“…f conviction for sexual exploitation of a minor (Class B), 17-A M.R.S. § 282(1)(A) (2024). Whitney argues that becau…”
- State v. Bailey (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2010, 989 A.2d 716)“…(B); one count of sexual exploitation of a minor (Class B), 17-A M.R.S. § 282(1)(A) (2009); and two counts of unlawfu…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Maine Revised Statutes, Title 17-A: MAINE CRIMINAL CODE, Part 2: SUBSTANTIVE OFFENSES, Chapter 35: SEX TRAFFICKING, PROSTITUTION AND PUBLIC INDECENCY
§ 852Aggravated sex traffickingIn force
1. A person is guilty of aggravated sex trafficking if the person knowingly: A. Promotes prostitution by compelling a person to enter into, engage in or remain in prostitution; [PL 2013, c. 407, §2 (AMD).] B. Promotes prostitution of a person 15, 16 or 17 years of age; or [PL 2021, c. 469, §1 (AMD).] C. Promotes prostitution of a person who suffers from a mental disability that is reasonably apparent or known to the actor and that in fact renders the other person substantially incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct involved. [PL 2013, c. 407, §2 (NEW).] Violation of this subsection is a Class B crime. 1-A. A person is guilty of aggravated sex trafficking if the person knowingly promotes prostitution of a person 14 years of age or younger. Violation of this subsection is a Class A crime. 2. As used in this section, "compelling" includes but is not limited to: A. The use of a drug or intoxicating substance to render a person incapable of controlling that person's conduct or appreciating its nature; [PL 2011, c. 672, §1 (AMD).] B. Withholding or threatening to withhold a scheduled drug or alcohol from a drug or alcohol-dependent person.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 3 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 1995
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Begin (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1995, 652 A.2d 102)“…t Ward pled guilty to aggravated promotion of prostitution, 17-A M.R.S.A. § 852 (1983), and conspiracy to commit gross…”
- State v. Sampson (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1978, 387 A.2d 213)“…ent essentially followed the language of the statute. Under 17-A M.R. S.A. § 852(1)(B), “[a] person is guilty of…”
- Cox v. Maine Maritime Academy (District Court, D. Maine 1988, 122 F.R.D. 115)“…554; Aggravated Promotion and Promotion of Prostitution, 17-A M.R.S.A. § 852, 853; and Patronizing Prostitution of a…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 855Commercial sexual exploitation of minor or person with mental disabilityIn force
1. A person is guilty of commercial sexual exploitation of a minor if: A. The person, in return for an act of prostitution, gives, offers to give or agrees to give a pecuniary benefit either to the person being prostituted or to a 3rd person and the person being prostituted has not in fact attained 18 years of age or the person knows or believes that the person being prostituted has not attained 18 years of age. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime. [RR 2023, c. 1, Pt. A, §6 (COR).] B. [PL 2021, c. 447, §3 (RP).] 2. 3. A person is guilty of commercial sexual exploitation of a person with a mental disability if: A. The person, in return for an act of prostitution, gives, offers to give or agrees to give a pecuniary benefit either to the person being prostituted or to a 3rd person and the person being prostituted suffers from a mental disability that is reasonably apparent or known to the actor and that in fact renders the person with a mental disability substantially incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct or conduct involved. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime. [PL 2023, c. 316, §10 (AMD).]
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 2 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 1994
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Lamson (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1994, 640 A.2d 1076)“…s D), and endangering the welfare of an incompetent person, 17-A M.R.S.A. § 855 (1983) (Class D). We agree with Lamson…”
- Cox v. Maine Maritime Academy (District Court, D. Maine 1988, 122 F.R.D. 115)“…R.S.A. § 852, 853; and Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor, 17-A M.R.S.A. § 855. . These acts of sexual abuse inc…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Maine Revised Statutes, Title 34-A: CORRECTIONS, Chapter 15: SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION AND NOTIFICATION ACT OF 1999
§ 11203DefinitionsIn force
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1999, c. 437, §2 (NEW).] 1. Bureau. "Bureau" means the State Bureau of Identification. 1-A. Conditional release. "Conditional release" means supervised release of a registrant or an offender from institutional confinement for placement on probation, parole, supervised release for sex offenders, supervised community confinement, home release monitoring or release under Title 15, section 104‑A or Title 17‑A, chapter 54‑G. 1-B. Discharge. "Discharge" means unconditional release and discharge of a registrant from institutional confinement upon the expiration of a sentence or upon discharge under Title 15, section 104‑A. 1-C. Another state. "Another state" means each of the several states except Maine, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands. 2. Domicile.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 17 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Letalien (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2009, 985 A.2d 4)“…also P.L. 2001, ch. 439, §§ OOO-IO to 000-12 (codified at 34-A M.R.S.A. §§ 11203(8), 11222(2-A), 11225(1) (Pamph.2001)).…”
- John Doe I v. Robert Williams (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2013, 61 A.3d 718)“…onvicted of statutorily specified sex offenses to register. 34-A M.R.S. § 11203(5)-(8) (2012). The registry widely diss…”
- State v. Haskell (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2001, 784 A.2d 4)“…the crime for which Haskell was convicted. See 34-A M.R.S.A. § 11203(7)(A) (Supp. 2000); P.L.1999, ch. 437,…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 11225-ADuration of registrationIn force
1. Ten-year registrant convicted and sentenced in State. The following provisions apply to a 10-year registrant convicted and sentenced in this State. A. [PL 2009, c. 570, §5 (RP).] B. A 10-year registrant sentenced in this State shall register for a period of 10 years. The 10-year period is calculated as follows. (1) If the 10-year registrant was sentenced prior to September 18, 1999 to a wholly suspended sentence with probation or administrative release or to a punishment alternative not involving imprisonment, the 10-year period is treated as having begun at the time the person commenced an actual execution of the wholly suspended sentence or at the time of sentence imposition when no punishment alternative involving imprisonment was imposed, unless the court ordered a stay of execution, in which event the 10-year period is treated as having begun at the termination of the stay. (2) If the 10-year registrant was sentenced prior to September 18, 1999 to a straight term of imprisonment or to a split sentence, the 10-year period is treated as having begun at the time of discharge or conditional release.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 2 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2017
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Karkos v. Maine State Bureau of Identification, Sex Offender Registry (Superior Court of Maine 2017)“…spension of a registrant's obligation to verify pursuant to 34-A M.R.S. §11225-A(S), where the registrant is no longer d…”
- United States v. Stevens (District Court, D. Maine 2009, 598 F. Supp. 2d 133)“…or day-for-day credit for time registered in another state. 34-A M.R.S.A. § 11225-A(2)(A). Mr. Stevens contends that these…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
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Sources and References
- 17-A M.R.S. 253 (Gross sexual assault)(www.mainelegislature.org).gov
- 17-A M.R.S. 253-A (Special sentencing provisions for gross sexual assault)(www.mainelegislature.org).gov
- 17-A M.R.S. 254 (Sexual abuse of minors)(www.mainelegislature.org).gov
- 17-A M.R.S. 254-A (Written notification not to pursue charges)(www.mainelegislature.org).gov
- 17-A M.R.S. 255-A (Unlawful sexual contact)(www.mainelegislature.org).gov
- 17-A M.R.S. 256 (Visual sexual aggression against child)(www.mainelegislature.org).gov
- 17-A M.R.S. 258 (Sexual misconduct with a child under 14 years of age)(www.mainelegislature.org).gov
- 17-A M.R.S. 259-A (Solicitation of a child to commit a prohibited act)(www.mainelegislature.org).gov
- 17-A M.R.S. 259-B (Solicitation of child for commercial sexual exploitation)(www.mainelegislature.org).gov
- 17-A M.R.S. 260 (Unlawful sexual touching)(www.mainelegislature.org).gov
- 17-A M.R.S. 282 (Sexual exploitation of minor)(www.mainelegislature.org).gov
- 17-A M.R.S. 852 (Aggravated sex trafficking)(www.mainelegislature.org).gov
- 17-A M.R.S. 855 (Commercial sexual exploitation of minor or person with mental disability)(www.mainelegislature.org).gov
- 17-A M.R.S. 1604 (Imprisonment for crimes other than murder)(www.mainelegislature.org).gov
- 17-A M.R.S. 1704 (Fines)(www.mainelegislature.org).gov
- 34-A M.R.S. 11203 (Sex offender registration definitions)(www.mainelegislature.org).gov
- Maine Department of Health and Human Services: reporting suspected child abuse and neglect(www.maine.gov).gov
- Maine Revised Statutes (Maine Legislature)(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- section 11225-A(www.mainelegislature.org).gov
- P.L. 2025, chapter 719(legislature.maine.gov).gov