Maine Criminal Defense
We're Here for You

Lawyer Kristine Hanly | Top Attorney Criminal Defense

PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF OUR CLIENTS

Getting You Results Through Experience and Hard Work

Being charged with a criminal offense can seriously disrupt your life. You may face jail time, fines and other consequences. We will treat your case accordingly. We will use our previous experience in prosecution in combination with our defense experience to minimize these disruptions. We will make sure that you are educated regarding the nature of the charges against you, the possible defenses, and your rights throughout the process.

We hold ourselves to the highest standards, and are proud to have our firm represented on the Criminal Rules Committee to Maine's highest court. We will vigorously pursue every avenue available to protect your constitutional and statutory rights.

  • A Passion for Criminal Defense
    Kristine C. Hanly
    Managing Partner
    The United States Constitution affords everyone the right to a competent defense. Upholding that tradition in the State of Maine is my passion.

    I demand that my staff and I get our clients excellent results through thorough legal research, attention to details, and strategies tailored for each case.

    Read Kristine's Full Profile
OUR CRIMINAL PRACTICE
  • PERSONAL CRIMES

    We are well-versed in handling all manner of personal crimes.

    • Protection Order Violations
    • Criminal Threatening
    • Assault and Domestic Crimes
  • DRUG, WEAPON AND PROPERTY

    Drug and weapons charges often come with substantial mandatory minimum sentences.

    • Drug Possession and Trafficking
    • Felony Possession of a Firearm
    • Embezzlement, Theft and Burglary
  • MAJOR CHARGES

    We have handled a number of extremely serious charges for our clients with satisfactory results.

    • Felony Assault
    • Kidnapping
    • Manslaughter
RECENT RESULTS
  • State of Maine vs. (Name Withheld)
    DISMISSED
    Kidnapping, Gross Sexual Assault & Illegal Possession of a Firearm: Based on the merits of the case, and his continued denial of any involvement, our client refused the plea-deal and we prepared for trial. The case was dropped by the District Attorney on the morning of trial, leaving only a probation violation. His co-defendant, represented by another firm, took a plea deal which resulted in a prison sentence.
  • State of Maine vs. (Name Withheld)
    NOT GUILTY
    Assault: A member of the law enforcement community was accused of assault while on duty. We fought the charges during a jury trial, and after not-guilty verdict were able to begin the process of getting this client's life back on track. We pride ourselves on helping our clients inside and outside of the courtroom; we have provided this client representation during professional licensing hearings, civil litigation and news media inquiries.
  • State of Maine vs. (Name Withheld)
    NOT GUILTY
    Assault: A client was charged with assault stemming from an alleged road rage incident. We brought a self-defense argument to a jury trial, winning an acquittal for our client.
  • State of Maine vs. (Name Withheld)
    DISMISSED
    Class A Robbery: A client was charged with Class A Robbery. The case was ultimately dismissed on the morning of jury selection as result of intense investigation and advocacy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Criminal Law
  • This is my first offense. What should I do?

    DO contact an attorney to discuss your particular circumstances. Only an experienced attorney can provide you with an explanation of the possible outcomes for your case.

    DO NOT discuss your case with anyone who is not an attorney. It can be extremely tempting to tell your side of the story or to try to explain what happened. There is usually a perfectly valid explanation; however, it is not in your best interest to tell your story without the protections an attorney can provide.

    DO enter a not guilty plea at arraignment. It does not matter whether you think the State can prove the case or not. A not guilty plea protects your interests and allows you and your attorney the time to fully investigate your case and craft a defense. Entering a not guilty plea means that you are asking the Court to respect your rights and you are not agreeing to a conviction at your first appearance.

  • I have been served with a protection order. What are my options?

    If you have been served with a protection order, it is important to pay attention to the Court dates and take the matter seriously. Although this case is heard in civil district court, a violation of a protection order is a criminal offense. First, review the paperwork and see if you have been served with a “Temporary Order.” If you have, it means that you CAN NOT have contact with the person named in the order. If you have any questions about this you need to contact an attorney, so that you do not risk committing a crime.

    If you have been charged with violating a protection order, it is a criminal offense with the potential for significant consequences both in criminal and civil court. Your case should be handled by an experienced criminal attorney.

  • I have been charged with a crime that I did not commit. Can you help?

    Anyone can be accused of a crime. That is why it is important to work with an attorney who understands the common causes of wrongful convictions and how to protect against them. For example, you need an attorney who can counter State misconduct, witness misidentification, improper forensic science, false confessions and other issues that lead to false accusations and wrongful convictions.

  • Can you help protect my family and Me from media coverage during my case?

    We understand that the criminal process can be stressful for you and your family. We do our best to minimize the impacts which include our efforts at minimizing media attention. We make it a policy not to comment unless absolutely necessary. If necessary we will work with you to craft a message that is beneficial to your case.

CONTACT US
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CONTACT INFORMATION

Hanly Law

1 Union Street

Suite 401

Portland, Maine 04101

 

phone: 207.699.2278

fax: 207.221.1410

info@HanlyLaw.com

OFFICE HOURS

Weekdays: 8am to 6pm

Weekends: By Appointment

 

Calls Accepted at All Times