Sentencing
After the defendant either pleads guilty or is found guilty after a trial, the judge determines the sentence. A sentence could include, but is not limited to:
- Community service
- Fines
- Jail
- Probation
- Restitution
Victims Role at Sentencing
Victims have the absolute right to be heard at sentencing, though it is not required if you do not feel like doing it. Victims may address the court directly by making a statement or indirectly by providing a written statement to be read by the prosecutor. If you are a victim, we will attempt notify you of the sentencing date and help you prepare if you wish to make a statement. The District Attorney’s Office feels that active victim involvement is critical to delivering justice and we encourage participation.
After hearing from the prosecutor, the victim and/or victim's family and the defendant, the judge will announce the sentence, usually right then and there.
Sentences
Felonies are classified as Class A, Class B or Class C crimes. Class A offenses carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, Class B is 10 years in prison and Class C is 5 years maximum in prison.
Misdemeanors are classified as Class D and E crimes and are punishable by a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail or prison.
Fines and probation can also be ordered in all levels of criminal offenses.
Deferred dispositions are findings of guilt which may be withdrawn with the successful completion of a probationary period. Deferred dispositions are available on Class C, Class D, and Class E crimes. The goal of a deferred disposition is to allow closure for a victim, protect the community, and allow a defendant to make amends and change his or her behavior to demonstrate that they deserve that the charge either be a lesser offense (often a felony to a misdemeanor) or avoid a guilty finding (the charge is dismissed upon successful completion of the deferred period.
From the District Attorney’s perspective, the goal of any sentence is to represent the interests of victims and/or law enforcement, protect the community and public safety, and deliver justice in a manner that influences a defendant to no longer violate the law.
Notification of Release
Victims have the right to be notified of a defendant's release from incarceration. The notification requirement ends upon the defendant's release or at the victim's written request.
Cumberland County Jail
If a defendant is sentenced to the Cumberland County Jail and is in execution of the sentence, you can call that facility at (207) 774-5939, ext. 2144. Any changes or updates to your contact information should be done directly with the jail facility.
Prison
If the defendant is in prison, you will be mailed a form that needs to be completed and returned to this office. Any changes or updates to your contact information after you have provided the form to this office should be made directly to Maine Department of Corrections Victim Services at (800) 968-6909.