Schmid Law Offices

06/09/2022

MEDIATE. A journey through the court system can be long, painful, and expensive at the best of times, and in post-Covid times, it can be prohibitive. For a limited time in June, we are offering 1 FREE hour of mediation to help you resolve your dispute.

Mediation is an informal process that allows you to retain control over your dispute and design your own solutions. It is voluntary, and parties are not required to reach a resolution, but any agreements will be mutually acceptable and may be more favorable to both parties than a court order.

Where relationships matter, such as within a family, neighborhood, business, or community, mediation can help resolve disputes quickly while preserving or building trust. And when small claims, property or rental disputes arise, mediation can provide a faster, less expensive path to resolution than the court system.

To schedule mediation, give us a call or send us a message.

09/18/2019

Know your rights in advance of tomorrow's hands-free law, and remember that police can pull you over for using your phone even if you were stopped in traffic or at a stop sign.

New restrictions on the use of handheld devices while driving in Maine go into effect Thursday. We can expect police stops to increase.

Here’s what you need to know:

08/16/2019

One unrecognized result of the lack of available care options is an influx of elders with dementia into our jails. I’ve had clients who aren’t safe to live alone sit in solitary confinement while we wait for a rare bed in a nursing home. It’s not even a money issue - they could pay if there were an opening. Corrections Officers are obviously not trained in elder care, and jail is the worst place for dementia patients.

The disconnect between Maine’s aging population and its need for young workers is expected to be mirrored throughout the country, demographic experts say.

10/25/2017

“The police didn’t read me my rights, so may case will be dismissed, right?” TV certainly make it seem that straightforward. But my answer is usually, “not exactly.” Real life, after all, is not like TV.

You don’t have a get-out-of-jail-free card because the police didn't read your rights, but you may be able to keep your words from being used against you.

09/18/2017

Most cases end in a plea deal before trial; this is why:

If you believe you'll be convicted in the end, it may be in your interest to have a say in the sentence you will receive through negotiation before trial.

08/28/2017

Historically, whether you stayed in jail while awaiting trial primarily came down to how much money you had. Now there's a national bail reform movement away from a cash bail system, and Maine has a model in place to secure your release based on the risk you pose, rather than the money you have.

An alternative to the cash bail system and the way courts have historically decided who is kept in jail, and who is released, while awaiting trial.

08/13/2017

Your version of that heated argument? It’s just one piece of evidence. You may wish to "press charges," or you may wish the whole thing would go away, but whether the case proceeds is not your choice to make.
http://schmidlawoffices.com/but-i-dont-want-to-press-charges/

You were involved in a disagreement. You exchanged words. Things got a little heated. The neighbor called police. And moments later, you saw blue lights.

08/02/2017

The Criminal Justice system can be overwhelming, but understanding the process can help. Here we walk through the steps of a typical criminal case:
http://schmidlawoffices.com/maines-criminal-process-explained/

The Criminal Justice system can be overwhelming, but understanding the process can help. Here we walk through the steps of a typical criminal case:

07/07/2017

Did you have a police encounter during your vacation in Maine? Let us know if you'd prefer to stay home during your scheduled court appearance.
http://schmidlawoffices.com/arrested-maine-vacation/

Arrested or summonsed on misdemeanor charges during your Maine vacation? Call us, and you may be able to avoid returning for your arraignment.

06/30/2017

A police officer who pulls you over at night suspects you're driving under the influence. You may think you can talk your way out of it. You cannot. Learn what you should do if you are stopped:
http://schmidlawoffices.com/right-remain-silent/

If the police pull you over late at night, they already suspect you're driving under the influence. Do not help corroborate their suspicion. Remain Silent.

06/27/2017

You don’t have to be drunk to be arrested and convicted of drunk driving. If you are on antidepressants, allergy meds, or even decongestants, you could be found guilty of OUI. Here are tips to avoid the stop that could lead to your OUI / DUI charge.
http://schmidlawoffices.com/how-to-avoid-oui/

You don't have to be drunk to be convicted of drunk driving. Here’s what you can do to avoid the stop that can lead to the OUI / DUI charge:

06/22/2017

Even though ma*****na possession is legal under Maine law, federal law places it on the same level as he**in. If you're going to possess ma*****na in Maine, you need to be aware of the risks.
http://schmidlawoffices.com/ma*****na-possession/

Under Maine law, ma*****na possession is legal. Federal law treats ma*****na as a dangerous drug. What does this mean for you?