Maine § 10502. - Seizure of fish, wildlife and equipment
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 10502. — Seizure of fish, wildlife and equipment, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 10502.. Seizure of fish, wildlife and equipment
1. Seizure; filing libel. All fish or wildlife hunted, trapped, fished, bought, sold, carried, transported or found in possession of any person in violation of this Part, and all currency used in violation of this Part and equipment, including but not limited to firearms, possessed or used in violation of this Part are contraband and subject to seizure by any officer authorized to enforce this Part. Except for property exempted from libel under subsection 2, an officer making such a seizure shall file, within a reasonable time, with the court a libel against that property. The libel must describe the property seized and the date and place of that seizure, cite the provision of law that is alleged to have been violated and request a decree of forfeiture. The libel proceedings and disposal of property are governed by section 10503.
2. Exemption from libel proceedings. The following property may be lawfully seized under this section but is not subject to the libel requirements of this section:
A. Unless reasonable doubt exists as to ownership, property having a value less than $100; [PL 2009, c. 340, §9 (AMD).]
B. A firearm or archery equipment seized in connection with a violation of:
(2) Section 10902, subsection 6;
(3) Section 10752, subsection 6, paragraph B and section 10902, subsection 4, paragraphs A and B; or
(4) Section 10906; [PL 2023, c. 239, §9 (AMD).]
C. Fishing equipment that is seized in connection with a violation of section 10902, subsection 8 except for motor boats or motor vehicles; [PL 2003, c. 592, §1 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 592, §5 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. C, §§5, 6 (AFF).]
D. Fish or wildlife that is seized in connection with a violation of this Part; and [PL 2003, c. 592, §1 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 592, §5 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. C, §§5, 6 (AFF).]
E. Night vision equipment seized in connection with a violation of section 11206. [PL 2003, c. 592, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 592, §5 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. C, §§5, 6 (AFF).]
Property seized by the commissioner that is exempt from libel under this subsection must be retained by the commissioner pending disposition of proceedings and is forfeited to the State upon conviction or adjudication that the person committed a violation under this subsection.
3. Disposal of forfeited property. The commissioner may dispose of property forfeited to the State under this section in any manner considered appropriate by the commissioner.
Source: official Maine text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 10502.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 10502. cover?
Section 10502. ("Seizure of fish, wildlife and equipment") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maine § 10502.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 10502." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maine law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.
How does Maine § 10502. apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.