Maine § 1702. - No punishment until conviction; costs

Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 1702. — No punishment until conviction; costs, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1702.. No punishment until conviction; costs

1.  No punishment before conviction.  A person may not be punished for an offense until convicted of that offense in a court having jurisdiction over the person and case.

2.  Costs included in sentence.  If a person is convicted and the court imposes a fine, the court:

A. May sentence the defendant to pay the costs of prosecution;   [PL 2003, c. 182, §1 (NEW).]

B. May sentence the defendant to pay, as restitution, the costs of drug tests, other than tests under Title 29‑A, administered to the defendant by a law enforcement officer or medical personnel at the request of a law enforcement officer. The court shall transfer all amounts paid by a defendant under this paragraph to the municipal, county or state agency that incurred the costs; and   [PL 2003, c. 182, §1 (NEW).]

C. Shall, if the case is prosecuted in District Court, sentence the defendant to pay a fine sufficient to cover the costs as provided in Title 4, section 173. This paragraph does not apply to defendants prosecuted for violations of Title 26, chapter 7, subchapter 1‑B or for violations of Title 28‑A, sections 2078 and 2223.   [PL 2003, c. 182, §1 (NEW).]

Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 1702.

What does Maine Revised Statutes § 1702. cover?

Section 1702. ("No punishment until conviction; costs") 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 § 1702.?

A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 1702." (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 § 1702. 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.