Maine § 171. - Duty on receipt of complaints
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 171. — Duty on receipt of complaints, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 171.. Duty on receipt of complaints
When complaint is made to the proper officer of the District Court charging a person with the commission of a criminal offense, that officer shall issue a warrant for the person's arrest or a summons in such form and under such circumstances as the Supreme Judicial Court may by rule provide. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §5 (COR).]
The officer may, and on complaint shall, cause to be arrested persons found within the officer's county or in an adjoining county under the conditions specified in the first paragraph of section 161 charged with offenses; and those having committed offenses therein or in an adjoining county who have escaped therefrom or from an adjoining county; and all persons charged with offenses and crimes, and all affrayers, rioters, breakers of the peace and violators of the law, and may require such offenders to find sureties for keeping the peace. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §5 (COR).]
A district judge may try those brought before that judge for offenses within that judge's jurisdiction, although the penalty or fine accrues wholly or partly to that judge's town. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §5 (COR).]
Warrants issued by the proper officer of the District Court in criminal cases must be signed by that officer at the time they are issued. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §5 (COR).]
Source: official Maine text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 171.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 171. cover?
Section 171. ("Duty on receipt of complaints") 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 § 171.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 171." (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 § 171. 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.