Maine § 704. - Dissemination of public criminal history record information
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 704. — Dissemination of public criminal history record information, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 704.. Dissemination of public criminal history record information
1. Generally. Public criminal history record information is public for purposes of Title 1, chapter 13. Public criminal history record information may be disseminated by a Maine criminal justice agency to any person or public or private entity for any purpose. Public criminal history record information is public whether it relates to a crime for which a person is currently within the jurisdiction of the criminal justice system or it relates to a crime for which a person is no longer within that jurisdiction. There is no time limitation on dissemination of public criminal history record information.
2. Required inquiry to State Bureau of Identification. A Maine criminal justice agency, other than a court, shall query the Department of Public Safety, State Bureau of Identification before disseminating any public criminal history record information for a noncriminal justice purpose to ensure that the most up-to-date disposition information is being used. "Noncriminal justice purpose" means a purpose other than for the administration of criminal justice or criminal justice agency employment.
3. Public criminal history record information of person whose legal name has been changed. Except as provided in this subsection, a Maine criminal justice agency may disseminate public criminal history record information associated with each former and current legal name of a person whose name has been changed to any person or public or private entity for any purpose. If an order changing the person's name was made confidential under Title 18‑C, section 1‑701, subsection 3‑A or any other provision of law, a Maine criminal justice agency:
A. May not disclose the existence or nonexistence of the person's legal name change to any person or public or private agency that is not authorized to receive confidential criminal history record information under section 705; and [PL 2023, c. 560, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]
B. In response to a request for public criminal history record information from any person or public or private agency that is not authorized to receive confidential criminal history record information under section 705, may not disseminate public criminal history record information about a person that is associated with any legal name of the person not included within the request. [PL 2023, c. 560, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]
Source: official Maine text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 704.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 704. cover?
Section 704. ("Dissemination of public criminal history record information") 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 § 704.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 704." (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 § 704. 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.