Maine § 8842-A. - Owner's permission required
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 8842-A. — Owner's permission required, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 8842-A.. Owner's permission required
1. Cutting prohibited. A person may not:
A. Cut Christmas trees or evergreen boughs on land of another without securing written permission or a bill of sale from the owner or the owner's authorized agents and having a copy of this written permission or bill of sale in immediate possession. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; or [PL 2015, c. 55, §1 (AMD).]
B. Violate paragraph A when:
(2) The person is armed with a dangerous weapon at the time of the offense. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class B crime;
(3) The value of the trees or boughs is more than $2,000 but not more than $10,000. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class C crime;
(4) The value of the trees or boughs is more than $1,000 but not more than $2,000. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class D crime; or
(5) The person has 2 prior Maine convictions for any combination of the following: theft; any violation of Title 17‑A, section 401 in which the crime intended to be committed inside the structure is theft; any violation of Title 17‑A, section 651; any violation of Title 17‑A, section 702, 703 or 708; or attempts thereat. Title 17‑A, section 9‑A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class C crime. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §40 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]
2. Transport prohibited. A person may not:
A. Transport Christmas trees or evergreen boughs without written permission or a bill of sale from the owner of the land where the trees or evergreen boughs were harvested or that owner's authorized agents. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; or [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §40 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]
B. Violate paragraph A when:
(2) The person is armed with a dangerous weapon at the time of the offense. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class B crime;
(3) The value of the trees or boughs is more than $2,000 but not more than $10,000. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class C crime;
(4) The value of the trees or boughs is more than $1,000 but not more than $2,000. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class D crime; or
(5) The person has 2 prior Maine convictions for any combination of the following: theft; any violation of Title 17‑A, section 401 in which the crime intended to be committed inside the structure is theft; any violation of Title 17‑A, section 651; any violation of Title 17‑A, section 702, 703 or 708; or attempts thereat. Title 17‑A, section 9‑A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class C crime. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §40 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]
3. Inspections and investigations. An officer authorized to make inspections and investigations under this article may require of any person, firm or corporation engaged in cutting or transporting Christmas trees or evergreen boughs to show:
A. If engaged in cutting trees or boughs belonging to another, a current written permit or bill of sale issued pursuant to subsection 1, paragraph A; and [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §40 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]
B. If engaged in transportation, a current written permit, bill of sale, port of entry statement or other written proof of ownership when transporting for commercial purposes trees, loose or in bundles, or boughs, loose or baled. A driver shall carry this permit on the driver's person or in the vehicle. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §40 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]
4. Remedies not exclusive. Prosecution under this section does not preclude the civil remedy available under Title 14, section 7552.
5. Strict liability. Violation of this section is a strict liability crime as defined in Title 17‑A, section 34, subsection 4‑A.
Source: official Maine text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 8842-A.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 8842-A. cover?
Section 8842-A. ("Owner's permission required") 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 § 8842-A.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 8842-A." (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 § 8842-A. 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.