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Maine Trial Lawyers

STANDING UP FOR YOU

Steve is no-nonsense with a lot of experience who tells you like it is and does not waste time or your money. John H.

100% Confidential

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Areas Of Practice

Hiring the right lawyer is critical to the outcome of any criminal case. Our team has considerable experience defending against criminal charges, including federal crimes, and we will negotiate aggressively with the prosecutor to reduce or eliminate the charges against you.

Divorce and child custody issues are often highly emotional, and you need a knowledgeable, compassionate advocate to guide you through the process with a clear, focused approach that protects your children and your ability to move on successfully.

A well-designed estate plan does more than protect your property and assets after your passing. It also helps ensure that your medical and financial needs are handled according to your wishes while you’re still alive. We’re honored to help families plan for a more secure future.

From business formation to contract disputes, our attorneys help business owners protect and grow their companies through comprehensive legal services. Whether you are a one-person sole proprietorship or a multi-location corporation, we can handle your legal needs.

The pain of being seriously injured is often followed by anger when you realize that your injuries were caused by negligent, reckless behavior, and your pain could have been prevented. When this happens, we help hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.

We assist clients with all manner of real estate and property transactions. From complex residential property to developing subdivisions, condominiums, and retail spaces, we have the experience to handle all legal issues related to buying or selling real estate in Maine.

Being accused of a sex crime can impact your life in many ways. Our lawyers are highly experienced in sex crime litigation, including accusations that arise from family law cases. We will help you navigate this sensitive issue and build the best case possible.

Our firm offers comprehensive legal services in military law, with experienced attorneys who understand the unique challenges of military justice. We provide skilled representation and tailored legal strategies for service members, veterans, and military families.

We provide comprehensive legal services in aviation law, representing individuals, airlines, and aviation companies. With deep knowledge of FAA regulations and experience in aviation litigation, we handle a wide range of aviation-related legal matters.

With years of experience in patent law, we help clients secure and protect their intellectual property. Our deep knowledge of the patent application process and experience in patent litigation ensure that we are dedicated to safeguarding your innovations.

I Need Legal Help WHAT SHOULD

I DO NOW ?

Legal challenges can be stressful and frightening. Our team is here for you at every step.

Previous Case Outcomes

Steps of the LEGAL PROCESS

  • 01
    Demand Letter

    The first step in most business or commercial law actions is to clearly communicate and document the dispute with the other party, often through a demand letter. If needed, our attorneys can help you prepare and send a demand letter.

  • 02
    Complaint

    If the demand letter does not work in resolving the dispute to your satisfaction, filing a complaint with the appropriate court is usually the next step. Our team can help you determine where and how to file.

  • 03
    Answer Or Default

    In most cases, the defendant has 20 days to file an answer to your complaint, which may include the defendant’s alleged defense to your claims. If no answer is filed, you will likely receive a default judgment.

  • 04
    Discovery

    Our team will work to collect all information and evidence relevant to your case, a process called discovery. This begins as soon as we take on your case but moves into high gear once the answer and any possible defenses have been filed.

  • 05
    Negotiation Or Mediation

    Armed with the facts, our skilled attorneys will negotiate with the defendant and their legal team to reach a favorable settlement on your behalf. In some situations, mediation may be appropriate or possibly required by the court.

  • 06
    Settlement Or Trial

    Most business law cases are able to settle outside of court, avoiding the time and cost of a trial. However, if going to court is necessary to defend your interests, our experienced litigators are ready to fight for you at every step.

  • 07
    Enforcement Or Appeal

    All parties must comply with the terms of the settlement or court order. If the defendant does not comply, we can help you explore legal options for enforcement. When necessary, we can also help appeal unfavorable decisions.

  • 01
    Pre-Arrest

    When police believe illegal activity has occurred, they begin an investigation. This involves collecting evidence, obtaining search warrants, and interviewing witnesses. For some allegations, blood or urine samples may be requested.

  • 02
    Arrest

    If police think enough evidence exists to make an arrest, they may ask a judge to issue an arrest warrant or simply take the suspect into custody. Police must have probable cause, as determined by evidence from the investigation, to make an arrest.

  • 03
    Arraignment

    The defendant’s first appearance in front of a judge is often called an arraignment, though the exact process will depend on the type of charges. During this first appearance, the defendant is made aware of the charges and enters their plea.

  • 04
    Pre-Trial

    During the discovery, or pre-trial phase, your attorney and the opposing counsel will exchange information about the case. Pre-trial motions may also be entered, like requesting that charges are dropped, or evidence is excluded.

  • 05
    Trial

    We work hard to settle clients’ cases without going to trial. But if a trial is necessary to defend you, our team will not shy away from a fight. After each side presents its case at trial, a judge or jury will decide if the defendant is guilty.

  • 06
    Sentencing

    Defendants who plead guilty or are found guilty will be given a sentence that the court feels is appropriate based on the circumstances of the crime and the defendant’s criminal history, among other factors.

  • 07
    Appeals

    A guilty verdict isn’t necessarily the end of your case. In many situations, our defense attorneys can help you appeal your conviction or sentence if there is evidence that the police, court, or jury acted inappropriately.

  • 01
    Assign Health Care Agent

    If you become incapacitated and cannot make healthcare decisions for yourself, your health care agent, usually a loved one or close friend, will have the authority to make decisions on your behalf.

  • 02
    Select Financial Agent

    Your financial agent can make certain financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you are unable to handle these matters. Powers given to the financial agent vary but may include overseeing bank accounts, a business, or legal claims.

  • 03
    Inventory Assets

    Creating a complete and detailed list of your property, assets, and accounts can help you make decisions about how to handle these items after your passing. This list will also help your attorney determine the best options for your estate.

  • 04
    Identify Beneficiaries

    The individuals who will receive your assets are known as beneficiaries. By leaving clear and specific instructions for how to divide your property, you can help avoid confusion or conflict among your loved ones.

  • 05
    Formalize Estate Plan

    To make your final wishes legally binding, you must create an estate transfer plan, usually a will or trust, using estate planning documents that adhere to Maine’s requirements, and have these documents notarized.

  • 06
    Secure Documents

    It is critical to keep the original copies of your estate plan in a safe and secure place. It can also be helpful to give copies to your beneficiaries and make sure they know where to find the original when needed.

  • 07
    Update Plan as Needed

    An estate plan is not something you can “set and forget.” As your relationships and property change over time, it may be necessary to revise your estate plan with an attorney. This is common after a divorce, for example.

  • 01
    File or Receive Complaint

    The divorce process officially begins when one spouse completes, serves, and files the appropriate forms. The spouse receiving the forms (being served) will have an opportunity to respond to any claims made.

  • 02
    Financial Disclosure

    Both parties are required to file financial disclosure affidavits detailing their assets and debts in order to help the court and the other party make equitable decisions about support and property division issues.

  • 03
    Initial Conference

    The parties come together in court for the first time at the Case Management Conference (or, for couples without children, a Pre-Trial Conference). This is a chance for the court to understand what issues, if any, are contested.

  • 04
    Mediation

    In Maine, divorcing couples with minor children are required to attend mediation if they cannot agree on parenting and support issues. While participating in mediation is required, reaching an agreement through these talks is not mandatory.

  • 05
    Interim Orders

    For contested matters that need to be addressed quickly, like where the children will live or who gets to drive which car, the court may issue interim orders if no agreement is reached in mediation. These apply until the divorce is final.

  • 06
    Hearing

    Negotiations will continue, and we will advocate for a fair settlement. But, if necessary, our experienced litigators are prepared to defend your best interests in a divorce hearing, in which the remaining disputes will be decided by a judge.

  • 07
    Final Order

    Once a settlement or divorce decree is reached, a final order is entered in court, which officially ends the marriage. Maine requires a minimum of 60 days from initial filing before a final divorce order can be issued.

  • 01
    Injury Occurs

    Not all injuries justify a personal injury claim. If you were hurt by the reckless or negligent actions of another person, organization, or product, you should discuss the possibility of filing an injury claim with a skilled attorney.

  • 02
    Complaint

    Injury claims begin by filing a complaint against the responsible party, or defendant. The complaint states the nature of your injuries, why you believe the defendant is liable, and the damages (or compensation) you are seeking.

  • 03
    Discovery

    After the defendant replies to the complaint, your lawyer will begin gathering evidence to support your claim, a process called discovery. This may involve requesting and sharing evidence with the opposition, taking statements, or consulting experts.

  • 04
    Pretrial Litigation

    Before a trial begins, your attorney may request court orders known as pretrial motions to help move the case along. These can be used to force the other party to share evidence or to request summary judgment to resolve a case quickly.

  • 05
    Negotiations

    Your attorney will continue to work with the defendant and their legal team to negotiate a favorable resolution to your claim. We advocate aggressively for the compensation you and your family deserve.

  • 06
    Settlement or Trial

    Our goal is to settle claims in the most efficient and favorable way, and often we achieve this through negotiations. However, if no agreement is reached, our experienced litigators will defend your interests in court at a trial.

  • 07
    Collection or Appeal

    If you are awarded damages, your attorney will assist you in collecting and distributing the compensation. When appropriate, our attorneys can also help you appeal an unfavorable court settlement.

The process a real estate case follows can vary widely depending on the nature of the issue.
Here are some of the common property issues we handle.

  • 01
    Purchase & Sale

    Our firm often represents clients involved in complex or non-standard commercial and residential property transactions in Maine. These can include anything from residential beachfront property to factories and industrial facilities.

  • 02
    Commercial Development

    We assist stakeholders in acquiring, managing, and developing commercial property for projects of all sizes and uses. We also work with investors interested in forming a limited liability company for real estate development.

  • 03
    Litigation

    When real estate disputes require litigation, our team of aggressive and experienced attorneys is ready to defend your interests, including requesting emergency injunctive relief to prevent the obstruction or destruction of property.

  • 04
    Easement & Boundary Disputes

    Disputes may arise over the exact boundary of a property or how shared property may be used. Our lawyers handle a wide variety of boundary and easement matters, from utility access issues to the development of subdivisions.

  • 05
    Financing

    With experience in both real estate and commercial law, our firm is well-positioned to represent borrowers and lenders in property transactions, including the coordination of permitting, land-use compliance, and document preparation.

  • 06
    Condominiums

    Our firm assists condominium and homeowners’ association boards, as well as developers and investors, with the legal requirements of condominium formation and management, including financing, by-law issues, and property development.

  • 07
    Zoning & Permitting

    When real estate projects require zoning changes, our attorneys will effectively represent you before the appropriate governing body. We can also assist with acquiring permits and defending clients against permit challenges.

Trusted Attorneys on Your Side

When legal issues complicate your personal or professional life, your top priority is getting help you can rely on, and quickly. If you’re not sure where to turn, contacting a highly respected Maine law firm is a good place to start.

From the first consultation, STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers will work to ease your stress by providing clear, no-nonsense answers and guidance. Then, we dig deep into the facts and build an iron-clad case that will produce the best outcome possible.
We work with clients of all sizes on a wide range of cases, and many of the people we meet with have never needed an attorney before. We realize how intimidating and stressful it can be to face an unfamiliar and complex process with potentially serious consequences. But you don’t have to do it alone. Our knowledge and experience will give you the confidence to face any legal matter that stands in your way.

Don’t live with uncertainty any longer. Reach out to our office today by phone or using our online contact form to request a case assessment.

Accolades & Awards

Meet Our Lawyers

What Our Clients Say

Defending YOUR RIGHTS

For The Outcome You Need

We know that what you want is an attorney who will provide real solutions. Our team’s experience spans nearly all facets of law, including criminal charges, divorce, business disputes, real estate, and more. We are tenacious at overcoming tough legal disputes, and we love a challenge.

To learn more about our services please view our Practice Areas.

Information FAQ | NEWS

What Types Of Cases Are Handled By STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers?

As an established firm with a team of diverse attorneys, we have the knowledge and experience to successfully represent a wide variety of legal matters. Some of our most common cases involve criminal defense, divorce and family law issues, injury claims, and commercial law.

Will I Have To Appear In Court For A Criminal Charge?

For criminal matters, Maine allows defendants in many misdemeanor cases to waive their right to appear in court if an attorney appears on their behalf. This can be particularly useful for defendants who live out of state, like those charged with OUI while traveling or attending college. If you’re charged with a felony, you will likely need to appear in court.

Should I Hire An Attorney To Start A Business?

If you’re forming a sole proprietorship and don’t plan to have any employees, you likely won’t need to hire a lawyer. However, if you plan to create a partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation, then the agreements and contracts you create should be reviewed by an attorney to ensure that your interests and rights are protected.

How Long Is The Statute Of Limitations For Injury Cases In Maine?

In Maine, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is six years from the time the injury occurred. After this time has passed, you will most likely lose the right to pursue compensation for your injuries. There are also some important exceptions in which the time limit is shorter, like medical malpractice claims and claims against government entities or employees. This is one of many reasons why it’s best to consult a personal injury attorney as quickly as possible after a preventable injury.

How We CAN HELP

Selecting a law firm to represent you is a decision with serious consequences. So why choose STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers? We understand the importance of trust.

When you trust us with your legal challenge, you are putting your future in our hands, and we never take that responsibility lightly. We take the time to get to know our clients in order to serve them better, and you will never be treated like just another case.

We live out our commitment to each client through reliable communication, regular case updates, and fierce, compassionate representation. Your goals become our goals. We will investigate, negotiate, and fight back on your behalf so you can get back to doing what matters most.

Our team is ready to listen to your story, lighten your burden, and guide you through any challenge.

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STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers

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