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Like many people in Maine, we were unaccustomed to defending ourselves from allegations of wrongdoing by others. Faced with the threat of civil action, we relied on Mr. Smith for advice. Our meeting with him provided comfort and direction. Whenever we had questions, he was rapidly responsive. Most importantly, his guidance led to an acceptable conclusion that avoided court or overly extended uncertainty. We highly recommend him for his assistance in civil disputes.

Client of Steve Smith

I am incredibly pleased I hired Steve Smith and Jack Baldacci to help with an unscrupulous builder. They went above and beyond to make sure A) the contractor finished the job they were paid to do and B) to prevent them from doing the same thing to anyone in the future. I highly recommend them.

Scott

I’ve hired Steve for two cases and I am very pleased with my decision. He fights for his clients and strives for the best outcome. His entire staff is pleasant and wonderful to work with.

Amber

I hired Steve for a parental rights case involving my 2 children. He was aggressive but supportive and did not file unnecessary motions that wasted my retainer. I was terrified of court but with his experience, I felt at ease. The process was explained and his staff was great as well. I would hire him again if needed and received a great outcome with an order that works for me and my children.

Handled my Parental Rights Case with Ease

I wish I had retained him sooner, his help has been immeasurable.

Tim

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General Information

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

What Should I Expect From My Initial Consultation?

We offer confidential consultations in person or virtually. During your consultation, a member of our legal team will listen carefully to the details of your legal matter, ask questions to learn more, and offer an initial assessment of how, or if, we believe our firm can assist you. It’s also helpful to bring related documents, agreements, charging paperwork, etc., with you to share with our staff.

Criminal Defense

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.

If I’m Convicted, How Will My Sentence Be Decided?

Once a defendant pleads or is found guilty, their punishment is decided by a judge, and may include fines, incarceration (jail time), probation, restation, or community service. The judge considers many circumstances in deciding the sentence, including the defendant’s criminal history, relationship to the victim, age, the seriousness of the crime, and more. Certain criminal offenses in Maine carry a “mandatory minimum” sentence, and the judge is not allowed to impose anything less. A skilled defense attorney will use these mitigating factors to your advantage and work to obtain the most reasonable outcome possible.

Business Law

Should I Hire An Attorney To Start A Business In Maine?

If you’re forming a sole proprietorship and don’t plan to have any employees, you likely won’t need to hire a lawyer to form your business. 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. For example, having a legally binding partnership agreement in place can help prevent conflicts and misunderstandings that can lead to business litigation down the road.

Do I Have To Appear In Court For A Civil Lawsuit?

In civil lawsuits, like personal injury claims and business disputes, you will generally need to attend court in order to explain your side of the issue. The party who does not show up risks having a default judgment entered against them or having their claim dismissed if they are the one who filed the suit.

Family Law & Divorce

Do I Need A Lawyer For An Uncontested Divorce?

Not all divorces play out like the ones we see in movies and shows – in many cases, both spouses realize that the relationship is broken and agree to part ways while they are still able to rationally discuss issues like property division and parenting time. But even when you and your ex agree on how to separate your affairs, it is a good idea to have a lawyer review your divorce agreement before finalizing it with the court. An experienced family law attorney can help ensure the language in the agreement matches your intentions and that no issues or assets have been overlooked.

What If I Suspect That My Spouse Is Hiding Assets?

Divorcing spouses in Maine are required to disclose all marital assets to the other party and their attorney. If your spouse is knowingly hiding or misappropriating assets that should be considered in the divorce, your attorney will help you determine how to address this. Sometimes the value of the asset is not worth the time and expense needed to include it in the divorce, and our lawyers will be honest with you if this is the case. However, if significant assets are at stake, Attorney Steve Smith and his team are a wise choice. Steve is a member of the American Academy of Certified Financial Litigators, a group of attorneys with extensive experience, training, and certification in the financial aspects of divorce.

Real Estate

Do I Need a Real Estate Lawyer?

In Maine, an attorney is not required to be present at real estate closings or involved in the home buying or selling process. That said, there are many circumstances in which a qualified property attorney can be critical to finalizing a real estate transaction and could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If you’re buying, selling, or developing commercial property, or buying a residential property with a disputed title, for example, consulting a property lawyer is in your best interest.

What Is A Quiet Title Action?

If there is any doubt over the rightful legal owner of a property, ownership can be determined through a legal process known as a quiet title action. These actions are often referred to as “friendly” lawsuits since they are intended to prevent conflicts before they occur. These can be filed by a potential buyer, a mortgage company, or the current titleholder. By staying laser-focused on our clients’ needs and maintaining strict attention to detail, our team delivers outstanding results for clients in these and similar real estate matters.

Estate Planning

Do All Estates In Maine Have To Go Through Probate?

Probate is the legal process used to transfer ownership of assets after a person’s death, and these assets are collectively known as the person’s “estate.” While most estates will be subject to probate, this process can be avoided with proper planning. If an estate is valued at less than $40,000, it can be settled without going through probate, although the help of an attorney is still strongly advised. There are also some types of property that can be transferred without going through probate or transferred through a trust. Having clear, detailed estate planning documents in place can often save time, money, and hassle for your surviving family members.

What Happens If Someone Dies Without A Will?

If a person dies without a valid last will and testament or trust in place, their assets will be divided by the State according to Maine’s “intestacy” laws. The person appointed to oversee the probate process, known as a Personal Representative, will be selected by the court. In contrast, having a will allows the decedent to select who will be their Personal Representative, just one of many advantages of estate planning.

Personal Injury

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 Much Is My Case Worth?

The amount of compensation that’s appropriate for your injuries will depend on many factors, like how severe and persistent the injuries are, how the injuries occurred, what steps, if any, were taken to guard against such injuries, and much more. By helping assess the causes and outcomes of your situation and accounting for future costs related to your injury, like ongoing medical care, an experienced lawyer can help you determine what amount of damages is appropriate for your situation.

How Long Will It Take To Settle My Case?

Personal injury claims can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on many factors, namely how stubborn or adversarial the insurance company or negligent party decides to be in handling your case. At STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers, our attorneys have extensive experience in both tough negotiations and courtroom trials, making us fierce advocates for our clients. We work to get the compensation you deserve as quickly as possible without sacrificing your rights or goals.

Trusted Attorneys

On Your Side

When legal issues disrupt your life, whether it’s a threat to your freedom, business, or parental rights, turn to our trusted Maine law firm for dedicated, aggressive representation.

Proven Success

steve smith & jack baldacci

Google Star Rating

I am incredibly pleased I hired Steve Smith and Jack Baldacci. They made sure the same thing that happened to us wouldn’t happen to someone else. I highly recommend them.

– Scott

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.

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STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers

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