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Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A. Maine Criminal Code § 104. Use of force in defense of premises

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

1. A person in possession or control of premises or a person who is licensed or privileged to be thereon is justified in using nondeadly force upon another person when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes it necessary to prevent or terminate the commission of a criminal trespass by such other person in or upon such premises.

2. A person in possession or control of premises or a person who is licensed or privileged to be thereon is justified in using deadly force upon another person when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes it necessary to prevent an attempt by the other person to commit arson.

3. A person in possession or control of a dwelling place or a person who is licensed or privileged to be therein is justified in using deadly force upon another person:

A. Under the circumstances enumerated in section 108; or

B. When the person reasonably believes that deadly force is necessary to prevent or terminate the commission of a criminal trespass by such other person, who the person reasonably believes:

(1) Has entered or is attempting to enter the dwelling place or has surreptitiously remained within the dwelling place without a license or privilege to do so; and

(2) Is committing or is likely to commit some other crime within the dwelling place.

4. A person may use deadly force under subsection 3, paragraph B only if the person first demands the person against whom such deadly force is to be used to terminate the criminal trespass and the trespasser fails to immediately comply with the demand, unless the person reasonably believes that it would be dangerous to the person or a 3rd person to make the demand.

5. As used in this section:

A. Dwelling place has the same meaning provided in section 2, subsection 10; and

B. Premises includes, but is not limited to, lands, private ways and any buildings or structures thereon.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A. Maine Criminal Code § 104. Use of force in defense of premises - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/me/title-17-a-maine-criminal-code/me-rev-st-tit-17-a-sect-104/

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