Take the case of the 6-year-old girl who was recently hit by her own school bus. According to the statement that she gave police, Sophia Nelson says that she had just gotten off of her bus and was walking in front of it to cross the street when the bus started moving forward. Nelson was struck by the front right side of the bumper and knocked down to the pavement. The bus continued moving and passed over her until she emerged from the rear of the bus.

Eyewitnesses behind the bus saw the girl’s body and stopped to assist her. The bus driver, Casey Voisone told police that she last saw the girl as she was exiting the bus, but does not remember seeing her after that.

Nelson was taken to Eastern Maine Medical Center where she was initially listed in serious condition. She suffered a neck fracture, a total of four compression skull fractures, and a broken leg.

After conducting an investigation, police decided not to charge Voisone in the accident. Eyewitnesses stated that Voisone appeared to be deeply shaken by the incident. School officials stated that Voisone was a very cautious driver and has a good driver safety record. Following standard procedure, Voisone was placed on paid administrative leave until after the police had completed their investigation.

The police reported that there were no mechanical issues with the bus and road and weather conditions did not play a role in the accident. It was just a simple case of a bus driver not seeing a child as they attempted to pass in front of the bus.

This scenario can happen to a child at anytime. Since they are not old enough to protect themselves against such tragedy, it is up to us to offer that protection. When such horrible circumstances occur, we have to be able to fight for what a child in this situation needs now, or may need in the future.

That’s why it is important to seek a professional who can help you recover what you should be compensated. When a child is severely injured, medical bills can quickly pile up. And it is impossible to determine what they will need down the road to assist them in their recovery. In many cases, some of these injuries could affect them for the rest of their lives.

Finding the right attorney to represent you will ensure that your child receives the help that they need without being stuck with the astronomical expense associated with it. The responsible party should be held responsible. An attorney can make sure that this is what happens.

An example of this has recently surfaced in Augusta. As a way to help us safeguard our children, lawmakers are currently looking into ways to strengthen the laws that protect children against predators. The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee has met in an effort to take up public testimony on a bill that they are supporting. The legislative committee is focusing on individuals who solicit children for the purpose of participating in sexual acts.

In Maine, there are no guidelines in place that prohibit an individual from soliciting a child for a sexual act unless they utilize a computer in the process. Current state laws need to be changed to offer a wider range of protection in all possible situations.

The bill, known as LD 1673, was introduced by Senate Democratic Leader Barry Hobbins. It is geared towards those individuals who try to verbally entice children to perform sexual acts. The penalties imposed on the offender are based on the age of the child involved. For instance, if the child is less than 12 years of age, the individual would be charged with a Class C crime. If the child is less than 14 years of age, the individual would be charged with a Class D crime.

Class C felonies can carry a jail term of up to five years with a fine of $15,000. Class D felonies have a minimum jail time of one year and fines of up to $10,000. This is meant to be a serious mater since according to Maine law, once you have been convicted of a felony, it remains on your record indefinitely.

Mandatory jail terms are just one way to punish those who prey on children. But in order to ensure that these individuals see their day in court, you have to represented by the right attorney. The goal is to bring these individuals to justice as swiftly as possible to prevent other children from falling prey to them.

But even after their arrest, there has to be a solid case brought against them to place them behind bars where they can’t hurt children. Being properly represented means that the criminal faces the most severe charges and punishments allowed. Your attorney will guide you through the process and work on behalf of you and your child.

All children deserve to feel safe. Having an experienced lawyer in your corner means that those who are responsible for abusing our children in this manner will be brought to justice and forced to face the penalties of their actions.

That’s exactly what happened in the recent hit-and-run of a 10 -year-old girl in Windham. Savanna Demmons was walking on Albion Road at approximately 4:45 PM when she was struck by the side mirror of a passing truck. Demmons was attempting to cross the road not far from her home when the incident occurred. The truck left the scene without stopping and was spotted driving in the direction of Roosevelt Trail.

The victim was struck on her left temple by the truck’s passenger side mirror, causing the mirror to break into pieces. The force of the impact spun her around, but luckily she was not thrown into the path of the truck’s rear wheels.

When police arrived at the scene, they were able to retrieve multiple pieces of the mirror. They hope to use them to locate the truck and eventually confirm the identity of the driver. Police questioned witnesses, but were unable to get the tag number of the truck or a description of the driver.

A statement made by Demmons and eyewitnesses say that the truck was a black Chevrolet. The truck was equipped with silver ladder rack that extended from the rear or the cab to the end of the truck bed. It also had a red V-shaped snow plow matching the description of a Boss-brand plow.

Windham Rescue responded to the accident and rushed Demmons to Maine Medical Center where she was listed in satisfactory condition. She was later released and sent home.

Hit and run accidents are a very serious incident. Even if the driver is traveling at a slow speed, the impact of an automobile against a human being can still cause serious injuries and can quickly even turn deadly. Even if the victim survives, they can face emotional distress and physical limitations for the rest of their lives. All the while, the driver has attempted to get away with their negligent actions without any recourse.

It isn’t fair for someone to cause some much anguish in a persons’ life without being held accountable. Hiring the right attorney will ensure that these drivers are forced to face their victims and pay for the damages that they have created. Without being properly represented, the victim is left to face financial hardships while attempting to recover from their injuries.

Get the settlement that you deserve to help you get your life back to normal. As the victim, your attorney can get you the compensation you deserve and make the driver face the consequences of their selfish actions.

As a means of showing their support in the fight against domestic violence, some companies are helping out in their special own way, using the resources that they have on hand. One such company is Northeast Security Systems, which is based in Wiscasset. They recently made a donation of 4 alarm systems to Sagadahoc and Lincoln Counties.

The idea for this movement started after a meeting between Kate Schleh, a field representative for Northeast, and others. Schleh met with Steve Edmondson, who is a Domestic Violence Investigator for Sagadahoc County and Brodie Hinckley, Director of the Sagadahoc County Communications Center.

After their meeting, Schleh was moved by what she heard and the needs of these communities. Backed by the company, she was led to donate 2 of the systems to each county. The company has also graciously agreed to monitor all 4 systems for free.

The units are unique in their design and operation. Looking like a standard answering machine, their alarm can be triggered either by pressing the button located on the unit itself or remotely. The unit’s alarm is hidden so that it cannot be easily detected. This prevents it from being spotted and dismantled.

When personnel receive an alarm from one of these units, they immediately know exactly what the nature of the call is about. Since so many domestic calls go unreported, the hope is that having access to these units will encourage women to call for help. The hope is that bringing more awareness to this crime will eventually work in reducing the number of incidences.

Domestic violence is a crime that never has to happen. It only occurs because those who inflict their abusive nature on others have the opportunity to do so. Only when these offenders have to face strict consequences for their actions will this horrible form of abuse be eradicated.

If you, or someone you know, are a victim of domestic violence, there is no reason why you should have to live your life in fear. This crime may start out innocent enough, but it can quickly escalate to a life-threatening situation without warning.

You deserve to be protected. Contacting an attorney who specializes in domestic violence will start you on the road to recovering your life, and your freedom. Make the decision today to end this abuse. Take the control away from your abuser and regain it for yourself.

But communities across the state are fighting back.  One such movement has been re-introduced by Representative Terry Morrison, of South Portland.  His anti-bullying bill has already been passed over once before during the last session of the state legislature.  The reasoning given for it’s premature demise was that not only would the contents of the bill be far too costly to enforce, but that it would also severely limit free speech.  Now, after modifying the bill, Morrison is once again trying to push it through.

One of the changes made to the bill include detailing specific definitions that refer to bullying and certain guidelines that school staff members will have to be trained on.  It is also meant to prevent bullying of students online.  Morrison feels that giving a much clearer, and concise, set of guidelines will allow school boards a much simpler time with it’s compliance.

Morrison’s main goal now is to gain the bipartisan vote that he feels will cinch the bill’s approval.

However, members of the state legislature aren’t the only ones opposing the bill.  Two state agencies, the Principal’s Association and The Maine School Management Association, disagree with the bill and it’s contents.  According to Morrison, these agencies want the freedom to handle the bulling issue in their own way.

But there are plenty of agencies who support the newly formatted bill.  One such group is the Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee.  It’s members are optimistic that the bill will soon pass.  They feel that it would help to enforce the First Amendment rights of students throughout the state.

Parents and guardians have a tremendous burden placed on them.  As much as they would like to be able to protect their children at all times, it isn’t always feasible.  When they are out of our sight, we leave it up to others to exhibit the right judgment on how they should be treated.  Unfortunately, these people do not always practice good judgment.

If your child has experienced being bullied, you deserve to have your rights protected.  You need to contact a legal professional who has experience in these cases and knows how to help you protect your child.

No child should have to spent their formative years isolated from society or in fear that they will be harassed or bullied.  These episodes of abuse can scar a child in so many ways.  In many instances, it can alter the child’s perception of the world and emotionally scar them for life.

Don’t let your child be a victim.  Contact an attorney and give your child the future that they deserve.

Sometimes, a case comes along that shocks us to the very core.  The act of violence is so unspeakable that the world follows it intently and waits to see if justice will be dispensed.  Recently, an area of Maine gained such national attention when a small boy’s body was discovered there.

Julianne McCrery, 42, was recently found guilty in the second-degree murder of her 6-year-old son, Camden Hughes.  According to her statement, McCrery testified that she had intended to take her own life after she smothered her son because she did not feel that there was anyone who could adequately raise her son after she was gone.  She also did not want to see him to be placed in social services.

McCrery stated that she had traveled from her home in Texas to Maine because it was the only place that she was able to locate castor beans.  These particular beans contain a poison called risin, which McCrery was planning to use to take her own life.  She also stated that she had attempted to use the beans even before her son was born.

Upon arriving in Maine, McCrery stated that she had purchased the beans and checked into a local motel in New Hampshire.  Later in the day, she admitted to administering Nyquil to her son so that he would not be completely lucid when she smothered him.

McCrery stated that once Hughes fell asleep, she turned him over on the bed, facing downward into a stack of pillows and laid on top of him until he stopped breathing.  Then, she waited until the early morning hours, wrapped her son’s body in a dark green blanket and loaded it into her truck.  She admits waiting until early morning while it was still dark so that she would not be discovered.

McCrery then drove down Dennett Road in South Berwick, Maine, although she believed that she was still in New Hampshire.  She then dumped her son’s body, still wrapped in the blanket, a short distance  from the side of the dirt road.  McCrery felt as if the area was too secluded for her to be spotted or for the body to be discovered.

But a resident of Dennett Road did spot McCrery, and after investigating where she had parked, discovered the boy’s body.  Evidence found on the body and at the scene places McCrery there.

McCrery was found guilty of second-degree murder.  She will be sentenced on January 13.
While, in this instance, the outcome may be cut-and-dry to most, these cases aren’t always so easy to determine.  Everyone needs legal assistance from time to time.  But sometimes, that need determines whether or not you are allowed to maintain your freedom.

In these severe cases, it is imperative that you retain only the best attorney to work on your behalf..  After all, you may only get one shot to prove your innocence.  Even if you have to appeal,, this process could easily takes years to run through the system.  All the meanwhile, you will be remanded to custody waiting for another chance at vindication.

Something that is this important should only be turned over to someone that you know has your best interests at heart. They need to be professionals, and experts in their field.  Anything less, and you could be betting your life on it.

An example of a simple altercation turning into an aggravated assault case recently occurred at Pub 33 in Lewiston. According to police, Ryan Zinninger, 29, of Greene was dancing with friends out on the dance floor when a stranger walked over and the two men started arguing. The man then did something that was completely unexpected: he leaned into Zinninger and bit him on the nose.

The incident caught Zinninger and his friends completely off guard and happened so quickly that bouncers were unable to reach the man before he attacked. The bite was so severe that it appeared to witnesses as if his nose might have been almost completely bitten off.

Some witnesses say that Zinninger and the man had been involved in an altercation earlier, but no contact between the two had taken place at that time. Later, while Zinninger was dancing, the man walked over to him and bit him. Others stated to police that the biting incident happened immediately after the verbal altercation. According to one of the bar’s owners, nothing like this has ever happened there before.

The victim was taken to Central Maine Medical Center where doctors were able to sew his nose back together using 12 stitches. Although he was later released from the hospital, doctors warned him that he could still lose the tip of his nose if it fails to heal properly.

After the attack, the man fled the bar before anyone could restrain him. Even so, police were still able to identify the man and are hoping that they will soon be able to issue a warrant for his arrest. When found, he will be charged with aggravated assault.

This is an example of something that could start out simple enough and then become a major issue where your health is jeopardized. You can never know the capabilities or intentions are of those that you become embroiled with.

If you have been the victim of an aggravated assault, it is your right to see that your attacker is held responsible for their actions. No one has the right to inflict harm on another person, especially when that force could easily turn deadly if the attacker so chooses.

When someone is willing to inflict pain and suffering on you, then they must be held accountable for what they have done. Having the right attorney on your side will help you to recover the damages as a result of the assault so that they will be less likely to make another innocent person their victim. The people who commit aggravated asault do not have the right to place others in danger: let your attorney prove that to them.

Following more than a year of investigative work conducted by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), police arrested four individuals suspected of being part of a drug distribution network in Bangor. The arrests were made during a drug raid on a home located on Ohio Street. The home had been part of a state and DEA investigation of the Ohio Street area.

According to police reports, the individuals were identified as Jacob Garcia, nicknamed “Pinky”, Pari Proffitt, Manuel Trinidad-Acosta, nicknamed “Fish”, and Pauline Rossingnol, Trinidad-Acosta’s girlfriend.. All four were charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Each of the four suspects have an extensive history of prior drug convictions.

The investigation has labeled Garcia and Trinidad-Acosta as being the leaders in the network. Court documents state that at least two of the individuals arrested were part of a Dominican drug trafficking organization. According to an affidavit filed in federal court, the DEA suspects that the four sold “significant quantities of cocaine and cocaine base” in and around the Bangor area.

The group were nabbed after police set up several controlled purchases of both cocaine and crack. The suspects occupied two apartments on Ohio Street.

Garcia is being held at an undisclosed location pending a bond hearing which has yet to be set, while Rossignol was released on his own recognizance. Trinidad-Acosta and Proffitt also remain in custody. If convicted, all four suspects each face sentences from 5 to 40 years in prison and fines that could total over $2 million.

This story covers those who have been apprehended committing a crime. But despite the best-laid intentions of the police, there are times when innocent individuals appear to be involved in illegal drug deals. They are arrested and find themselves being forced to fight for their freedom, despite their innocence. For those who are falsely accused, they need a good, experienced attorney who can work to exonerate them so that they can return to their normal lives. But not just any attorney will do: it takes one who is experienced in their field and knows what it takes to set those free who do not deserve to be imprisoned.

When your freedom is on the line, you don’t want to take chances with someone who might not be able to win your case. That’s why it is important to go with a true, seasoned professional who has proven that they have what it takes to get the job done right- the first time. Appeals take time, and while they are being fought over, the accused sits in jail. Make sure that this doesn’t happen to you.

Maine is one of the states that has seen a dramatic increase in the number of cases involving bath salts. These synthetic stimulants are sometimes manufactured using certain psychoactive drugs, including mephedrone. Young people, in particular, have found that bath salts can give a person virtually the same effects as PCP, Ecstasy or even cocaine.

One such example of this type of product misuse was recently witnessed in Rockport. According to police reports, a 19-year-old male was brought into the emergency room at Pen Bay Hospital on Tuesday night for bath salts abuse. Due to the origin of the problem, the staff decided to transfer him from the ER to another area within the facility known as the Special Care Unit, after his initial evaluation.

Since symptoms of bath salts abuse can linger for several days, hospital officials say that the Special Care Unit was the appropriate place to house the individual during his recovery. However, after two days in the unit, the patient suddenly became violent.

On Thursday night, the man went on a destructive rampage, smashing windows and the glass door with a chair and destroying hospital equipment. According to a police report, the man caused significant damage to the room. Hospital-monitoring equipment was destroyed, even those that were attached to the walls. Although hospital officials had not assessed a dollar amount to the damage, police estimate that the total was approximately $30,000.

Once the man was subdued, he had to be physically restrained and sedated for his own protection, as well as that of the hospital staff. He remained under restraints until he was transferred to the county jail the next day.

Initially, the patient was charged with Terrorizing and Aggravated Criminal Mischief. Police say that the District Attorney will have the final say-so as to the charges that the man will be facing.

Hospital officials say that the rise in bath salts abuse has raised several concerns, including the safety of hospital staff, as well as patients. Experts also warn that the unpredictable nature of the abuse can manifest into a number of symptoms. This makes it virtually impossible to determine exactly how someone will respond to the effects of the drugs. Officials are meeting with police to determine how best to deal with the issue.

If you have encountered someone who is under the influence of bath salts or other products that contain hallucinogenic properties, they could be held liable for the damages that they inflict. Damages to property, as well as any physical injuries that you incur, could be the basis for a settlement. You should always talk to an attorney to see if you have cause to pursue legal action against the individual.

Assault can range from a simple act of threatening someone over the phone to issuing a threat while in the presence of the individual. Whether or not a physical assault takes place is irrelevant: all that is necessary is the opportunity to do so.

One example of an intentional assault case took place recently in Raymond. A 31-year-old Raymond resident was arrested and charged with assaulting a man using a baseball bat and then robbing him at gunpoint. Another suspect who was also involved in the incident is still at large. The investigation is still underway.

Police arrested Andrew Easter as a suspect in the December 7th assault and robbery of an adult man, whose identity has not been released by police. The victim is still recovering at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston from injuries that he received in the attack.

According to a police statement, the victim was taking a walk out on Pond Road in Raymond at approximately 9:30 AM. The victim, who resides on Pond Road, stated that he was approached by two men carrying a baseball bat and armed with a gun. The men proceeded to beat the man and then rob him before fleeing in their vehicle.

Fortunately, the victim knew his attackers and was able to give the police an accurate description. Using a description of the men and the vehicle they were driving, police were able to identify one of the assailants as Easter, who resides at 13 Pond Road. Police arrested Easer three days later at his home without incident.

Easter is currently being held in the Cumberland County Jail on $50,000 bond. He has been charged with felony robbery.

No one has the right to assault another individual, especially if it also escalates into battery. Making someone accountable for an assault could prevent further incident from happening to you, or someone else that they might have targeted.

If you have been assaulted by someone, then you have the right to receive damages for the incident. The amount and types of damages that can be awarded are determined on an individual basis and can cover medical expenses, lost time from work, loss of quality of life, and emotional, as well as physical, pain and suffering. Punitive damages may also be possible.

When you have been assaulted, you need the help of a professional to get you the settlement that you deserve. Take the time to consult with an attorney to ensure that you reserve what you need to get your life back on track and to hopefully prevent someone else from falling victim to your assaulter.