1. A person is guilty of nonsupport of dependents if he knowingly fails to provide support which he is able by means of property or capacity for labor to provide and which he knows he is legally obliged to provide to a spouse, child or other person declared by law to be his dependent.

[PL 1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW).]

Attorney's Note

Under the Maine Revised Statutes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
ClassPrisonFine
Class E crimeup to 6 monthsup to $1,000
For details, see Me. Rev. Stat. Title 17-A § 1604

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Terms Used In Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A Sec. 552

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Dependent: A person dependent for support upon another.
  • Probation: A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.
  • Venue: The geographical location in which a case is tried.
2. As used in this section, “support” includes but is not limited to food, shelter, clothing and other necessary care.

[PL 1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW).]

2-A. Prosecution may be brought in any venue where either the dependent or the defendant resides.

[PL 1981, c. 657, §1 (NEW).]

3. Nonsupport of dependents is a Class E crime.

[PL 1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW).]

4. A person placed on probation as a result of a violation of this section may be placed under the supervision of the Department of Health and Human Services. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the period of probation may extend to the time when the youngest dependent attains the age of 18.

[PL 1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (REV).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 1975, c. 293, §4 (AMD). PL 1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW). PL 1981, c. 657, §1 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 689, §B6 (REV).