State governments have responded swiftly to the public health emergency and threat posed by COVID-19. The situation is evolving daily and remains fluid and uncertain for employers, employees, and consumers. The following is a brief summary of recent executive orders regarding business operations, gatherings, and commerce. Massachusetts On March 23, Governor Charlie Baker issued an… Read more »
Can your childcare provider still charge you if they are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic?
One question receiving much attention regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is childcare. In some instances, daycares, childcare centers, and preschools have closed but are still charging families. Is this lawful? It depends. The first issue to consider when assessing whether a parent may be charged during an extended closure due to coronavirus is the contract… Read more »
The law of condominiums in Maine
Condominiums are coming into increased use, especially in Southern Maine. Condominiums are a unique form of property ownership in which thorny legal issues can arise. Management of a condo touches upon real estate, contract, insurance, corporate, nonprofit, and other areas of law. The basic condominium structure is a property divided into individual units, surrounded by… Read more »
Operating under the influence may include “mowing” under the influence
An unusual arrest by the Augusta Police Department serves as a good reminder about the breadth of Maine’s drunk driving laws. According to a February 10, 2020 post on its Facebook page, the Augusta Police Department recently arrested someone who was operating a lawnmower while under the influence. The Facebook post reads, “Although it’s not… Read more »
Maine Supreme Court vacates OUI conviction due to improper jury instructions
In State v. Thurlow, the Law Court vacated Mr. Thurlow’s conviction for operating under the influence and ruled that he was entitled to a new trial because the trial court incorrectly instructed the jury about the evidentiary significance of his refusal to submit to a breath test. At the time of the traffic stop, Thurlow’s… Read more »
Frequently Asked Questions About OUI in Maine
If you or a loved one has been arrested for drunk driving, known as operating under the influence (OUI) in the State of Maine, you probably have many questions. The criminal defense attorneys at Libby O’Brien Kingsley & Champion are knowledgeable about OUI law and are experienced in representing clients facing OUI charges. Below are… Read more »
Preparing For Your First Oral Argument Before the Maine Supreme Court
Presenting an oral argument to an appellate court can be an exciting experience. The oral argument also presents an opportunity to enhance your credibility with the bench, instill confidence in your argument, and improve your chances of success. Below are seven tips for presenting an effective oral argument. Select the Best Issues Effective oral argument… Read more »
Maine Supreme Court decides that Kennebunkport owns Goose Rocks Beach
The Maine Supreme Judicial Court recently decided Almeder v. Town of Kennebunkport. The closely-watched and protracted case concerned the use and ownership of Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport. First filed in 2009, the case wound through the Maine courts for two phases of trials and an appeal to the Supreme Court before reaching the Court… Read more »
U.S. Dept. of Labor issues final rule to update regulations relating to exemption of workers from minimum wage and overtime pay requirements
On Tuesday, September 24, 2019, the Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of Labor (the “Department”) issued a new Final Rule (summarized in a Fact Sheet released by the Department) to update the regulations defining and delimiting the exemptions for executive, administrative, or professional employees. According to the Department, the new regulations issued… Read more »
Maine’s New Law Banning the Use of Handheld Phones and Devices While Driving Goes Into Effect on September 19, 2019
In an effort to stem the increase in accidents and fatalities resulting from distracted driving, “An Act to Prohibit the Use of Handheld Phones and Devices While Driving,” PL 2019, c. 486, will go into effect on September 19, 2019. The new law will generally prohibit drivers in Maine from using handheld phones and devices… Read more »