Office of the Maine Attorney General

Movers and Self-Service Storage

Movers

Federal regulations protect consumers who hire carriers to move their personal and household belongings from a location in one state to a location in another state. The regulations do not apply to moves between two locations in the same state. The regulations are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and, in some circumstances, by the Maine Attorney General. The FMCSA’s “Protect Your Move” website offers guidance to consumers who are hiring a carrier to move their belongings.

Lodging and Time Shares

Lodging Places (Hotels, Motels, Inns, B&Bs)

In Maine, short-term lodging places such as hotels, motels, inns, and bed and breakfast establishments must be licensed and must meet state health and safety standards. With respect to their policies and operations, they are subject to generally applicable consumer protection laws. One of the most common complaints consumers will have is about a lodging place’s reservation and cancellation policy.

Eyeglasses and Hearing Aids

Eyeglasses

Eye doctors must give patients their eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions at no extra cost immediately after an eye exam. You have a legal right to your prescription, so be sure to request it if it is not provided. Your eye doctor cannot require you to buy your eyeglasses or contact lenses from their practice or any other supplier.

Cable Television and Public Utilities

Cable Television

Maine law provides specific rights and protections for consumers of cable television services. If your cable television service is interrupted for 6 or more consecutive hours in a 30-day period, you can request a pro rata credit or rebate and your cable television provider must honor that request. Also, a cable television provider must provide 30 days’ advance written notice of an increase in rates, changes to billing practices, the removal of a channel, and any change to channel or service tiers.

Lead and Radon

Lead and radon are both invisible, poisonous hazards in Maine homes. Sellers and landlords must make disclosures about lead and radon testing reports.

Lead Poisoning

Too much lead in the body can cause serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system, and red blood cells. Even low levels can slow a child’s normal development and cause learning and behavioral problems. Lead paint is considered one of Maine’s most dangerous threats to children.

Deadly Force Review Panel Report on Hiram, June 7, 2024

June 7, 2024 – Hiram Use of Deadly Force Incident

As required by 5 M.R.S. § 200-K, the Maine Deadly Force Review Panel submits the following report of the use of deadly force incident in Hiram on June 7, 2024, involving Trooper Zachary Fancy of the State Police, which resulted in the death of Steven Nelson, age 39. By statute, after the release of the report of the Attorney General, the Panel shall examine deaths or serious injuries resulting from the use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer.

Attorneys

Sometimes the nature of your consumer problem will require the assistance of an attorney. Here are some suggestions for finding legal assistance and what to do if you need to file a complaint against an attorney.

Finding an Attorney

Ask Your Friends

Ask your friends or someone you know and trust for the names of lawyers they’ve used who do good work.

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