Terms Used In Maine Revised Statutes Title 10 Sec. 1706

  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Prosecute: To charge someone with a crime. A prosecutor tries a criminal case on behalf of the government.
The council or a duly authorized representative may recover penalties imposed for violation of section 1702 in a civil action brought in the name of the council, and if it prevails in such action shall recover full costs; or the council may prosecute for violations thereof by complaint or indictment. The District Court and the Superior Court shall have concurrent jurisdiction of actions brought for the recovery of penalties imposed by section 1702, and of prosecutions for violations thereof. All fines received under section 1702 by county treasurers shall be paid by them to the Treasurer of State and the same are appropriated for carrying out this chapter.