Terms Used In Maine Revised Statutes Title 17 Sec. 2703

  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • 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.
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
Instead of issuing the warrant required by section 2702, the court may order it to be stayed on motion of the defendant, and on his entering into recognizance in such sum and with such surety as the court directs, in case of an indictment, to the State, or in case of a complaint or action, to the plaintiff, conditioned that the defendant will either discontinue said nuisance, or that within a time limited by the court and not exceeding 6 months, he will cause it to be abated and removed, as may be directed by the court. On failing to perform such condition, the recognizance shall be deemed forfeited, and the court on being satisfied of such default, may forthwith issue the warrant and entertain an action to enforce the recognizance.