Criminal Defense
Steve is not afraid to represent controversial clients. Whether murder, manslaughter, sexual misconduct or “shaken-baby” cases, Steve believes all defendants are entitled to a world-class defense. Early in his career, Steve took a special interest in sex crime defense and has developed significant expertise and experience in all manner of sexual assault and child molestation cases. Steve’s expertise in sex crime defense has resulted in his being a lecturer at trainings for other lawyers on the subject. Steve frequently defends students facing Title IX disciplinary proceedings.
Steve practices extensively in federal courts. His federal practice includes matters such as heavy-duty drug trafficking, child pornography, bank robbery and exotic wildlife cases, as well as personal injury cases.
Steve was involved as lead counsel for the defense in only the second federal prosecution in the United States for the importation of whale tusks of the rare Narwhal whale. In defending the Narwhal case, Steve developed significant expertise in the Endangered Species Act and The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). He has dealt extensively with the Department of Justice’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division.
Steve recently tried as lead counsel US v. Gordon, one of the most extensive criminal copyright cases in United States history.
Family Law
Steve is well versed in the issues confronting the families of today and he practices family law from the perspective that children need to be sheltered from the conflict inherent in divorce and separation. Child custody fights bring out the worst in some parents and if a reasonable approach won’t bring the offending parent around, Stephen is well skilled and experienced in “going to the mat.” Given the use of sexual allegations in family law matters and protection orders, Steve is uniquely qualified to handle the complex interactions between family and criminal law.
As a business owner and developer of real estate and restaurants, Steve understands small business opportunities and pitfalls. His expertise in high stakes, high conflict and high dollar divorces is much sought after.
Steve is a member of the American Academy of Certified Financial Litigators and after extensive study and testing, has been awarded the Certified Financial Litigator qualification. The CFL designation is awarded by the American Academy of Certified Financial Litigators to attorneys who have taken advanced coursework in the financial aspects of family law litigation and demonstrated their proficiency in this area by passing the CFL Exam. This exclusive group of practitioners are members in good standing of the Academy and have shown a dedication to achieving optimal financial results for their clients, making credible representations in court and helping their clients through the latest financial strategies.
Knowing that sound financial strategies combined with legal skills can make a significant difference in the financial outcome of a case, CFLs have demonstrated superior skills in a wide range of topics to effectively handle the financial aspects of cases including but not limited to taxation, tax strategies, property division strategies, income analysis for support purposes, business valuation methodology, Investment account analysis, financial statement analysis and efficient ways to analyze and approach these areas.
Personal Injury
Steve had the unique experience in his formative years as a lawyer fighting in courtrooms across the state. While perhaps best known for his reputation in the family and criminal realms, Steve has been very busy over the years with his extensive personal injury practice. He has sued the Coast Guard under the Federal Tort Claims Act, big box stores for negligence, and negligent drivers who caused catastrophic injuries to other drivers, bicyclists and motorcycle riders. Steve and his team of support staff take care of each and every client with the care they would expect as if the client was family.
Life Experience
His non-legal background includes a military career in the U.S. Army.
After beginning as an infantryman in the 3rd Ranger Battalion he served as a machine gunner in Desert Storm. After leaving active service, he joined the Maine Army National Guard where he served as a sniper team leader in the Mountain Infantry. Following his infantry service as an NCO, Steve became one of the first direct commissioned officers in the Guard, beginning his career as an officer as an engineer platoon leader.
Shortly after graduating law school, he was direct commissioned as a Judge Advocate General officer. Following the attacks of 9/11, Steve was asked to serve in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan as a military prosecutor. Steve’s deployment lasted 18 months and upon his return he saw his 3rd child for the first time. Steve retired from the army after 21 years of service. His legal expertise and long association with the military has made him an expert resource for other attorneys in issues pertaining to military divorces and pensions.
Steve has played a significant role in the revitalization of downtown Bangor; he started the New Year’s Ball Drop in the downtown area, rehabilitated three historical commercial buildings in a once blighted area and developed two successful restaurants. He runs a diversified family farm with his wife, three sons, and daughter.
Various Victories
• Steve Smith was recently elected to the Town of Whitefield’s representative to the RSU #12 School Board.
• After a 3-day trial, Steve won a significant victory in Androscoggin County. Steve’s client was charged with 10 counts of gross sexual assault against a minor under 12. Before trial began, the State dismissed four of the counts. After testimony, the jury was out over the span of two days and ultimately hung. While the State has the option of retrying the case, it appears the jury was evenly split in facts which surprised the State. Steve’s cross-examination brought out facts which significantly undercut the State’s case.
• Steve Smith was able to turn a protection order accusing his client of being neglectful to her children to her advantage in a surprising turn which resulted in the dismissal of the protection order and the entry of a final and advantageous parental rights order in Belfast District Court.
• Steve recently handled a divorce trial in Cumberland County in which both parties made significant allegations of alcohol abuse and poor judgment. Husband wanted to take the parties’ minor children to Bangor from their Cumberland County home and live there with his new girlfriend. After significant contentious testimony, Steve was able to neutralize the alcohol issue and demonstrated to the Court that moving the children over two hours away from their mother would not be in the children’s best interests. Steve’s client obtained a significantly better result after the trial than she was willing to negotiate at a settlement. She even obtained sole decision-making power over the location the children would attend school!
• Steve settled a significant car accident case for $850,000. His client was t-boned by an elderly driver who carried minimal insurance. After an extensive conflict with his client’s insurance company, he obtained a fair settlement.
Reported Cases
Lowd v. Dimoulos, 2005 ME 19, 866 A.2d 867 (Me. 2005)
State v. Mann, 2005 ME 25, 868 A.2d 183 (Me. 2005)
In re Sarah C., 2040 ME 152, 864 A.2d 162 (Me. 2004)
State v. Millay, 2004 ME 152, 787 A.2d 129 (Me. 2001)
State v. Griffin, 814 A.2d 1003 (Me. 2003)
State v. Connelly, Pen-CR-98-274
Monahan v. Monahan, 2015 ME 65
State v. Cote, 2015 ME 78
USA v. Hawkins, 279 F.3d 83 (1st Cir. 2002)
USA v. Gamache, 14-1546, ____ F.3d ____ (1st Cir. 2015)
