William T. Bly
We help good people in bad situations avoid serious criminal consequences.
I enlisted in the US Army at a young age and served as a Cavalry Scout (19D), with deployments in Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Ft. Banning, GA. During my time in the military, I climbed the ranks and was accepted into the Officer Candidate School. However, a severe injury during training resulted in my medical withdrawal from OCS and an Honorable Discharge.
Following my time in the military, I pursued a career in law, focusing on criminal defense since my graduation from law school. My commitment to honing my skills in this area is demonstrated by my completion of the Spence Trial Lawyer College in 2016, a rigorous 23-day intensive trial practice course in Dubois, Wyoming. I further enhanced my trial advocacy skills by completing the Grad 1 program at the same institution in 2017 and the Grad 2 program in 2018, along with numerous CLEs aimed at improving my abilities as a criminal defense attorney.
My legal practice is primarily centered on defending individuals accused of serious sexual assaults, federal and state child pornography charges, motor vehicle manslaughter, state and federal drug trafficking, and complex financial crimes in both federal and state courts. I have also managed thousands of cases involving OUI, domestic violence assault, minor drug possession, minor motor vehicle charges, fish and game violations, and nearly every other type of crime during my career.
When I am not practicing law, I am an avid fly fisher and skier. I spend most of my free days indulging in these hobbies, enjoying the beautiful landscapes of Maine and various other locations across the country during the summer, fall, and winter.
- DUI & DWI
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- Domestic Violence Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
- Juvenile Law
- White Collar Crime
- Traffic Tickets
- Suspended License
- Sex Crimes
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Battery
- OUI Defense
- OUI Accident
- Credit Cards Accepted
-
Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
Flat fees for most misdemeanors. All state felony and all federal misdemeanor and felony charges are billed by the hour and on a retainer basis. Fees range from $1,500 to $100,000, depending on the nature and complexity of the case.
- Maine
-
- New Hampshire
- -
-
- English: Spoken, Written
- Attorney and managing partner
- The Maine Legal Group
- - Current
- Attorney William Bly is a highly experienced criminal defense lawyer specializing in defending individuals accused of serious crimes, with a particular focus on OUI/DUI defense. As the founder of The Maine Criminal Defense Group, Attorney Bly has built one of the few law firms in Maine exclusively dedicated to criminal defense, handling cases statewide in both state and federal courts. His practice encompasses a wide range of criminal matters, including murder, manslaughter, arson, drug trafficking, and federal financial crimes. Certified as an Evidentiary Breath Alcohol Technician by the U.S. Department of Transportation, a Field Sobriety Instructor, and a graduate of the National College for DUI Defense, Attorney Bly brings extensive expertise to OUI cases. He has earned recognition as a Rising Star by New England Super Lawyers (2012–2015) and is respected for his aggressive and tireless approach to achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients, through negotiation or trial.
- University of Maine - School of Law
- J.D. (2004)
-
- Rutgers University - New Brunswick/Piscataway
- B.S. | Political Science
- -
- Honors: Graduated with high honors. Member of Phi Beta Kapa.
-
- Rising Star
- New England Super Lawyers
- Selected as a Rising Star in DUI Defense from 2011-2015.
- Best of Portland 2010
- The Portland Phoenix
- Maine State Bar # 009776
- Member
- Current
-
- New Hampshire Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Member
- - Current
-
- New Hampshire Bar Association
- Member
- - Current
-
- National College of DUI Defense
- Member
- - Current
-
- American Trial Lawyers Association
- Member
- - Current
-
- Maine Trial Lawyers Association
- Member
- - Current
-
- National Association of Criminal Defense
- Member
- - Current
-
- Maine Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Member
- - Current
-
- York County Bar Association
- Member
- - Current
-
- American Bar Association
- Member
- - Current
-
- Defending DUI Vehicular Homicide Cases
- Aspartore
- The DWI Survival Guide: Demystifying the Process
- Self
- DUIDLA Spring Seminar 2018, Sunny Isles, FL
- DUIDLA
- Presenting on the topic of "Discovering Your Client's Story".
Accused of a Sex Crime? - Portland Sex Crime Lawyer
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo0PGLLhHQk If you have been accused of a sex crime, you may have a lot of questions. Contact The Maine Criminal Defense Group to schedule a consultation with...
Arrested for Operating Under the Influence in Maine
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL9P0Lrzulo If you are were recently arrested for OUI, you probably have a lot of questions an concerns. Contact The Maine Criminal Defense Group to schedule a consultation...
Can I represent myself for a sexual offense charge?
The penalties that result from a sexual assault or sex crime conviction are often severe and can affect a convicted offender for the rest of their life. Even an allegation of a sex crime can tarnish an individual
Concerns about OUI charges - Biddeford OUI Attorney
If you were recently arrested for Operating Under the Influence, you need to be informed about all the possible consequences. Contact The Maine Criminal Defense Group to schedule a consultation...
Have You Been Charged with Domestic Violence? - Portland Domestic Violence Attorney
Have you been charged with domestic violence? The Maine Criminal Defense Group's Attorney Bill Bly discusses the three most important things you need to know and understand. Contact us to...
Have you been wrongly accused of a crime? - South Portland Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with assault, theft, drug possession or any other type of crimee, you have come to the right place. We provide professional and aggressive criminal defense...
I've Been Bailed Out for Domestic Violence. Now What? - Portland Domestic Violence Lawyer
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGjw7vkUUNE Domestic violence is a serious crime. If you were charged with this and have been bailed out, we can help with the next steps. Contact The Maine...
What Happens After a Domestic Violence Charge? - Biddeford Domestic Violence Lawyers
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGjw7vkUUNE If you've been charged with domestic violence, you may a lot of questions. Contact our Biddeford domestic violence attorneys to get started. Don't go through this process...
What is the typical sentence for drug possession, trafficking or distribution in Maine?
Regardless of the circumstances that have led to your arrest for a drug crime, you have the right to be treated fairly and with respect by the police. You must always keep in mind that anything you say can be used against you in court, and you should not be intimidated into answering questions. The experienced drug crime defense attorneys at The Maine Criminal Defense Group know the best ways to defend drug crimes.
What to do if you been accused of a sex crime? - Portland Sex Offender Attorney
If you have been accused of a sex crime, you must have a lot of concerns. Contact The Maine Criminal Defense Group to schedule a consultation with a Portland criminal...
What's next after a OUI arrest? - Portland OUI Attorney
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL9P0Lrzulo If you were arrested recently and are facing OUI charges, you need to be informed. Contact The Maine Criminal Defense Group to schedule a consultation with a...
Why you shold never plead guilty to an OUI / DUI
A conviction could cost you up to $7,000, so it is important that you do everything in your power to get the charges against you dropped. Our experienced Maine OUI / DUI attorneys can help you deal with all the consequences effectively. Look through the information below to learn more. If you
- Q. At my second arraignment, can I ask for a court appointed lawyer if I was not offered one at the first arraignment?
- A: I'm not sure why you're having a second arraignment as you should only be arraigned once. The purpose of an arraignment is to be apprised of the nature of the charges by the court, at which time you enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. If you're not facing a risk of jail (the DA indicates at the arraignment if there is a risk of jail in your case), you are not constitutionally entitled to a court appointed attorney. In order to qualify for a court appointed attorney, you must meet certain criteria, which includes financial criteria AND the fact that you're facing a risk of jail, which you're not in your case. With all of that said, you can ask to speak with the Lawyer ... Read More
- Q. I'm looking for a lawyer to appear in court for me tomorrow at 830 in machias maine for an oui. Any suggestions?
- A: Asking someone to appear for you and looking for suggestions sounds like you're shooting in the dark. And this is a last minute "ask". My suggestion is that you make serious inquiries about retaining the best attorney that you can, and if that person can appear for you, that's a bonus. If you can't find someone that meets that criteria, perhaps appear on your own and plead "NOT GUILTY". That will give you some time to retain a qualified attorney, as opposed to hiring someone out of desperation, with no direction. Feel free to call us if you're interested.
WTB
- Q. How long does a felony 1st appearance in Maine take? Do you have to wait until everyone's done before leaving?
- A: That is correct. You might be waiting for a long time for the judge to call your name. FYI, if you're seeking representation for a criminal charge, and it sounds like it's a felony, please consider calling my office to setup a consultation. Thanks and good luck.
