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Maine Rule 609 requires all convictions to pass a "reverse Rule 403 " test, i.e. they can be admitted only if their probative value as to credibility outweighs any danger of unfair prejudice to a criminal defendant or any civil party. There are minor differences in time limits and the Maine time bar is absolute.

If you were born, or reside, in Maine and want to have your name changed, you may petition the Judge of Probate in the county where you reside; if you are minor, your legal guardian may petition on your behalf. The judge, after due consideration and notice, may issue a decree changing your name.

Maine Rule 609 requires all convictions to pass a "reverse Rule 403 " test, i.e. they can be admitted only if their probative value as to credibility outweighs any danger of unfair prejudice to a criminal defendant or any civil party. There are minor differences in time limits and the Maine time bar is absolute.

Essentially, Rule 403 is a balancing test of the probative value of evidence against the harm likely to result from its admission into court. For example, gruesome photographs in a murder case are not usually considered prejudicial as they show the victim's injuries, the crime scene, blood splatter and other evidence.

Evidence is relevant if: (a) It has any tendency to make a fact more or less probable than it would be without the evidence; and (b) The fact is of consequence in determining the action.

Maine Rule 608 is very similar to its federal counterpart, but does not allow opinion evidence of character for truthfulness, only reputation. The Maine restyled version changes references to "credibility" to "character for truthfulness" to follow the federal version.