Calling for Help in an Overdose
17-A M.R.S. § 1111-B — the caller, the helper and the person overdosing are immune
When medical help or police respond to a call about a suspected drug overdose, the person who called in good faith, anyone giving aid there, and the person overdosing are protected persons. They are immune from arrest and prosecution for what the response turns up, and from revocation of bail, probation or similar release on that basis.
Who handles this in Maine: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Maine directory.
What it does not cover. The immunity does not reach excluded crimes, among them offenses against a person, sexual assault, robbery, arson, crimes against a child, violating a protection order, and OUI. It lasts only while the responders are there.
A minor who in good faith sought help for someone at risk of alcohol overdose, or who was the one helped, has a defense to the underage drinking charges, though not to OUI.
Sources for this section (2)
- 17-A M.R.S. § 1111-B — Immunity from arrest, prosecution and revocation and termination proceedings when assistance has been requested for suspected drug-related overdose
- 28-A M.R.S. § 2051 — Prohibited acts by minors
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maine attorney.