17-A M.R.S. §1002: Criminal use of disabling chemicals

1. A person is guilty of criminal use of disabling chemicals if he intentionally sprays or otherwise uses upon any other person chemical mace or any similar substance composed of a mixture of gas and chemicals which has or is designed to have a disabling effect upon human beings.

2. Criminal use of disabling chemicals is a Class D crime.

3. This section shall not apply to the use of those disabling chemicals when that use is for the purpose of:

A. Defending a person under section 108;

B. Defending premises under section 104; or

C. Retaking property, preventing that taking or preventing criminal mischief under section 105;

as authorized for the use of nondeadly force.