19-A M.R.S. §4109: Hearings

1. Full hearing. Within 21 days of the filing of a complaint, a hearing must be held at which the plaintiff must prove the allegation of abuse or conduct specified in section 4103 by a preponderance of the evidence. If a request for temporary, emergency or interim relief is denied, the hearing must be held as soon as practicable within the 21-day period. Nothing in this section limits the court's discretion to continue the final hearing upon the court's own motion or upon the motion of either party.

2. Self-defense. The right to relief under this chapter is not affected by the plaintiff's use of reasonable force in response to abuse by the defendant.

3. Intoxication. Voluntary intoxication is not a defense to an action under this chapter.