William T. Bly

Prior to going back to college at the age of 27, I was a member of the US Army and served in Korea, Saudi Arabia and Ft. Banning, GA as a Cavalry Scout (19D). During my time in service I made my way up through the enlisted ranks and eventually applied to OCA where I was accepted and began officer training. Unfortunately, due a serious injury sustained prior to the final phase of the course, I was unable to complete my training and eventually left the US Army, receiving an Honorable Discharge for my service to this country.

Since the day I graduated law school, I have exclusively practiced criminal defense. In addition, to my years of trial experience and training, I am a graduate of the Spence Trial Lawyer College (2016), which is 23 day intensive trial practice course taught in Dubois, Wyoming. Following my graduation from the Trial College, I attended and completed the Grad 1 program from the Spence Trial College in 2017 where I worked on more advanced trial advocacy skills.

I enjoy fly fishing and skiing and can be found on most of my days off pursuing one or the other of my passions within the state of Maine and across the country.

University of Maine - School of Law

J.D. (2004)

2004

Rutgers University - New Brunswick/Piscataway

B.S. | Political Science

1998 - 2000

Honors: Graduated with high honors. Member of Phi Beta Kapa.

Attorney and managing partner

WTB LAW

2010 - Current

Attorney William Bly specializes in criminal defense with a special emphasis on drunk driving defense. Attorney Bly's practice is solely devoted to defending people accused committing crimes. Attorney Bly's practice is devoted exclusively to criminal defense. WTB LAW is one of the very few law firms that practices criminal defense to the exclusion of all other areas of law. WTB LAW's attorneys practice statewide and handle all areas of criminal defense, including serious state felonies such as murder, manslaughter, arson, gross sexual assault and drug crimes. In addition, the attorneys of WTB LAW practice before the federal courts in both Bangor and Portland on all serious felony charges, which include drug trafficking, financial crimes and child pornography cases. Attorney Bly attends numerous professional education courses throughout the year. He is certified as an Evidentiary Breath Alcohol Technician by the US Department of Transportation, a Field Sobriety Instructor and Practitioner as recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and a graduate of the National College for DUI Defense. Attorney Bly has personally handled numerous criminal cases including arson, manslaughter, aggravated assault, aggravated OUI, robbery, burglary, OUI, DUI/DWI, assault, domestic violence, drug trafficking cases in both state and federal court, federal financial crimes, reckless conduct with a deadly weapon and many, many other criminal cases. Attorney Bly has been recognized by both his peers and former clients as the best in his field. New England Super Lawyers rated Attorney Bly as a Rising Star in his field from 2012-2015. Attorney Bly has developed a reputation as a hard nosed trial attorney. Whether the case is resolved by trial or negotiation, Attorney Bly will work tirelessly to resolve his clients' cases in a professionally aggressive manner.

Defending DUI Vehicular Homicide Cases

Aspartore

2012

The DWI Survival Guide: Demystifying the Process

Self

September, 2009

DUIDLA Spring Seminar 2018, Sunny Isles, FL

April 26, 2018

DUIDLA

Presenting on the topic of "Discovering Your Client's Story".

Rising Star

New England Super Lawyers

2011

Selected as a Rising Star in DUI Defense from 2011-2015.

Best of Portland 2010

The Portland Phoenix

2010

Maine State Bar  # 009776

Member

Current

New Hampshire Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2010 - Current

New Hampshire Bar Association

Member

2010 - Current

National College of DUI Defense

Member

2007 - Current

American Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2007 - Current

Maine

Since 2005

New Hampshire

2009-2011

• 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.

• OUI Defense
• OUI Accident
• OUI Child Endangerment
• OUI Injury
• OUI Commercial Driver's License

Q. At my second arraignment, can I ask for a court appointed lawyer if I was not offered one at the first arraignment?

January 28, 2021

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 of the Day (LOD), who is there solely to assist members of the public during the arraignment proceedings, and ask that he speak with the DA on your behalf. Perhaps the LOD can get the charges dropped. If not, you'll have to either represent yourself at future court proceedings or retain an attorney. ... 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?

February 3, 2020

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?

January 22, 2020

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.