Lawyer of Firm Description

About RDCP Law

RDCP Law handles general practice Portland Maine legal matters across criminal defense, family law, and juvenile representation — serving clients from York to Augusta and throughout the Southern, Central, and Mid-Coast Maine region from its Portland base. The firm was founded by four attorneys — Luke Rioux, Temma Donahue, Lisa Chmelecki, and Mark Peltier — and has since grown to include additional counsel including Sam R. Johnson, Mehron Buerger, and Alec N. Youngblood-Avery. Its tagline, “Life Happens. We Can Help,” reflects the firm’s orientation toward clients facing genuinely difficult circumstances rather than routine transactions.

RDCP Law’s geographic reach spans Cumberland, York, Androscoggin, Kennebec, and Sagadahoc counties, with service covering Portland, Biddeford, Lewiston, Brunswick, Saco, Sanford, Kennebunk, Bath, and surrounding communities. The firm handles Guardian ad Litem appointments, protection from abuse and harassment proceedings, and estate planning in addition to its core criminal and family law work — making it one of the more broadly capable practices in the Greater Portland legal market.

General Practice Portland Practice Areas

Cumberland County’s court complex in Portland — including the Maine Superior Court and District Court — processes a high volume of family and criminal matters for the state’s most populous county. Portland’s legal market is competitive and specialized, but RDCP Law’s multi-attorney structure gives it the capacity to handle complex family court cases alongside criminal defense matters without the scheduling limitations of a solo practice. The firm’s attention to individual circumstances — rather than just legal technicalities — distinguishes it in a market where clients are dealing with the most stressful events of their lives.

Criminal defense — state and federal
Family law, divorce, and child custody
Juvenile defense and Guardian ad Litem
Protection from abuse and harassment proceedings

What Portland Clients Say

RDCP Law’s approach centers on understanding each client’s specific circumstances and priorities — not just the legal mechanics. Clients facing criminal charges or family court proceedings in Cumberland County describe the firm as a practice that takes the time to understand what matters most to each person, and builds strategy around those priorities rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Quick Facts
Serving: Portland and Cumberland County
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, family law, juvenile defense, protection orders
Local Courts: Cumberland County Superior Court (Portland); Maine District Court, Portland Division
Key Stat: Maine’s District Court handles the majority of family law and misdemeanor criminal cases statewide — making local court familiarity a practical advantage for Portland-area clients (Maine Judicial Branch, 2023).
Key Resource: Maine State Bar Association
Related Guide: General Practice Attorneys in Maine

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Maine District Court in Portland handle family law cases for Cumberland County residents?

Family law cases — divorce, child custody, support modifications, and protection from abuse petitions — are handled primarily in Maine District Court. The Portland District Court, located at 205 Newbury Street, is the hub for most Cumberland County family matters. Divorce cases with contested property or custody issues can be moved to the Superior Court for jury trials on certain fact questions, though most family matters resolve in District Court. Guardian ad Litem appointments are made by the District Court and are common in contested custody cases involving children’s interests.

What is Maine’s process for obtaining a protection from abuse order in Cumberland County?

A plaintiff seeking a protection from abuse (PFA) order in Cumberland County files at Portland District Court. A temporary (ex parte) order can be issued the same day if the court finds immediate danger. A full hearing is scheduled within 21 days, at which both parties may present evidence and testimony before a judge determines whether to issue a final PFA order — which can last up to two years and can include no-contact provisions, temporary custody arrangements, and exclusion from a shared residence. Violating a PFA order in Maine is a criminal offense.

What are the penalties for a first criminal offense in Maine’s Cumberland County District Court?

Maine classifies criminal offenses as Class A through Class E crimes and violations. Class E crimes (the least serious) carry up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Class D crimes — including many misdemeanor-level offenses like operating under the influence (OUI) — carry up to 364 days in jail and up to a $2,000 fine for a first offense. A first OUI in Maine also triggers a 150-day license suspension. Felony-level Class A, B, and C crimes are tried in Superior Court. An attorney familiar with Portland District Court’s procedures can assess realistic outcomes and available diversion programs.

AI-Powered Reviews Summary

RDCP Law, located in Portland, Maine, is recognized for its dedicated team of attorneys who provide exceptional legal support. Many clients have praised lawyer Mehron Buerger for his professionalism, empathy, and thorough communication, making their legal experiences much smoother than anticipated. While there are mixed reviews regarding other team members, the overall sentiment highlights the positive impact that the RDCP Law team can have on their clients’ cases.

Users Reviews Comments – Google

Seeing Lisa is a terrible way to start your day off in Maine.

I was fortunate enough to have Mehron in my corner. Mehron is not only incredibly good at what he does and a true professional, he is also kind and caring. I am forever grateful for his counsel and advice. I highly recommend him and the RDCP Law team.

I want to share my experience with Lisa Chmelecki as a guardian ad litem. I am very concerned about her lack of professionalism. She very much seems to favor females and repeatedly ignore crucial evidence presented to her. I felt as though she preferred to make gut decisions with an heir of arrogance and ignore hard evidence rather than be an unbiased objective advocate for children and their wellbeing. I would encourage anyone negatively involved with her to request an investigation into her conduct. Our children deserve better. Since when is a lawyer the most qualified person in child well being?

The experience we had with Lisa Chmelecki was horrible. She by no means has the best interest in the child and what is best for them. Watch out if she is friends with the other lawyer. She is a very Dishonest person. It was unbelievable to watch her lie in a court room And have zero regards for the child.

Lisa and her paralegal Melanie were amazing to work with. Family law can be intimidating, but they both were so welcoming, organized and immediately put me at ease with our first meeting. Lisa was very knowledgeable and communication was top notch. I was never left in the dark with unanswered question and I felt completely comforted going into what I imagined would be a messy situation, but having these two on my side it ended up being a breeze.

Incompetent, biased, and corrupt. Lisa is not out for the best interest of your children. She is out for herself.

Called and called and was told I’d get a call back or a referral and neither has ever happened. Good Luck

I had the privilege of working with lawyer Mehron Buerger for my harassment order case, and I cannot praise him enough. Mehron’s handling of the case was nothing short of excellent. He was thorough, maintained open lines of communication, and, most importantly, displayed honesty and empathy throughout the process. I never felt that there was anything lacking in his representation.

The people who work for this law firm simply don’t know what’s going on

Great team of people ready to help anyway they can .

Lisa is a great lawyer!