I just looked it up: http://janus.state.me.us/legis/statutes/17-a/title17-asec509.html
Filing a false police report in the state of Maine is a class D crime which carries a sentence of less than one year, which equates to a misdemeanor in states using that terminology (ME doesn't use the terms "misdemeanor" and "felony"). Perjury in court or signing governmental documents under penalty of perjury is a felony.
I just read of a Portsmouth woman who was arrested and charged with filing a false report of rape a few months ago. It is a a misdemeanor charge: http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/07122006/nhnews-ph-p-fake.rape.html
OK, I had a complaint related to false charges of domestic violence filed by my ex-wife when we were divorcing in Sagadahoc country a few years ago, the deputy told me it was up to 4 years, obviously he was mistaken. I did have extended correspondence with the DAs office though, and they just plain had no interest in pursuing it, even though it was a slam-dunk. The thing ended up costing me 4 years in court, about a hundred thousand dollars and custody of my kids.
Of course when it's all over it's "Sorry pal, that's the way the cookie crumbles".
Portsmouth is New Hampshire, and that is a whole 'nother world. Across the river from Portsmouth is York County, which is in Maine. The DA for York County made a big name for himself amoung the feminists by prosecuting a schoolteacher on supposed sexual assault charges. There was nothing to it, and the case was dropped AFTER the guy lost his job and his career was ruined.
That DA Michael Cantara was picked to head the state-wide public safty office - the so-called "top cop". No matter how outragous his behavior, he knew the fems would support him.
That's the mistake Nifong is making - and you will notice that the pot-bangers are still supporting the guy. But he has gone too far this time.
But that is his only crime as far as the MSM is concerned -that he just went a little too far.