In many states it is a criminal offense to intentionally or recklessly transmit a sexually transmitted disease (STD or venereal disease) to another person. Examples of such diseases include HIV/AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), genital warts, and hepatitis B.

Laws vary from state to state, and in some states these laws include other infectious or communicable diseases. In some states there is a specific criminal offense for transmission of sexually transmitted or communicable diseases, and in other states criminal prosecutors charge the defendant with a more general crime like assault.

Laws regarding criminal liability for the intentional or reckless transmission of sexual or other infectious or communicable diseases are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code, or the health and safety code.

A person who negligently transmits a sexually transmitted disease to another person through sexual contact—without informing the other person of the offender’s infection before the sexual contact—may also be subject to civil liability for money damages in a lawsuit.

In Maine, the transmission of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) can lead to criminal charges under certain circumstances. Maine law specifically addresses the transmission of HIV under statute 5 M.R.S. § 19202, which makes it a crime to knowingly transfer body fluid, tissue, or organs that may contain the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) without informing the recipient of the potential risk of transmission. This law is primarily focused on HIV but serves as a precedent for the seriousness with which Maine treats the intentional or reckless spread of communicable diseases. Additionally, under Maine's general criminal statutes, a person who intentionally or recklessly transmits an STD to another person could potentially be charged with assault or other related crimes. On the civil side, individuals who negligently transmit an STD without informing their partner beforehand may face lawsuits for damages. It's important to note that the specifics of each case can affect the applicability of these laws, and an attorney can provide guidance on the current legal standards and potential defenses.