AUBURN – A Lewiston city councilor and former state representative is seeking a trial to answer misdemeanor charges stemming from signature-gathering efforts on political petitions.

James Howaniec, attorney for Stavros Mendros, said his client isn’t likely to strike a deal.

“We don’t envision a plea,” Howaniec said.

Mendros said he welcomed the chance to give his side of the story.

“I’m looking forward to it, actually,” he said in a phone message.

Mendros was charged in July by the Maine Attorney General’s Office with four counts of false acknowledgment of oath. He pleaded not guilty on all counts.

Howaniec met last week with a judge at Androscoggin County Superior Court and a state prosecutor after the case was transferred from 8th District Court for a status review.

A January trial is likely, Howaniec said.

Mendros, who represents Ward 1 on the Lewiston City Council, works as an organizer for signature-gathering campaigns to get referendum questions on state ballots.

The Maine Attorney General’s Office charged him in July with misusing his notary commission during a signature drive for approval of a Washington County casino, up for a statewide vote next week. Mendros is accused of not being present during the administration of the oath to petition gatherers.

The four petition circulators named in the complaint, whose oaths Mendros allegedly failed to witness are Thomas Lohnes of Sanford, David Dutch of Shapleigh, David M. Hall of St. Albans and Jacqueline Stowe of Lewiston. They circulated petitions in Waterboro, Biddeford, Bangor and Lewiston.

Mendros served two terms in the Maine House of Representatives as a Lewiston Republican. In the Legislature, he served on the Joint Standing Judiciary Committee.

A Class E crime is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.