Few Maine lawyers have offered to help tackle the backlog amid high caseloads and lower pay.
Crime & Justice
Maine judge grants class action status to ACLU suit on public defense system
Justice Michaela Murphy’s ruling means as many as 7,200 plaintiffs could join action against state public defense commission.
Availability of Maine defense lawyers reaches all-time low
Maine’s public defense agency reports only 224 attorneys are accepting assignments to new criminal and child protection cases from courts.
Measuring the impact of The Monitor’s reporting so far in 2022
Today, our reporters take a look back at their most important stories from the first half of 2022.
Justice rules ACLU can proceed with lawsuit against state public defense agency, commissioners
The ACLU of Maine lawsuit contends the state’s unique public defense system is failing indigent defendants.
Lawmakers approve funding to hire Maine’s first public defenders
Director warns of “imminent” crisis in being able to find lawyers for all people needing public defense.
Maine caps phone call prices in jails and prisons
The law expands protection of prisoners from excessive fees to call their families and lawyers.
Lawmakers make last-minute bid to “pony up” money for indigent legal defense
Maine Republicans and Democrats discuss splitting $1.2 million price tag to hire five public defenders.
Maine defense lawyer charged with criminal OUI by grand jury
Suzanne Dwyer-Jones routinely defends indigent clients in court. The agency overseeing representation of the poor plans to suspend her.
Lawyer leaves state board, claims poor attitude by lawmakers toward impoverished defendants
Bob Cummins gives up his seat on the Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services, contending state officials ‘don’t give a damn’ about reform.
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