York County refused to release records about times it may have recorded and listened to phone calls between defense lawyers and people held at the jail.
Crime and Justice
Gov. Mills lets public defense changes become law
Hard-fought reforms to Maine’s public defense system were enacted on July 15 without the signature of Gov. Janet Mills.
Lawyer withdraws from nearly 200 cases after not complying with billing investigation
In a scathing court motion, Amy Fairfield accused the Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services of launching a “targeted campaign” against her law firm.
Lawmakers agree on ‘good start’ to overhauling state’s troubled legal defense system
Three bills cleared a major hurdle in the state House and Senate on Thursday and gained unanimous support of legislators. The reforms could change how Maine provides legal services to its poor and pays court-appointed attorneys.
Defense lawyers say system crumbling under huge backlog, inadequate funding for indigent defendants
The Legislature faces a vote on a $21.8 million package to overhaul the state’s criminal defense system, but Gov. Mills has yet to signal approval.
As families struggle to afford 15-minute phone calls from jail, Maine counties rake in millions
Private phone contracts at Maine jails and prisons are adding millions of dollars to state and local coffers while financially straining families.
Following arrest, defense lawyer banned from representing defendants for state
Suzanne Dwyer-Jones was charged with impaired driving on May 10. She continued to represent the state’s poorest defendants — until she was suspended Thursday.
Federal judge dismisses wiretapping claims at Maine jails
Lawyers and clients were unable to show that Securus Technologies intentionally recorded their calls at county jails, a federal judge ruled.
Nominees for Maine’s public defense commission broke rules to work on serious criminal cases
If confirmed by the Senate, lawyers Meegan Burbank and Matthew Morgan would help oversee the system they – and scores of other attorneys – violated.
Two-year budget leaves public defense reform underfunded
Lawmakers delay decision again on whether to add money to the next state budget for legal services for Maine’s poor.
SUPPORT US
Help us expand our in-depth and enterprise reporting.
SEND US A TIP
Many of our stories have been based on tips from readers.