Maine defense lawyers were routinely recorded by four county jails in the past year while having confidential conversations with clients. The majority of county jails, however, are refusing to hand over call records.
Crime and Justice
Protected attorney-client calls released to prosecutors at least four times in Maine
While the state’s public defense agency continues to study the scope of the breach by three county jails, the ACLU of Maine does not have plans to take legal or legislative action.
At Lewiston-Auburn Black Lives Matter protest, demonstrators, police engage in standoff over taking a knee
At one of several Black Lives Matter protests this week, Mainers shared personal experiences with racism and prejudice alongside visions of hope and change.
Portland protesters peacefully demonstrate against systemic racism, police brutality
At one of several Black Lives Matter protests this week, Mainers shared personal experiences with racism and prejudice alongside visions of hope and change.
Breach of attorney-client privilege in Somerset County sparks outrage in Maine legal community
The coronavirus pandemic has stripped lawyers of the surest way to privately communicate with clients: face-to-face in a private room. Reliant on recorded phone lines and video conferencing systems, these attorney and client conversations are now at risk. And one just leaked.
Legislative Limbo
More than 400 pieces of Maine legislation are in limbo, including measures to reform the state’s criminal justice system, following the sudden adjournment of the Legislature last week because of concerns about the spread of coronavirus. There is urgency to decide on these bills before new representatives are elected in November.
Maine reduces jail population amid coronavirus concerns
Maine is reducing its jail population as the state aims to avoid potential exposure of staff and inmates to COVID-19, the illness widely known as coronavirus, inside its locked facilities.
A reminder to avoid a remand?
More than 9,000 people are incarcerated in Maine jails every year for one simple reason: They didn’t show up for their court date. Advocates say a text message system that would send court date reminders to defendants’ cell phones could help reduce that number. Others say a paper reminder should be enough.
A district divided
Washington County officials, feeling neglected by the district attorney they share with Hancock County, want their own prosecutorial district to help address the growth of drug-related offenses. The unequal relationship between the counties highlights a disparity in Maine’s district court system.
Missed deadline will delay major public defender reforms
Major reforms to Maine’s public defense system are expected to be delayed until at least 2021, after the Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services missed its window to submit rule changes by more than five weeks.
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