Defenseless An investigation into how Maine represents its poorest defendants
The Maine Monitor and ProPublica found that more than a quarter of Maine attorneys disciplined in the past decade for serious professional misconduct were hired as lawyers for the poor. Sex crimes and felony convictions were among the most severe infractions overlooked in the only state without public defenders. Defendants paid the price.
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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.
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.
Lawmakers seek funding for Maine’s first public defenders
Committee proposes a dispatchable unit of defense lawyers to work on cases in underserved rural courts.
ACLU sues Maine, says it provides ineffective defense counsel for people charged with crimes
Frustrated by a lack of progress, ‘last resort’ lawsuit alleges a state commission violates defendants’ constitutional rights.
License suspended after lawyer allegedly takes $189,000 from estate
The Maine Supreme Judicial Court issued the ruling against Christopher Whalley on Feb. 17.
Samantha Hogan: A year later, Maine still last state without public defenders
Lawmakers returning to Augusta this month may recommend enacting a bill to open the state’s first trial-level public defender office.
Attorney general sues Maine lawyer for ‘negligent misrepresentation’ of billing
State officials filed a civil lawsuit against Fairfield & Associates and managing attorney Amy Fairfield for bad billing practices.
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.