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Bill > LD535
ME LD535
ME LD535An Act to Authorize Judicial Disposition of a Juvenile Adjudicated of Murder or a Class A Crime to a Term of Commitment Extending Beyond the Juvenile's 21st Birthday
summary
Introduced
02/11/2025
02/11/2025
In Committee
02/11/2025
02/11/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/06/2025
05/06/2025
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This bill allows a court to impose a sentence that includes commitment beyond 21 years of age for a juvenile adjudicated of murder or a Class A crime. The bill requires the court to weigh a number of factors in determining whether to sentence a juvenile beyond the juvenile's 21st birthday, including the severity and the circumstances of the offense, the age and maturity of the juvenile, the rehabilitation potential of the juvenile, prior criminal history, the impact on the victim and the victim's community and findings from psychological assessments. The bill requires that a juvenile be represented by counsel at periodic reviews regardless of age. The bill also directs the Commissioner of Corrections to transfer the juvenile to an adult correctional facility at 21 years of age.
AI Summary
This bill modifies existing Maine law to allow courts to commit juveniles who have committed murder or a Class A crime to a correctional facility beyond their 21st birthday. Specifically, the bill enables judges to extend a juvenile's commitment if certain conditions are met, including considering factors such as the severity of the offense, the juvenile's age and maturity, potential for rehabilitation, criminal history, impact on victims, and psychological assessments. The bill requires that the extended commitment cannot exceed the maximum sentence an adult would receive for the same crime. Additionally, the legislation mandates that juveniles must be represented by counsel during periodic reviews of their case, regardless of their age. When a juvenile reaches 21 years old and has been committed beyond that age, the Commissioner of Corrections is required to transfer them to an adult correctional facility. This bill represents a nuanced approach to juvenile justice, recognizing both the developmental characteristics of young offenders and the need to protect public safety in cases of serious crimes.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) (on 05/06/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=535&snum=132 |
| Fiscal Note: Text | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN053501.pdf |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0354&item=1&snum=132 |
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