Bill > LD530

This bill eliminates a rebuttable presumption against bar admission for applicants with certain criminal convictions. Specifically, the bill removes existing language that automatically creates a presumption that an applicant lacks good moral character if they have been convicted of a crime punishable by one year or more in imprisonment. Under the current law, an applicant could overcome this presumption by proving they received a lawful pardon, had extraordinary circumstances surrounding their crime, or demonstrated rehabilitation after a reasonable time. The proposed bill strikes this entire provision, effectively removing the automatic presumption against bar admission based on criminal convictions. This change means the bar admission board will evaluate an applicant's moral character without a predisposed assumption of unsuitability based solely on a prior criminal conviction, potentially providing more flexibility and individualized assessment of applicants' qualifications for legal practice.

Justice, Labor and Employment

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=530&snum=132