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Bill > LD1706
ME LD1706
ME LD1706An Act Regarding Notification of Appointment of Legal Representation for Indigent Clients in Custody
summary
Introduced
04/17/2025
04/17/2025
In Committee
04/17/2025
04/17/2025
Crossed Over
06/03/2025
06/03/2025
Passed
06/03/2025
06/03/2025
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This bill requires assignment of competent defense counsel to an accused person who is indigent within 24 hours of such assignment if the accused is incarcerated.
AI Summary
This bill modifies existing Maine state law to require that when an indigent (low-income) defendant who is currently in custody is assigned a defense attorney, the court must officially record (docket) that attorney's assignment within 24 hours, not counting weekends and holidays. The purpose of this requirement appears to be ensuring that incarcerated individuals who cannot afford their own legal representation are quickly and formally connected with a competent defense lawyer, thereby protecting their constitutional right to legal counsel. By mandating prompt docketing of counsel assignment, the bill aims to reduce delays in legal representation for defendants who are detained, which could help prevent potential violations of due process and ensure that indigent clients have timely access to legal support while in custody.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (10)
Sophia Warren (D)*,
David Boyer (R),
Tavis Hasenfus (D),
Mark Lawrence (D),
Kristi Mathieson (D),
Nina Milliken (D),
Christina Mitchell (D),
Sue Salisbury (D),
Dan Sayre (D),
Charles Skold (D),
Last Action
CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (on 06/25/2025)
bill text
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=1706&snum=132 |
| House: C-A (H-458) | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP1141&item=2&snum=132 |
| Fiscal Note: C-A (H-458) | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN170602.pdf |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP1141&item=1&snum=132 |
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