Bill > LD1849

This bill establishes a comprehensive revision of Maine's juvenile justice system by modifying the definition and treatment of juvenile crimes. The bill sets the minimum age for juvenile criminal responsibility at 11 years old, with special provisions for serious crimes like murder, manslaughter, and felony murder. It eliminates certain specific references to juvenile offenses related to hunting, watercraft, and motor vehicle operations, instead treating these as general juvenile crimes. The legislation redefines what constitutes a "juvenile crime" and modifies how such crimes are processed, including changes to bail procedures, court jurisdictions, and potential penalties. Key changes include adjusting the standard of proof for different types of juvenile offenses, modifying license suspension rules for motor vehicle-related crimes, and streamlining the language around juvenile legal proceedings. The bill also ensures that these changes do not retroactively affect charges or adjudications for conduct committed before the law's effective date, providing clarity and consistency in how juvenile justice will be administered going forward.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1849&snum=132