The proposal would allow convictions for marijuana cultivation and possession crimes committed prior to legalization to be eligible for sealing by a judge.
criminal justice
Posted inTimes Record
Man charged in Bath elementary school arson expected to plead guilty
Authorities said Allan Thomas Vigil, of Bath, set a fire in June 2022 that burned down more than half of the Dike Newell School, rendering it unusable.
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Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime, News, Politics
For these Maine inmates, parole debate isn’t hypothetical
Some members of the Maine State Prison Debate team are at the heart of stalled legislative efforts to reinstate parole in Maine for the first time in more than 40 years. Many crime victims say the parole process is too traumatizing.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Commentary: It’s time for Maine to reinstate parole for rehabilitated inmates
Bearing part or all of the cost of their own supervision, eligible prisoners could be released and placed in jobs to support their families, make restitution and pay taxes.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Maine has a chance to lead the way on reinstating parole
Letting a supervised inmate serve the rest of their sentence in the community can work. A state panel has the opportunity to design a functional modern system.
Posted inKennebec Journal, Local & State, Maine Crime, News
Augusta man’s commencement from special court program highlights reduced sentences, opportunity to rebuild lives
A robbery charge against Jesse D. Nichols was dismissed this week after he completed the Co-Occurring Disorders Court program, which seeks to treat criminal defendants with substance abuse problems and help them get back on their feet.
Posted inLocal & State
Changes eyed to strip ‘prisoners’ and ‘inmates’ from Maine’s statute books
Lawmakers aim to replace language considered stigmatizing with gentler alternatives such as ‘resident of a jail.’
Posted inMaine Voices, Op-Eds, Opinion
Maine Voices: Sentence in domestic violence killing bodes poorly for women’s safety
The punishment handed down Dec. 28 in a Newport woman’s death – and the media coverage – minimize the abuse and turn it on the victim.
Posted inNews
Emery Community Arts Center hosts exhibit, meetings on mass-incarceration reform and prisoner-advocacy
UMF is hosting a series of Franklin County community action meetings on restorative justice with local law enforcement, organizations, leaders and other state prisoner advocacy and reentry organizations.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Criminal justice reforms atop Maine Legislature’s 2021 achievements
Now Gov. Mills should sign bills that would close Long Creek, end cash bail and decriminalize drug possession.