The ACLU of Maine seeks to end excessively harsh criminal law policies that disproportionately affect poor people and people of color and stand in the way of a just and equal society. We are working to reform police practices, the indigent defense system, disproportionate sentencing and government abuse of authority in the name of fighting crime, as well as drug laws that have failed to improve public safety and health and have put an unprecedented number of people behind bars.
Criminal Legal Reform
Gaul v. York County, et al.
January 14, 2022Smith v. Aroostook County
November 5, 2018Smith v. Fitzpatrick, et al.
July 26, 2018
Ali v. Long Creek, et al.
March 14, 2018Filler v. Kellett (amicus brief)
October 18, 2016State of Maine v. Micah Day
September 8, 2016
LD 776: "An Act Regarding Post-judgment Motion by a Person Seeking To Satisfy the Prerequisites for Obtaining Special Restrictions on the Dissemination and Use of Criminal History Record Information for Certain Criminal Convictions"
January 8, 2020LD 1295: "An Act To Determine the Need To Increase the Number of Forensic Emergency and Crisis Beds"
January 8, 2020LD 1953: "An Act Regarding Driver's License Suspensions for Nondriving Violations"
January 8, 2020
The Latest
Testimony on Treatment of Unsheltered Persons in Portland
August 3, 2020
Committee Votes to Move Forward with Bail Reform Bill
July 24, 2020
As Overdose Deaths Rise, Broad Coalition Demands Practical,...
July 17, 2020
News: ACLU Urges Portland School Board to End School Resource...
June 30, 2020
Statement Calling for MIAC Investigation
June 24, 2020Statement Regarding Protests
June 3, 2020