Criminal Legal Reform

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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.

The Latest

Press Release
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ACLU of Maine Investigating Unlawful CBP Traffic Stop and Detention

The organization filed a complaint to uncover information about an unlawful traffic stop involving overreach, racial profiling, and retaliation against a Maine resident.
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights, Criminal Legal Reform, Civil Rights and Liberties
Press Release
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Maine Law Court to Hear Arguments in Landmark Case on Right to Counsel

On Tuesday, October 7, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court will hear arguments following the state’s appeal of a ruling requiring it to uphold the Sixth Amendment right to counsel.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform
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Press Release
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Maine Law Court Strengthens Miranda Rights, Protections from Self-Incrimination

The decision in State of Maine v. McLain clarifies that police must obtain a clear waiver of rights during interrogations, expanding state-level protections even as federal courts have weakened Miranda rights.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform
Court Cases: Defending the Right to Remain Silent During Police Interrogations — State of Maine v. Derric McLain
Court Case
Mar 01, 2022

Protecting the Right to Counsel – Robbins v. State of Maine

We're suing the state for failing to provide effective legal assistance to people who cannot afford their own attorney – just as the Sixth Amendment demands. A person’s freedom should never depend on their wealth.
Court Case
Aug 05, 2021

Defending the Right to Remain Silent During Police Interrogations — State of Maine v. Derric McLain

We filed a friend-of-the-court brief arguing that Maine's constitution should provide stronger protection for Miranda rights than current federal law. You have rights when you are interrogated by the police, and police should never be allowed to violate your rights and coerce a confession.
Court Case
Jul 31, 2019

Reining In Unchecked Police Power – Gaul v. York County, et al.

We're suing to protect Maine's people from unreasonable warrantless arrests after a York County man was detained, arrested, and strip searched for a minor, nonviolent misdemeanor charge – all without a warrant or any public safety or flight risk.
Court Case
Nov 05, 2018

Smith v. Aroostook County