Maine

STATE PROFILE

The Maine Juvenile Defense Delivery System is based on the court appointments of private attorneys to delinquency cases.
The Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services oversees the appointment process.
Juveniles are advised of their right to counsel at every court appearance. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 15 § 3306(1)(A).
If counsel is requested and the juvenile and his legal guardian are found to be indigent, the court shall appoint counsel. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 15 § 3306(1)(B).
In determining whether a juvenile is indigent, the court considers the income, credit standing, assets, living expenses, dependents, outstanding obligations, cost of retaining competent counsel. Me. R. Crim. P. 44(b).
If the juvenile is an un-emancipated minor, the court will also consider the financial resources of their parents. Me. R. Crim. P. 44(b).

The youngest age at which a juvenile can be adjudicated delinquent is not specified by any statute.
A juvenile who commits a crime after attaining the age of 18, will no longer be under the jurisdiction of Family Court. 15 Me. Rev. Stat. Ann§ 3003(14); Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit.15 § 3101(1)(d).
The Family Court can retain jurisdiction of a juvenile who committed a crime prior to his/her 18th birthday until he/she turns 21. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 15 § 3316(2)(a).

At first appearance before the court, the juvenile and parents, guardian or legal custodian shall be advised of their right to be represented by counsel at every stage of the proceedings
Court may appoint counsel without the juvenile requesting counsel if the course deems representation by counsel necessary. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 15 § 3306.

Code Section and Rules of Court: Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 15 §§ 3201-3205, 3306, 3306-A.
Detention Hearing: Within 48 hours of detention, excluding weekends and holidays.
Appointed Counsel at Detention Hearing: Yes. Court shall appoint counsel if requested. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 15 § 3306.

There is no minimum age for prosecution as an adult in Maine
Maine does have life without parole for adult and juveniles, but has never sentenced a juvenile bound-over into adult court to life without parole.

Maine CASA — Augusta, ME
- Organization that recruits, trains, and oversees volunteers who help Maine foster children find safe, permanent, and loving homes.
The Restorative Justice Project — Belfast, ME
- Provides at risk youth and juvenile offenders with alternatives to arrest, adjudication, jail, and probation. Promotes fundamental change in the justice system and schools.
Long Creek Youth Development Center — South Portland, ME