Editor,

I am State Director of Marsy’s Law for Maine, a Victim’s Bill of Rights that is currently being considered by Maine lawmakers. After getting to know many victims across Maine, some of whom have had the most serious of crimes committed against them or their loved ones, I believe more strongly than ever that crime victims in our state deserve rights that are on par with the people accused or convicted of the crimes against them. L.D. 1168 will make sure Maine crime victims are afforded equal rights.

The rights for crime victims proposed in Marsy’s Law for Maine are straightforward and common-sense. If passed by Maine legislators and subsequently by Maine voters, crime victims in Maine will have rights such as to be notified if the perpetrator in their case has been released, to notification of legal proceedings in their case, to be present at those proceedings, and to address the court in certain proceedings.

The safety of crime victims and their families will be considered, and victims finally will have rights that are guaranteed, reliable, enforceable and recognized at the highest levels in the criminal justice system. Crime victims will feel like participants in their cases, no longer an “after-thought” or a “bystander,” as some of them have told me they feel they are perceived. These innocent victims, whose lives in some cases have been changed forever by the actions of another, will get back some sense of justice.

The majority of states ensure their victims of crime have rights in their Constitutions. It is time for Maine to do the same. I encourage our lawmakers to support Marsy’s Law for Maine and finally afford equal rights for crime victims in our state.

Christopher Quint

State Director, Marsy’s Law for Maine

Biddeford