If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the Maine Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-834-HELP (4357) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. A Bath man has been sentenced to 25 years incarceration at West Bath District Court on Tuesday stemming from a 2019 burglary and assault case. Corey Ater, 34, […]
criminal justice
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.
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Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Maine drug laws only making bad situation worse
Treating substance use disorder as a moral failure to be punished is costly both in lives and tax dollars.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Bill to eliminate cash bail in Maine for minor crimes advances
On a 10-2 vote, the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee endorsed a bill that would prohibit jailing suspects who can’t pay bail on most misdemeanor charges.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Maine should cut use of cash bail
County jails are full of people awaiting trial, mostly for minor offenses.
Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State, News, Politics
Lawmakers consider bill to eliminate cash bail for minor charges
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, would allow those charged with Class E misdemeanors like drinking in public to be released from jail without posting cash bail.
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Local & State
District attorney in Lewiston pushes to decriminalize prostitution for victims of sex trafficking
Some worry the move might spur more commercial sex in Maine as pimps tell young exploited women ‘you won’t get in trouble because it’s legal in Androscoggin.’
Posted inNation & World
Police reform bill gets new urgency in Congress, but the obstacles are the same
Lawmakers hope the conviction last week of former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin could provide the tipping point after decades of failed attempts to overhaul policing tactics.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Bill would seal records of convictions for minor marijuana offenses in Maine
Convictions for minor marijuana possession that is no longer illegal would be sealed from the public and others, and that’s drawing opposition from public access advocates.
Posted inPortland Forecaster
Youth Coalition ready to take on racial equity in schools and more
The Gateway Community Services Maine group’s primary goal is to improve communities for their peers in Portland and Lewiston.