The ACLU of Maine lawsuit alleged Maine failed to create an effective public defense system in violation of criminal defendants' constitutional rights.
The ruling emphasized that it is the responsibility of the state to ensure a defendant has a speedy trial. But it also advised that the Legislature should consider adopting clear guidelines on how long that process should take.
The ACLU of Maine joined eight affiliates and the national organization this week in a letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury requesting the investigation.