The ACLU of Maine filed suit one year ago this week, claiming the state is failing in its constitutional obligation to provide attorneys to low-income criminal defendants. Since then, lawmakers created a small, public defender office to take cases in rural Maine.
Washington County court did not have a lawyer lined up Monday to represent people making an initial court appearance, prompting District Judge David Mitchell to order the release of three people arrested over the weekend.
Washington County court did not have a lawyer lined up Monday to represent people making an initial court appearance, prompting District Judge David Mitchell to order the release of three people arrested over the weekend.