Clarifies when an indigent criminal defendant is entitled to counsel at state expense in Maine.

This bill amends Maine Revised Statutes to clarify when an indigent criminal defendant is entitled to counsel at state expense. It specifies that such entitlement exists if there is a risk upon conviction that the accused may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment. The bill implements recommendations from the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services to ensure clarity and transparency in the legislative review process.

Clarifies when an indigent criminal defendant is entitled to counsel at state expense in Maine.

This bill amends Maine Revised Statutes to clarify when an indigent criminal defendant is entitled to counsel at state expense. It specifies that such entitlement exists if there is a risk upon conviction that the accused may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment. The bill implements recommendations from the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services to ensure clarity and transparency in the legislative review process.