AUGUSTA — The Legislature gave final approval on Wednesday to a measure sponsored by Rep. Adam Lee, D-Auburn, that as amended, would streamline Maine’s court system by allowing pretrial nontestimonial proceedings to be conducted remotely by default, unless a judge or justice specifically requires in-person attendance.
LD 267 would formalize a practice that has been inconsistently applied across Maine's court system. While judges currently have discretion to permit virtual participation in nontestimonial proceedings, the new law would standardize this option.
“I’ve heard from several criminal defense attorneys that judges and clerk’s offices are requiring in-person pretrial appearances,” said Lee, a practicing attorney. “By establishing remote appearances as the default option, this legislation will help reduce the significant case backlog, decrease uncertainty for all parties involved in criminal proceedings, save substantial financial resources expended by Maine’s Commission on Public Defense Services for attorney travel and enable more efficient resolution of cases.”
The Maine Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, which testified in support of the bill, noted that approximately 6,500 more criminal cases are currently pending compared to pre-pandemic levels. This backlog is creating substantial hardships for defendants awaiting resolution, victims seeking justice, witnesses required to appear and the court system as a whole.
The bill now heads to the governor’s desk.
Lee is serving his second term in the Maine House and is a member of the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee. He represents House District 89, which includes a portion of Auburn, including its downtown.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Lee) | 305-965-2744