An Act To Prohibit The Appointment Or Assignment Of A Private Attorney To Provide Indigent Legal Services Without That Attorney'S Consent

Maine LD 2195 would amend state law to prevent courts from appointing a private attorney to represent an indigent defendant unless the attorney first agrees to take the case. The bill requires that any such appointment also be approved by the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services, which must determine the attorney is eligible for the assignment. This change directly affects private attorneys who are not public defenders or contract counsel, as well as the courts and the commission involved in managing legal representation for those who cannot afford a lawyer.