Maine Judges Determine When the Absence of an Attorney Violates Constitution

On June 25 in Caribou, Judge Stephen Nelson faced a constitutional dilemma. Prosecutors had charged a defendant with aggravated drug trafficking, furnishing and possession nearly three weeks prior, but he still didn’t have an attorney.

“The court finds that there has been a violation of his constitutional rights to counsel,” Nelson said. “It’s been an unreasonable period of time. This is a very serious case.”

Noting the defendant did not have a significant criminal history, the judge lowered his bail to $5,000 with a series of conditions. As of July 3, the defendant was still in custody.

Read more at The Caledonian Record