CourtWatchME

Our goal is to watch, record, analyze, and publicize the actions of Judges and Prosecutors during arraignments and first appearances in Maine courts.

[CourtWatchME @CourtWatchME]

We have another volunteer training at 2pm tomorrow! If you are interested in volunteering with us, sign up for training via the “get involved” section of our website, https://t.co/VfZNuyX3Zp or send us a message here. We hope to see you soon!

[CourtWatchME @CourtWatchME]

These cases were thefts, and we have seen Waterville theft cases before diverted via a “shoplifters alternative” program. This program is also used by the Cumberland County DAs office. Why was this not extended as an alternative to “crisis and counseling” for these defendants?

[CourtWatchME @CourtWatchME]

Also in Waterville, 3 cases included an offer for dismissal after completion of the “crisis and counseling” program. This program has recently been discontinued, making it much harder to have ones charges dismissed.

[CourtWatchME @CourtWatchME]

This means, theoretically, three more people with a criminal record that formerly would have been able to keep their record clear.

[CourtWatchME @CourtWatchME]

Yesterday, indigent people seeking a court appointed lawyer in Waterville were told there were none available that practiced in Waterville, leading to 4 cases that were assigned lawyers who take Kennebec county cases but are based nearly an hour away (Lewiston/auburn area).

[CourtWatchME @CourtWatchME]

Mainers being arraigned this morning in Augusta will wait a full six months before their next court date -- December 30th. Courts are badly backlogged. Most of the cases this morning are traffic violations.

[CourtWatchME @CourtWatchME]

Lawyer of the day asked the judge for a break so he could continue distributing discovery. Glad to see Lawyer of the Day push for "Equal Justice Under Law".

[CourtWatchME @CourtWatchME]

Criminal arraignments are beginning in Augusta District Court. Some people have their discovery from the lawyer of the day. He wasn't able to get through his list but the judge started anyway.

[CourtWatchME @CourtWatchME]

We have a new volunteer training session today from 2pm-3pm!

If you are interested in becoming a courtwatcher, message us here or email at [email protected] for the zoom link.

[CourtWatchME @CourtWatchME]

In all 66 total arraignments, mental health was never mentioned.

We observed the lawyer of the day advocating directly on behalf of the accused only 3 out of 66 times.

[CourtWatchME @CourtWatchME]

In the past three days we have watched 66 arraignments in Skowhegan, Augusta, and Waterville. Of these, 13 were operating under the influence, and 8 were for unlawful possession of scheduled drugs

Substance use disorder was never mentioned

Treatment/diversion was mentioned once

[CourtWatchME @CourtWatchME]

Update: Waterville’s afternoon arraignments (taking place nearly 5 hours after this mornings) also had a Lawyer of the Day accessible only via zoom in a separate conference room.

No defense attorney present at all in the courtroom throughout the entire session.

[CourtWatchME @CourtWatchME]

Compare this to the team of two prosecutors who are in arguing on the side of the state. How could anyone call this fair and equal representation?

This is why we need to be in courtrooms.

[CourtWatchME @CourtWatchME]

Waterville DC this morning:

Lawyer of the Day was unable to attend, so defendants were only able to speak with a lawyer via zoom in a separate conference room. Only two people spoke with them.

There is no way the lawyer would be able to advocate on the behalf of the accused.

[CourtWatchME @CourtWatchME]

Our team is gearing up to hit the courts this upcoming Monday!

[CourtWatchME @CourtWatchME]

Interested in joining us in our efforts to demystify courts in Maine? Join us on June 9th from 2-3 PM for our online training session (via zoom)! Click on the link below to sign up!
https://t.co/znQ3dzGzns

[CourtWatchME @CourtWatchME]

Welcome to the official twitter page for Court Watch ME, a Maine specific project inspired by CourtWatch programs established across the US. Court Watch ME invites community members to help gather data on court arraignments in an effort to hold judges and attorneys accountable.

[CourtWatchME @CourtWatchME]

"The settlement helps ensure that the state treats every Mainer with respect and dignity and that we don't have any second-class people with second-class rights."

https://t.co/gkQjTSfrdI

( Sent from Central Maine )

[Maine House Democrats @MaineHouseDems]

Congratulations to Assistant House Majority Leader Rachel Talbot Ross for being named the Equal Justice Hero of 2021! @RTalbotRoss

[CourtWatchME @CourtWatchME]

We Know the Real Cause of the Crisis in Our Hospitals. It’s Greed. https://t.co/vZTZjSYENU