Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes a court to impose a sentence that includes commitment beyond 21 years of age for a juvenile adjudicated of murder or a Class A felony crime in Maine.

Highlights:

• Authorizes a court to impose a sentence that includes commitment beyond 21 years of age for a juvenile adjudicated of murder or a Class A felony crime in Maine (Sec. 1-4).

• Requires the court  to weigh several factors in determining whether to sentence a juvenile beyond the juvenile's 21st birthday, including (Sec. 1-4):

• The severity and the circumstances of the offense;

• The age and maturity of the juvenile, the rehabilitation potential of the juvenile, 

• Prior criminal history;

• The impact on the victim and the victim's community; and 

• Findings from psychological assessments.

• Requires that a juvenile be represented by counsel at periodic reviews regardless of age (Sec. 1-4).

• Specifies and directs the Commissioner of Corrections to transfer the juvenile to an adult correctional facility at 21 years of age (Sec. 1-4).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text