Maine § 1802. - Definitions
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 1802. — Definitions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 1802.. Definitions
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2009, c. 419, §2 (NEW).]
1. Assigned counsel. "Assigned counsel" means a private attorney designated by the commission to provide indigent legal services at public expense.
1-A. Appellate counsel. "Appellate counsel" means an attorney who is entitled to payment under Title 15, section 2115‑A, subsection 8 or 9.
2. Commission. "Commission" means the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services under section 1801.
3. Contract counsel. "Contract counsel" means a private attorney under contract with the commission to provide indigent legal services.
3-A. Employed counsel. "Employed counsel" means an attorney employed by the commission to provide indigent legal services in civil proceedings.
4. Indigent legal services. "Indigent legal services" means legal representation provided to:
A. An indigent defendant in a criminal case in which the United States Constitution or the Constitution of Maine or federal or state law requires that the State provide representation; [PL 2009, c. 419, §2 (NEW).]
B. An indigent party in a civil case in which the United States Constitution or the Constitution of Maine or federal or state law requires that the State provide representation; [PL 2019, c. 427, §1 (AMD).]
C. Juvenile defendants; and [PL 2019, c. 427, §1 (AMD).]
D. An indigent defendant or party or a juvenile for the purpose of filing, on behalf of that indigent defendant or party or juvenile, a petition for certiorari to the Supreme Court of the United States from an adverse decision of the Law Court on a case for which services were previously provided to that defendant or party or juvenile pursuant to paragraph A, B or C. [PL 2019, c. 427, §2 (NEW).]
"Indigent legal services" does not include the services of a guardian ad litem appointed pursuant to Title 22, section 4005, subsection 1.
5. Public defender. "Public defender" means an attorney employed by the commission to provide indigent legal services in criminal and juvenile proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 1802.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 1802. cover?
Section 1802. ("Definitions") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maine § 1802.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 1802." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maine law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.
How does Maine § 1802. apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.