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Penobscot DA warns 'Robins' decision could force releases, case dismissals amid defense attorney shortage
Summary
The Penobscot County District Attorney told commissioners a recent court ruling known as the Robins decision and an ongoing defense attorney shortage risk early releases after 14 days in custody and possible dismissals after 60 days, and said the county is preparing for near-term impacts.
The Penobscot County District Attorney told county commissioners on April 1 that a court ruling known locally as the Robins decision and a shortage of attorneys taking court-appointed work could force the release of jailed defendants after 14 days without counsel and may require dismissal of cases after 60 days if defendants remain without lawyers.
The DA said the shortage is driven by an aging statewide lawyer population, changes to the contract-attorney system and recent court and administrative changes, and described pressuring operational impacts on the jail, courts and DA’s office. "There is some bad news too. I don't know if everyone here has heard of the Robins decision," the DA said, adding that the decision is set to take effect on April 3. She warned, "after 14 days, if somebody is in custody and they do not have a lawyer,…
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