Code of Maine Rules
94 - INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
649 - MAINE COMMISSION ON INDIGENT LEGAL SERVICES
Chapter 102 - STANDARDS OF PRACTICE FOR ATTORNEYS WHO REPRESENT ADULTS IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS
Section 649-102-2 - ATTORNEY QUALIFICATIONS
Universal Citation: 94 ME Code Rules ยง 649-102-2
Current through 2024-13, March 27, 2024
1. Education, Training and Experience of Defense Counsel
A.
To provide quality representation, defense counsel must be familiar with the
substantive criminal law and the law of criminal procedure and its application
in the particular jurisdiction. Defense counsel has a continuing obligation to
stay abreast of changes and developments in the law. Where appropriate, defense
counsel should also be informed of the practice of the specific judge before
whom a case is pending.
B. Prior to
handling a criminal matter, defense counsel should have sufficient experience
or training to provide quality representation. Defense counsel should accept
the more serious and complex criminal cases only after having had experience
and/or training in less complex criminal matters. Where appropriate, defense
counsel should consult with more experienced counsel to acquire knowledge and
familiarity with all facts of criminal representation, including information
about practices of prosecutors and other court personnel.
2. General Duties of Defense Counsel
Before agreeing to act as defense counsel or accepting assignment, defense counsel has an obligation to make sure that he or she has available sufficient time, resources, knowledge and experience to offer quality representation to a defendant in a particular matter. If it later appears that counsel is unable to offer quality representation in the case, defense counsel should move to withdraw.
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maine may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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