Fewer Arrests

More citations issued for violations and fewer instances where a person is arrested and jailed.

More Diversion Programs

Connect those arrested to another program outside the traditional legal system rather than jailing them.

Restorative Justice
Some District Attorneys are using this in a few instances — but could do it more. Learn more about restorative justice here.

Substance Use Disorder Treatment facilities
Lack of funding to use this more often, but also could use it more when services are available.

Maine Pre-Trial Services
Using this for people as an alternative to jail time arrest. Its use can be increased, and more diversion programs can be created if needed.

Mental Health Treatment programs
Some are arrested simply for something done in the midst of a mental health crisis. Referral to a mental health treatment facility is better than a criminal charge and jail.

Bail Reform

Many are held in jail simply because they cannot make bail. Almost all of those in jail are only there because of illness or poverty.

Pretrial Reform

We can stop jailing those who have not been convicted of a crime.

About 2/3-3/4 of those in jail are “pretrial,” waiting in jail until their case can be settled or come to trial. Because so many are serving time in jail without being judged guilty, many people plea bargain to get a lesser amount of time in jail, even when they are not guilty of a crime. The only reasons many consider “legitimate” for holding a person before trial are if they are a “danger to someone else in the community” or if they are a “flight risk,” likely to not show up for trial.

Bail/Probation Violation Changes

We can stop jailing people charged with a “technical” bail or probation violation. Fine them if necessary, but do not jail them. In many cases, the violations do not even violate a law, only a condition of release (fail an alcohol or a drug test, no contact with a certain person/persons, stay away from a certain business, curfew).

Change the Laws

Decriminalize drug possession. Change most misdemeanors to citations only. Divert more people who are charged instead of jailing them by providing more funding for treatment and alternative sentencing programs.

Reduce Sentences

Punishment usually does not reduce crime and sometimes increases it, because the longer the amount of time people are jailed, the greater the likelihood they will be arrested again after release.

Provide More and Better Re-entry Resources

Recidivism is reduced when those released have a place to live, health care, a job, and an opportunity to “start life over again.”

End Jail Time for Not Paying Fines

End bench warrants resulting in jail for those unable to pay fines. Although it sounds like debtor’s prison, it is legal to jail people who fall behind or do not pay fines and do not communicate with the court about that.