Maine is the Worst

Sitting below the star on Maine’s flag is the word Dirigo, the state’s motto, Latin for “I lead.” Maine’s leadership, however, is not solely for good causes. In many aspects of the criminal legal system, Maine leads by being more punitive than any other state in the Union. This report outlines where Maine is failing in comparison to both its neighboring states and the nation, while also acknowledging where Maine is truly leading–proving that change is safe, possible, and important.

Worst in the Nation

• Highest average cost of a phone call from jail

•  The third worst ratio of Latino-to-White incarceration rate in the country (3.6:1)

• The eighth worst ratio of Black-to-White incarceration rate in the country (8.8:1)

• One of four states with no pathway to release for people with life sentences

• One of the most unvarying determinant sentencing systems, according to the Robina  Institute

• Ranked 44th in the restoration of rights laws after incarceration and criminal record relief according to the Collateral Consequences Resource Center (CCRC)

• Worst indigent defense system, currently in violation of the Sixth Amendment

Zero Or Nearly Zero Occurrences

•  Next to Zero successful uses of post-conviction appeal

• Only 2% of commutation petitions granted since 1995

• Zero people currently eligible for parole

• Zero “at fault” findings in investigations of police shootings and misconduct

• Zero felony exonerations

Failing Grades

• F from FAMM for Maine’s compassionate release program

•  F- from Prison Policy Institute for Maine’s parole system

•  F in misdemeanor and felony relief opportunities according to CCRC

• F in pardons and certificates of relief according to CCRC

Worst in New England

• Sole New England state without a record expungement system for felonies

• Only state in New England without parole

•  Regional rank 1 of 6 in total incarceration

• #1 in jail admission rate

• #2 in jail pre-trial population & jail sentenced population

• #4 in prison population rate

Sources of Hope

• One of two states with no restrictions on voting rights for people with felony convictions

• One of two states that allow people with felony convictions to run for office after release without requiring a waiting period or pardon

• Second lowest overall incarceration rate in the country

• Fifth lowest youth incarceration rate in the country

• “A” grade in deferred adjudication opportunities according to CCRC

This data illustrates that Maine falls behind both our neighboring states and the nation as a whole in many issues relating to mass incarceration. As other states continue to reshape their landscape of incarceration, Maine cannot afford to continue falling behind, and must endeavor to lead the way toward a more restorative, just, and bright future.

 Information compiled by Matt Matheny

 1.29.2025