Right to counsel

Maine , Legislation , Sterilization

For sterilization proceedings, Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 34-B, § 7013(2) states:

The person being considered for sterilization shall be represented by counsel and provided the right and opportunity to be confronted with and to cross-examine all witnesses. The right to counsel may not be waived. If the person cannot afford counsel, the court shall appoint an attorney, not less than 20 days before the scheduled hearing, to represent the person at public expense. A reasonable fee shall be set for appointed counsel by the District Court.

Appointment of Counsel: Yes
Qualified: No
? If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.