An Act To Clarify The Rights Of Crime Victims And Witnesses Regarding Professional Investigator Communications

LD 534 requires professional investigators working for criminal defendants (such as defense attorneys or the Maine Commission on Public Defense) to disclose specific information to crime victims and witnesses *before* contacting them. This includes the investigation's purpose, who the investigator represents (the defendant), and that victims/witnesses are not obligated to speak with them. The bill also mandates that investigators immediately stop all contact if a victim or witness requests it, in writing or orally. For minors involved in criminal cases, investigators must first obtain consent from a parent or guardian (not the defendant) before communicating with the minor.