ME LD1780

Defendants in criminal proceedings may request pretrial statements from any witness with relevant information by serving written notice at least 14 days before the scheduled statement date

Statements may be recorded via audio, audiovisual, or stenographic means and taken in person, by telephone, or remotely; a subpoena must accompany the notice to secure witness attendance

Special protections apply for domestic violence cases: notices must be served on the District Attorney's office 45 days in advance, and victim statements must be taken via remote/hybrid means unless a safe in-person location is provided

Witnesses who fail to appear after being properly served may be barred by court order from testifying on topics described in the notice, including in any future proceedings involving the same alleged conduct

Witnesses may terminate a statement if conducted in bad faith or in a manner that unreasonably annoys, embarrasses, or oppresses them; the defendant bears the burden of proving otherwise to resume the examination