Sec. 1. 15 MRSA §707-A is enacted to read:

§707-A.__Action for compensation for person detained

on the basis of defective warrant

1.__Court action.__A person who is detained on the basis of a defective or baseless warrant or a warrant issued in error may bring a civil action for liquidated damages of $50 for every hour that the person is wrongfully detained against the judicial department by naming the state court administrator in a civil suit.

2.__Fees and costs.__A successful plaintiff in an action under subsection 1 is entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and costs incurred in connection with that action.

SUMMARY

This bill allows a person who is detained on the basis of a defective or baseless warrant or warrant issued in error to sue the state court administrator to recover liquidated damages of $50 for every hour that the person is wrongfully detained. A successful plaintiff in an action is entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and costs incurred in connection with that action.