This bill expands the list of Class D and Class E offenses for which probation may be imposed to include:

1. A Class D or Class E crime that was initially charged by the attorney for the State as a Class A, Class B or Class C crime;

2. A Class D crime committed by a person who has a prior conviction for a Class A, Class B, Class C or Class D crime under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 17-A; a prior conviction under the laws governing operating under the influence; or a prior conviction under the laws governing habitual offenders;

3. A Class D crime for failure to control or report a dangerous fire;

4. A Class D crime for possession of a schedule W drug; and

5. A Class D crime for cruelty to animals.

The bill also expands the list of Class A, Class B and Class C offenses for which the former statutory length of probation, which is 6 years for Class A crimes and 4 years for Class B and C crimes, may be imposed. The former statutory length of probation may be imposed if the State pleads and proves that a person was convicted of a Class A, Class B or Class C crime and has a prior conviction for a Class A, Class B, Class C or Class D crime under Title 17-A, a prior conviction under the laws governing operating under the influence or a prior conviction under the laws governing habitual offenders. The former statutory length of probation may be imposed if the State pleads and proves that a person was convicted of unlawful trafficking in a schedule W drug, aggravated trafficking of scheduled drugs or certain offenses involving possession of a schedule W drug.

The bill also provides that a person sentenced to a term of imprisonment on or after October 1, 2005 may receive a reduction in that term of imprisonment of up to 3 days per calendar month for good behavior and up to 2 days per calendar month for fulfillment of responsibilities assigned in the person's transition plan for work, education or rehabilitation programs.