Maine good time and sentence credit rules
For most crimes on or after Aug 1, 2004, Maine allows up to 4 days a month for good conduct plus 3 days a month for meeting program responsibilities. Murder, sex offenses and domestic violence crimes get up to 5 days a month.[1][2]
Sources last checked Oct 16, 2026, 8:23 AM MT. This explains current law. It does not calculate anyone's date.
Credit types and rates
- Most crimes (§2307): up to 4 days per month for conduct, plus up to 3 days per month for meeting work, education or rehabilitation responsibilities in the transition plan. Both are discretionary.[1]
- Listed crimes (§2308): up to 5 days per month for conduct, programs and responsibilities combined.[2]
- Jail credit: day-for-day for pretrial and presentence detention.[3]
Exclusions and limits
Parole eligibility vs. discharge
- Maine abolished parole for crimes committed after May 1976. Deductions move up the release date at the end of the prison term.
How to find a release date
- Search the official Maine DOC Prisoner Search by name or ID number.
- Look for the projected release, parole eligibility, or discharge date. The DOC record already includes credits it has awarded.
- For questions, contact the facility records office. Only DOC can correct a date.
New laws and bills
Not yet verified We have not yet verified whether sentence-credit legislation is active here. (tracker checked Oct 16, 2026)
FAQ
How much good time do you get in Maine?
For most crimes since Aug 1, 2004: up to 4 days a month for conduct plus 3 days for program responsibilities (17-A §2307). Murder, sex and DV crimes: up to 5 days a month (§2308).
Does jail time count in Maine?
Yes. Pretrial and presentence detention earns day-for-day credit under §2305.
What this site can't do
| Issue | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Discipline and lost credits | We cannot see write-ups, forfeitures or restored credits. Only the facility record shows them. |
| Detainers and holds | Warrants, immigration holds or other-state detainers can block release. They are not in public data. |
| Consecutive and concurrent sentences | How sentences stack changes every date. We do not recompute aggregated sentences. |
| Parole board discretion | Eligibility is not release. Boards decide, and can deny or defer. |
| Jail credit errors | Pretrial credit is set by the court. Errors must be fixed through the court or records office. |
| Recent law changes | New laws, court rulings and DOC policy changes can take weeks to reach records. |
| Individual legal advice | We explain public rules. A lawyer or the DOC records office can apply them to one case. |
Always confirm dates with the official DOC records office.
Sources
- 17-A M.R.S. §2307 (deductions, most crimes after Aug 1, 2004)
- 17-A M.R.S. §2308 (deductions, listed crimes)
- 17-A M.R.S. §2305 (credit for time detained)
Official statute, regulation, or agency pages only. Last checked Oct 16, 2026, 8:23 AM MT. Spotted an error? Tell us.
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