Maine prison sentencing data
As of October 23, 2026, according to Maine Department of Corrections records, 2,256 people were held in Maine state prisons. Their median sentence is 7 years (the longest sentence from each person's most recent sentencing, not counting life or death sentences). 20% are serving 20 years or more, and 45 are serving life. Maine often suspends part of a sentence; figures here use the total term the judge imposed.
Race: prison population vs. state population
| Group | People | Share of prison | Share of state (U.S. Census) |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 1,806 | 80% | 91% |
| Black | 295 | 13% | 1.9% |
Most common offenses
By the longest sentence from each person's most recent sentencing. Life and death sentences are not included in the median.
| Offense | People | Median sentence (years) |
|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Trafficking Of Scheduled Drugs | 285 | 10 |
| Unlawful Trafficking Scheduled Drugs | 247 | 5 |
| Gross Sexual Assault | 187 | 17.5 |
| Murder | 176 | 40 |
| Theft By Unauthorized Taking Or Transfer | 92 | 2.5 |
| Domestic Viol Agg Assault | 89 | 7 |
| Manslaughter | 85 | 20 |
| Burglary | 80 | 4 |
| Aggravated Assault | 76 | 8 |
| Robbery | 69 | 10 |
| Unlawful Sexual Contact | 67 | 10 |
| Domestic Violence Assault, Priors Dv | 57 | 3.5 |
| Elevated Aggravated Assault | 39 | 15 |
| Illegal Possession Of Firearm | 37 | 4 |
| Unlawful Possession Of Fentanyl Powder | 36 | 2.5 |
Sentencing by county
County where the person's longest sentence was imposed. Counties with 20+ people have their own page.
| County | People | Median sentence (years) | Serving 20+ years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumberland | 341 | 6 | 22% |
| Penobscot | 333 | 7 | 20% |
| Androscoggin | 331 | 6 | 15% |
| Kennebec | 253 | 7 | 23% |
| Aroostook | 194 | 6 | 13% |
| York | 174 | 6 | 19% |
| Somerset | 136 | 8.5 | 28% |
| Knox | 74 | 6 | 20% |
| Oxford | 70 | 8 | 16% |
| Hancock | 70 | 7 | 16% |
| Waldo | 68 | 6.5 | 26% |
| Washington | 60 | 5 | 28% |
| Franklin | 47 | 8 | 28% |
| Lincoln | 41 | 6 | 17% |
| Piscataquis | 31 | 9 | 23% |
| Sagadahoc | 28 | 10 | 25% |
About this data
Source: Maine Department of Corrections public inmate records. Counts are people currently in state prison custody, one record per person, using the longest sentence from each person's most recent sentencing. Maine often suspends part of a sentence; figures here use the total term the judge imposed. People on parole, probation or in local jails are not included. Criminal history is not in the data. Search individual records in Justice Audit.