4 M.R.S. §654: Death or disability

When in any criminal case any material part of a transcript of the evidence taken by the Official Court Reporter cannot be obtained because of that court reporter's death or disability, the justice who presided at the trial of the case shall on motion, after notice and hearing, if it is evident that the lack of such transcript prejudices the respondent in prosecuting that respondent's exceptions or appeal, set aside any verdict rendered in the case and grant a new trial at any time within one year after it was returned.