Bill > HB559

This bill amends the Criminal Procedure article of Maryland law to allow courts to grant probation before judgment in certain cases. The key provisions are: 1. The court can stay entering a judgment of guilt, defer further proceedings, and place the defendant on probation with reasonable conditions if the court finds it serves the best interests of the defendant and the public, and the defendant consents. 2. The court can make findings of fact sufficient to support a finding of guilt and, upon a probation violation, enter a finding of guilt and impose a sentence. 3. The court can enter into a probation agreement with the defendant, where the defendant accepts probation in exchange for the court withholding a finding of guilt and the defendant waiving their right to trial and appeal. If the defendant violates probation, the court can then find the defendant guilty and sentence them. 4. The defendant's consent to and receipt of this probation disposition is considered a probation before judgment for all other legal purposes.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0559?ys=2022RS