Bill > SB771

This bill, known as the Maryland Second Look Act, authorizes a person serving a term of confinement to petition the court to modify or reduce their sentence under certain circumstances. The key provisions include: 1. Eligibility: A person must have served at least 20 years of their term without diminution credits or the equivalent of 25 years with credits, and at least 5 years must have passed since the court decided any previous petition. 2. Hearing: The court must hold a hearing on the petition, unless the petitioner is ineligible, and the hearing and decision must be on the record and in open court. 3. Victim Notification: The State's Attorney must notify victims and victims' representatives of the petition and any hearing. 4. Representation: Eligible petitioners are entitled to the assistance of counsel and, if indigent, representation by the Office of the Public Defender. 5. Sentencing Modification: The court may modify the sentence if the petitioner has matured and rehabilitated, or if the original sentence is no longer necessary to protect the public. 6. Appeal: The petitioner or the State may apply for leave to appeal the court's order within 30 days. The bill aims to provide a "second look" opportunity for individuals serving lengthy sentences, particularly those who committed crimes as minors, to have their sentences reconsidered based on their rehabilitation and the protection of the public.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0771?ys=2023RS