Bill > SB436

This bill establishes a presumption that a minor convicted as an adult should be transferred to juvenile court for sentencing under specific circumstances, and it grants courts the authority to make such a transfer. Specifically, if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the victim of the offense for which the minor was convicted was previously subjected to a sex crime or human trafficking by that minor within three months before the offense, the court can transfer the minor to juvenile court. If a transfer occurs, the juvenile court is then required to make a juvenile disposition, meaning the case will be handled according to the laws and procedures for juveniles, which typically focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. This change aims to provide a more appropriate sentencing path for minors who commit offenses, especially when the victim was also a minor and had been previously victimized by the offender.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0436?ys=2026RS