Bill > S770

This bill seeks to provide community-based sentencing alternatives for primary caretakers of dependent children (under 18 years old) who have been convicted of non-violent crimes. The bill defines "non-violent offense" as any crime punishable by imprisonment, except those involving the use of physical force, deadly weapons, burglary, extortion, arson, kidnapping, explosives, or serious risk of physical injury. If a defendant is determined to be a primary caretaker, the court must consider sentencing alternatives that emphasize community rehabilitation and parent-child unity, such as drug/alcohol treatment, domestic violence education, counseling, job training, and parenting classes, rather than imposing incarceration. The court can also modify conditions or decrease the duration of the sentence based on the person's progress, or sanction the person for any violations, potentially including a term of imprisonment.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S770