Early Release Bill for Juveniles Convicted of Violent Crimes

 Posted on March 24, 2025 in Violent Crimes

The debate continues regarding whether young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 who are convicted of violent crimes really deserve to spend their entire lives in prison. There is plenty of scientific evidence to suggest that no matter how smart or capable a young adult is, the rational part of the brain that governs good judgment is not fully developed until the age of 25.  

Most adults over the age of 25 think with the prefrontal cortex – the brain’s rational area that responds to situations with an awareness of the long-term consequences. Young adults process information with the brain’s amygdala, which is the area that supplies our emotions. Anyone who has ever had a teenager knows that while they often have overwhelming emotions, they are also unable to explain what they were thinking after acting on those emotions.

Because of this, many states – including Maryland – struggle with laws that send young adults to prison for life with no possibility of parole. In many states, even those younger than 18 are tried and convicted under adult criminal laws and sent to prison for life. If you or a loved one are charged with a violent crime like assault, arson, burglary, sexual assault, or robbery, it is extremely important that you speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney.   

HB853 Now Being Debated by Maryland LawmakersTop of Form

Maryland lawmakers are debating HB853, a bill that would allow those convicted of a violent crime as young adults to be released from prison early. Known as the Maryland Second Look Act, incarcerated individuals who were convicted of a violent crime could petition the court for early release after serving a minimum of 20 years in prison. Whether or not that early release would be granted would be up to the discretion of the individual judges.

The original bill has undergone multiple amendments.  The most recently revised version added that early release would only apply to those who committed a violent crime when they were between 18 and 25. Additionally, early release would only be granted if the individual in question is not a registered child sex offender and the sentence was not life without parole. After eleven amendments, the bill has still not passed.  

A new proposed amendment would exclude those convicted of murdering multiple victims, a probation officer, or a police officer. There are also discussions on excluding those convicted of a domestic violence murder, the murder of a pregnant individual, or the murder of a person with disabilities. As the bill stands, an inmate would be allowed to petition for early release just three times, with at least five years between petitions if turned down.  A final vote in the House is expected within the next week or so.  

What Are "Violent Crimes?"

A violent crime is any act that involves force or the threat of force against another person, resulting in physical harm to that person. Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter are considered violent crimes because they are intentional and virtually always use force. Rape is a nonconsensual sexual assault that uses force or the threat of force.  

Assault and aggravated assault involve force in the form of physical contact, and domestic violence often includes acts of violence, abuse, or threats within familial or intimate partner relationships. Robbery involves unlawfully taking another person’s property through force, threats, or intimidation. Kidnapping involves the unlawful detention of another person against their will, which also makes it a violent crime.  

Contact a Harford County, MD Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing criminal charges, a conviction could alter your life for decades to come. It is important to remember that charges do not equal a conviction and that having a knowledgeable Northern Baltimore County, MD criminal defense lawyer from Baltimore Legal Services by your side can make a difference in the outcome.

Our firm is available 24/7 for your convenience. We have helped more than 10,000 clients facing criminal charges by having the charges dropped or lowered or securing a "not guilty" verdict. Call 858-523-8423 to schedule your free consultation to discuss your charges.