The Second Look Act requires a judge to review a person’s sentence as long as that person has served at least 20 years in prison and was age 18 to 24 at the time of the offense, with some exceptions.

At least everal hundred men and women serving sentences in Maryland prisoners are eligible.

A Maryland court must schedule a hearing when requested, unlike other common sentence reduction options like motions to modify or petitions under Health General 8-505/507.

You are eligible if you were:

• Under 25 years of age but over 17 years at the time of the offense

• Not serving a life without parole sentence

• Not a sex offender

• Were not involved in a homicide that caused the death of a police officer, firefighter or other first-responder;

• And you’ve served 20 years day-for-day in prison on that charge.

Otherwise, the bill mirrors the Juvenile Restoration Act, with the court required to consider various factors such progress in prison and mental health evaluations to determine if the person poses a threat to public safety. The court has the power to release a person or to otherwise reduce their sentence.

The Juvenile Restoration Act is similar but has no excluded offenses.

You are eligible if you were:

• Under 18 years of age but over 17 years at the time of the offense

• Not serving a life without parole sentence

• And you’ve served 20 years day-for-day in prison on that charge.

Otherwise, the bill mirrors the Second Look Act, with the court required to consider various factors such progress in prison and mental health evaluations to determine if the person poses a threat to public safety. The court has the power to release a person or to otherwise reduce their sentence.

You can reach us anytime via phone or email.

Call or text today: 410-824-1427.

Email us:

james@attorneyjamesjohnston.com

Sometimes. The Office of the Public Defender does not automatically provide lawyers for Second Look or Juvenile Restoration Act cases, instead taking a case by case approach.

We take a team approach and include expert witnesses, investigators, and other professionals to help get the best possible result. We take pride in communication and making our clients - and their families - feel comfortable.

Getting started is simple. Reach out with a phone call, email or through our contact form —we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way, including providing you with a timeframe and cost estimate.