A new law took effect with the New Year in Maryland, giving non-violent offenders the chance to decrease the amount of time they must spend under the supervision of a parole or probation officer with consistent good behavior. According to an article in The Washington Times, as much as two-thirds of supervision time may be taken off. This does not mean that the offender cuts his or her time on probation or parole, however. It only affects the time spent under supervision.
While some critics think the new law is soft on crime, supporters believe that it will not only give non-violent, low-risk offenders incentive to keep out of trouble but will also relieve the burden on overworked parole and probation officers. The disproportionate ratio between caseworkers and offenders in Maryland (1:188) has been an ongoing and costly issue.
Other states across the country have enacted such laws and have seen positive results. In Arizona, where the state started giving offenders on supervised probation 20 days off for every 30 days served with good behavior, there has been a decrease of 29 percent for probation revocations and of 31 percent for repeat felonies.
As experienced criminal defense attorneys in Landover, the legal team at Alpert Schreyer considers this new law as a positive step for reintegration into society. For non-violent offenders in Maryland, it is important to help them make positive choices, and while this law may have financial benefits, it has nothing to do with being soft on crime.
If you have been accused of a crime in Maryland, contact our offices today for a consultation at (301) 262-7005 or fill out our online contact form.
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys – Lanham Office
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste 201 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 262-7005
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys – Frederick Office
25 E Patrick St #200 Frederick, MD 21701
(301) 381-1993
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Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys – Rockville Office
11140 Rockville Pike 550-J Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 364-3195
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