Maryland’s Juvenile Justice laws are set to undergo changes beginning on November 1. These changes include expanding the Department of Juvenile Services’ jurisdiction for kids aged 10 to 12, increasing probation lengths, requiring notification when a juvenile under DJS supervision commits another crime, and establishing an oversight panel. Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates believes these changes will bring more accountability to the system and young offenders. Bates also mentioned that his office has hired additional staff members in preparation for the increased case load that may result from the new laws.
State’s attorneys from various counties have also weighed in on the effectiveness of the new laws. Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger believes the changes will allow the courts to address underlying problems experienced by juvenile offenders, potentially driving down juvenile crime. On the other hand, Calvert County State’s Attorney Robert Harvey believes the changes do not go far enough and advocates for more reporting of crimes to State’s Attorney’s offices and increased probation lengths.
Carroll County State’s Attorney Haven Shoemaker welcomes the changes to the laws but wishes the legislature had gone further. He specifically mentions the Child Interrogation Act as an area that should be revisited. Overall, stakeholders express varying opinions on the expected impact of these changes on the juvenile justice system in Maryland.
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