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The Maryland Office of the Public Defender’s Decarceration Initiative |
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Pro Bono Opportunity Recognizing that young people convicted of serious crimes are capable of changing and safely rejoining society, the Maryland General Assembly in April 2021 enacted the Juvenile Restoration Act (JRA). This Act allows people who have served at least 20 years of a sentence for a crime committed when they were under the age of 18 to file a motion asking the circuit court to reduce their sentence. It takes effect on October 1, 2021. In response, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) launched its Decarceration Initiative, a project to reduce mass incarceration in Maryland by providing representation to people eligible to file motions to reduce their sentences under this Act. The JRA gives juvenile offenders who have earned it a second chance to rejoin their families and communities and build a life outside of prison walls. In light of the number of people who will be eligible and will need legal assistance, the OPD is recruiting and training private attorneys who are willing to represent one or more people pro bono in their effort to obtain their freedom. If you are interested or would like to learn more, please go to our website, https://www.opd.state.md.us/ If you have any questions, please email Brian Saccenti at brian.saccenti@maryland.gov. |