Maryland Panel: Restructure Penalties For Drug Possession

BALTIMORE (AP) — Maryland should save prison beds for serious and violent officers, improve probation and parole supervision and take other steps that could reform the state’s criminal justice system and save money, a panel appointed by the governor recommended Thursday.

The Justice Reinvestment Coordinating Council says its 19 recommendations could save the state a projected $247 million over the next decade.

Topping the list of recommendations, the panel said Maryland needs to restructure penalties for drug possession and direct more offenders into treatment. For example, the maximum sentences for drug possession for non-marijuana arrests would be significantly reduced. Now, sentences range from 0-4 years. Under the recommendations, a maximum of 12 months would apply to a first conviction. A second and third conviction would bring a maximum of up to 18 months, and a fourth would bring up to two years.

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