Real Time for Violent Crime Act
The proposed act modifies existing statutes under the Correctional Services and Criminal Procedure articles by regulating how reduction in confinement time is calculated. Most notably, the bill prohibits any deductions of more than 10% of an inmate’s aggregate sentence for crimes defined as violent, thus prioritizing the severity of punishment over rehabilitative incentives. This legislative change seeks to align state policies with a tougher stance on crime, particularly for offenses that directly threaten public safety.
House Bill 734, titled the Real Time for Violent Crime Act, seeks to enhance punitive measures against individuals convicted of violent crimes in Maryland. The bill primarily focuses on the limitation of diminution credits, which are reductions in the term of confinement granted to incarcerated individuals based on good behavior or participation in rehabilitative programs. Under this bill, individuals sentenced for first or second-degree murder will not be eligible to earn any diminution credits, effectively lengthening their time in confinement as a result.
Discussions around HB 734 indicate significant contention, especially regarding its implications for judicial discretion related to pretrial release. The legislation introduces a presumption against the pretrial release of defendants charged with violent crimes if they have pending or prior convictions for similar offenses within a specified timeframe. Critics of the bill argue that it could contribute to overcrowding in correctional facilities by limiting opportunities for defendants to be released while awaiting trial, which could disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Proponents, however, argue it is a necessary measure to protect the community from repeat offenders and ensure justice for victims.