Maryland Juvenile Justice Reform Lowers Age Of Accountability & Provides For Comprehensive Rehabilitative Treatment
The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) is now implementing reforms to the juvenile justice system that include lowering the age of accountability from 13 to 10 for crimes such as illegal gun possession, auto theft, animal cruelty, and sexual offense in the third degree. Through the new Juvenile Justice Reform Act, which went into effect on October 1, 2024, DJS will provide comprehensive rehabilitative support for justice-involved youth. The goal of the new juvenile justice system is to address increasing instances of juvenile crime.
The amended law includes provisions to accomplish the following:
Expand youth offenses to include . . .