{"id":373872,"date":"2016-10-28T17:20:46","date_gmt":"2016-10-28T22:20:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-parole-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-03-23T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2018-03-23T05:00:00","slug":"maryland-parole-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-parole-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Maryland Parole Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Maryland Parole Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last reviewed\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Maryland parole laws<\/a> allow inmates to be released on parole after serving a portion of their sentence in prison under certain circumstances. The former inmates then serve the rest of their sentence in the community under the supervision of the Division of Parole and Probation<\/a> (DPP). First, however, the Maryland Parole Commission<\/a> (MPC) determines if a person will be granted parole status. Once on parole, a person is subject to conditions of supervision.<\/p>\r\n

To put parole in context in Maryland, the cost of incarcerating one person for one year is approximately $33,310, compared with cost of parole which $1,422, according to a 2009 Justice Policy Institute<\/a> report. Some groups argue that appropriately increasing the use of parole can safely reduce prison and jail populations and their associated costs.<\/p>\r\n

Eligibility for Parole<\/h2>\r\n

Not every person in prison is eligible for early release. An incarnated person may be eligible for parole if they were originally convicted of a nonviolent offense, but only after serving a quarter of their sentence, while individuals convicted of a violent offense are eligible after serving half of their sentence for the violent offense. Certain offenses automatically disqualify an inmate such as having several drug convictions (although some inmates may be screened for the Correctional Options Program<\/a> to identity and asses those who would benefit from community based supervision and treatment), use of a handgun in the commission of a felony, or those sentenced to life imprisonment, to name a few.<\/p>\r\n

Parole Violations<\/h2>\r\n

Once on parole, a person is subject to conditions of supervision. If the parolee violates any of the conditions of parole, the offender is subject to revocation and re-incarceration pending a parole revocation hearing<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Maryland Parole Laws Overview<\/h2>\r\n

The specifics of Maryland\u2019s parole laws are below. Keep in mind, the DPP keeps an active online list of persons with outstanding parole warrants<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Md. Ann. Code \u00a77-305, et.seq<\/a> (Parole Eligibility)<\/p>\r\n

Md. Ann. Code \u00a77-401, et. seq<\/a> (Revocation of Parole)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Penalties for Parole Violation<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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  • If, after a parole revocation hearing, the parolee is found in violation, they will be sentenced back to prison serve all or some of the balance of his original sentence<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Ways You Can Violate Parole (List Not Exhaustive) <\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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  • Being in violation any of the explicit terms and conditions of your parole<\/li>\r\n
  • Owning or possessing a fire arm<\/li>\r\n
  • Failing an alcohol or drug test<\/li>\r\n
  • Moving or leaving the state without permission<\/li>\r\n
  • Not completing your mandated community service obligation<\/li>\r\n
  • Violating a restraining order<\/li>\r\n
  • Committing a new crime while out on parole<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Alternative to Parole <\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Apply for a pardon<\/a> to the Governor through the Maryland Parole Commission<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note:<\/i><\/b> State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Maryland Codes and Court of Appeals Opinions<\/h2>\r\n