Maryland Juvenile Crime Laws

In Maryland's juvenile justice system, anyone under 18 is a child. The juvenile courts have jurisdiction over all children age 13 and older. Under Maryland law, courts may not charge children under 13 with a criminal offense.

Maryland juvenile crime laws follow the concept of restorative justice. The juvenile justice system strikes a balance between holding juvenile offenders accountable for their actions, addressing the root causes of criminal behavior, and protecting public safety.

Juvenile Criminal Offenses

Maryland's juvenile justice system is separate from the adult criminal justice system. The juvenile system handles children ages 13-18 who are alleged to be delinquent. It also takes children between 10 and 13 who have committed any of these crimes:

• Crimes of violence
• Handgun violations or other weapons violations
• Aggravated cruelty to animals
• Third-degree sexual offenses
• Car thefts

Other juvenile cases handled in the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services include:

• Children in need of supervision (CINS)
• Out-of-state runaways
• Children who have a citation

Intake versus Arraignment

The Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) sends juvenile cases to court after arrest or complaint by police, parents, or school officials. A disposition hearing must take place within 25 days of the arrest or complaint.

Under House Bill 814, which became effective Nov. 1, 2024, the intake officer must decide within 15 days whether the case belongs in juvenile court. If police detain the child, the disposition hearing must take place immediately.

Juvenile Justice Reform

Juvenile justice and detention remain a hot-button topic in Maryland. The most recent changes to Maryland's juvenile justice laws affect when DJS may detain or monitor children. Now, police may take children over 13 into custody:

• By court order
• Following arrest
• If there is reason to believe the child is in immediate danger and removal is necessary for the child's protection
• The child runs away from their parent or legal guardian
• Under the new laws, DJS may authorize detention in other circumstances.

Following a rash of carjacking and auto theft cases involving 11- and 12-year-old suspects, juvenile court must now hear car theft cases regardless of the defendant's age. Before, police and parents handled cases involving very young offenders informally outside the court.

For this reason, many juvenile criminal acts will result in referral to the Services and Diversion Programs available through the Department of Juvenile Services. More serious criminal acts may result in referral to the state's attorney, who may file an action in juvenile court seeking an adjudication of delinquency.

Potential Penalties

The judge in juvenile matters may determine the course of action following the disposition hearing. The penalties may include the following:

• Probation under the supervision of the DJS
• Restitution of up to $10,000 for the theft, damage, or destruction relating to their delinquent acts
• Commitment to the DJS for placement in a facility for care, rehabilitation, or guidance
• A review hearing several months after the disposition hearing to evaluate the treatment plan and make adjustments

DJS may not take children into custody for misdemeanor offenses unless the offense involves a handgun or:

• They have been adjudicated twice in the past two years
• They were under DJS supervision at the time of the current offense
• The misdemeanor would result in two years' incarceration for an adult (other than second-degree assault)

Note: State laws are subject to change through the passage of new legislation, court rulings (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. FindLaw strives to provide the most current information available. You should consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws before making any legal decisions.

Related Resources:

To learn more about Maryland juvenile crime laws, the following links provide more information:

• Maryland Legal Ages Laws
• Juveniles and Age ("Status") Offenses
• Juvenile Justice

Get Legal Advice from a Maryland Juvenile Criminal Justice Attorney

Maryland juvenile crime laws combine concern for the juvenile offender with public safety and protection. Parents and children must take these charges seriously for the best possible outcome. When a child faces juvenile criminal charges, contacting a Maryland juvenile defense attorney is essential.