Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed March 23, 2018
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Maryland parole laws 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 (DPP). First, however, the Maryland Parole Commission (MPC) determines if a person will be granted parole status. Once on parole, a person is subject to conditions of supervision.
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 report. Some groups argue that appropriately increasing the use of parole can safely reduce prison and jail populations and their associated costs.
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 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.
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.
The specifics of Maryland’s parole laws are below. Keep in mind, the DPP keeps an active online list of persons with outstanding parole warrants.
Statutes |
Md. Ann. Code §7-305, et.seq (Parole Eligibility) Md. Ann. Code §7-401, et. seq (Revocation of Parole) |
Penalties for Parole Violation |
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Ways You Can Violate Parole (List Not Exhaustive) |
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Alternative to Parole |
Apply for a pardon to the Governor through the Maryland Parole Commission |
Note: 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.
If you have additional questions about Maryland’s parole laws, click on the following links below to learn more:
If you're found in violation of the terms of your parole, you could face additional prison time. So, if you’ve been accused of violating your parole conditions in Maryland, it's in your best interest to speak with a local criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
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