Criminal Procedure - Petition to Modify or Reduce Sentence (Maryland Second Look Act)

The Maryland Second Look Act (SB 39) allows individuals serving long prison sentences to petition for a sentence reduction after meeting specific criteria: at least 20 years without credit for good behavior or 25 years with such credit, and at least five years since a prior petition. The court must hold a hearing, provide legal counsel (including public defender representation for indigent petitioners), and notify victims and their representatives, who may attend and testify. For those sentenced as minors, the court must release them within three years if they've matured and rehabilitated, unless public safety requires otherwise. The bill prohibits increasing sentences and permits appeals within 30 days to the Appellate Court of Maryland.