Author: Kristin Lord

The Maryland State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy’s newest edition of its Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual: Version 16.0 is available in the law library (KFM1763 .M3) and online. The changes went into effect on February 1, 2024. Guidelines E-NEWS Vol. 19 summarizes some of the changes: 

• Clarifying instructions that animals are not considered victims in the multiple victims stacking rule 
• Newly adopted instructions relating to the guidelines scoring for offenses with mandatory consecutive sentences 
• Modified instructions for scoring weapons presence points for Part C of the offense score when the offense involves the presence of a feigned weapon 
• Clarifying instructions relating to the guidelines scoring for sentences to probation before judgment (PBJ) pursuant to the criminal Procedure Article (CP), § 6-220(c)