Sentencing Guidelines Worksheet Changes, 2018

In July 2018, the MSCCSP began distribution of version 1.9 of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Worksheet. Version 1.9 implemented the following changes:

Revisions to the Juvenile Delinquency Scoring Component of the Offender Score

Pursuant to the revised instructions for the juvenile delinquency scoring component of the offender score, adopted in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) effective July 1, 2018, the MSCCSP revised part B of the Offender Score section of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Worksheet.

The instructions for scoring the juvenile record, located in the most recent version of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual (MSGM), indicate that users shall select zero points if the defendant was 23 years or older by the date of offense, or has zero findings of a delinquent act within five years of the date of the most recent instant offense; users shall select one point if the defendant was younger than 23 years and has one or two findings of a delinquent act within five years of the date of the most recent instant offense; and users shall select two points if the defendant was younger than 23 years and has three or more findings of a delinquent act within five years of the date of the most recent instant offense. Additional information pertaining to the MSCCSP’s review of the juvenile delinquency score and decision to adopt a revised scoring scheme may be located in the Guidelines E-Newsdistributed to criminal justice practitioners on June 1, 2018.

Revisions to the Victim Information Section of the Worksheet

The MSCCSP revised the second item under the Victim Information section of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Worksheet, Victim Non-Participation, to read, Victim Participation. This revision was done following feedback from practitioners to phrase the item in the affirmative.

The instructions in the MSGM indicate that this item asks “Was the victim available to participate in sentencing?” Users shall check no if the victim did not participate, was not located, did not maintain contact with involved parties, or waived his/her rights.