News Releases Archive

2023

December 12, 2023: The MSCCSP is pleased to announce that Governor Wes Moore appointed the Honorable Dana M. Middleton, Associate Judge, Circuit Court for Baltimore City, as the Commission’s Chair. Additionally, Governor Moore appointed Richard Gibson, Deputy Chief, Westminster Police Department, as the Commission’s law enforcement representative. Finally, Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader appointed the Honorable Brian L. DeLeonardo, Associate Judge, Circuit Court for Carroll County, as the Circuit Court representative for the Commission. Each Commissioner was appointed to a four-year term.
November 17, 2023: Proposed amendments to the sentencing guidelines were published in the November 17, 2023, issue of the Maryland Register (Volume 50, Issue 23). The proposed amendments have three purposes. The first purpose is to add the definition of a feigned weapon and to clarify that sentences to probation before judgement (PBJ) pursuant to either CP, §6-220(b) or CP, §6-220(c) are included in the definition of adjudications. The second purpose is to replace references to “adjudication of guilt” with “adjudication”, “convicted offense” with “offense”, and “conviction” with “adjudication” or “offense” in instances where the intended meaning of “conviction” includes PBJs pursuant to either CP, §6-220(b) or CP, §6-220(c). Finally, the third purpose is to specify that a feigned weapon shall be scored 1 point under part C (weapon presence) of the offense score. Public comments on the proposed amendments will be accepted through December 18, 2023.
November 13, 2023: The MSCCSP issued a new version of the Guidelines Offense Table (Appendix A of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual) and adopted corresponding updates in the Code of Maryland Regulations, effective November 13, 2023. See the November 2023 Guidelines E-News for details on these revisions, including the classification of new and amended offenses passed during the 2023 Legislative Session; the classification of three previously unclassified offenses; revised seriousness categories for subsequent drug offenses with a 40-year maximum penalty; and minor edits to the table.
November 6, 2023: The MSCCSP released Issue 11 of the Sentencing Snapshot. Issue 11 provides a brief summary of the MSCCSP’s July 2023 report, An Assessment of Racial Differences in Guidelines-Eligible Sentencing Events.
October 11, 2023: Members of the public are invited to address the MSCCSP regarding criminal sentencing policy issues in Maryland at its annual public comments hearing to be held at 5:00 pm on December 5, 2023 at the Maryland Judicial Center. All who are interested in speaking are asked to register and submit a written version of their testimony in advance but not later than December 1, 2023. Please submit written testimony to David Soulé, Executive Director of the Commission, at dsoule@umd.edu. If participants are not able to present testimony in-person, a videoconference option can be made available upon request. Those who wish to simply observe may view the livestream via the MSCCSP YouTube channel.
October 10, 2023: The MSCCSP is pleased to announce that Governor Wes Moore appointed Larry L. Johnson to a four-year term as a member of the Commission. Mr. Johnson was appointed as one of the two public representatives on the MSCCSP.
September 8, 2023: Proposed amendments to the sentencing guidelines were published in the September 8, 2023, issue of the Maryland Register (Volume 50, Issue 18). The proposed amendments modify the table of seriousness categories (guidelines offense table) to include (1) the addition of new and revised offenses from the 2023 Legislative Session, (2) the addition of previously unclassified offenses, (3) revised seriousness categories for select subsequent drug offenses, (4) replacing all instances of “inmate” with “incarcerated individual,” and (5) other minor edits to the table. Public comments on the proposed amendments will be accepted through October 10, 2023.
August 28, 2023: The MSCCSP is pleased to welcome Lydia Becker, who is joining the MSCCSP staff as a Policy Analyst/Graduate Research Assistant. Lydia is a doctoral student in the Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice at the University of Maryland.
August 7, 2023: The MSCCSP released Issue 10 of the Sentencing Snapshot. Issue 10 examines sentencing trends in Maryland circuit courts for child abuse.
July 14, 2023: The MSCCSP released its report assessing racial differences in Maryland guidelines-eligible sentencing events.
July 1, 2023: The MSCCSP has revised the Guidelines Offense Table to include a new cannabis cultivation offense, effective July 1, 2023. The July 2023 Guidelines E-News contains additional details, including guidance on the calculation of the Juvenile Delinquency and Prior Adult Criminal Record scores for previous cannabis possession adjudications.
June 30, 2023: Proposed amendments to the sentencing guidelines were published in the June 30, 2023, issue of the Maryland Register (Volume 50, Issue 13). The proposed amendments: 1) clarify that animals may not be considered victims for the purposes of applying the multiple victims stacking rule; and 2) modify guidelines rules to indicate that when there is a criminal event with multiple offenses, and the sentence for one of the offenses is statutorily required to run consecutive to the sentence for another offense in the same criminal event, the upper limit of the guidelines range for the offense whose sentence is required to run consecutive to another offense shall be added to the upper limit of the guidelines range for the eligible other offense to obtain the upper limit of the overall guidelines range. Public comments on the proposed amendments will be accepted through July 31, 2023.
June 29, 2023: The MSCCSP is pleased to announce the reappointment of Delegate David H. Moon and Delegate J. Sandy Bartlett to new four-year terms with the Commission. The Speaker of the House, Adrienne A. Jones, reappointed Delegate Moon and Delegate Bartlett to fill the two MSCCSP House of Delegates positions.
April 21, 2023: Proposed amendments to the sentencing guidelines were published in the April 21, 2023, issue of the Maryland Register (Volume 50, Issue 8). The proposed amendments include the sentencing guidelines seriousness category classification for the new cannabis cultivation offense enacted by Ch. 26 (H.B. 837), Acts of 2022. Public comments on the proposed amendments will be accepted through May 22, 2023.
April 3, 2023: To account for recent cannabis legislation, the MSCCSP issued new versions of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual and the Guidelines Offense Table, and the corresponding updates were adopted in the Code of Maryland Regulations, effective April 1, 2023. The April 2023 Guidelines E-News contains additional details about these updates, including updated guidance on the calculation of the Prior Adult Criminal Record, as well as information about a MAGS alert message.
March 13, 2023: The MSCCSP released Issue 9 of the Sentencing Snapshot. Issue 9 examines sentencing trends in Maryland circuit courts for manslaughter.
February 1, 2023: Revisions to the definition of a single criminal event were adopted effective February 1, 2023. The February 2023 Guidelines E-News provides details on these revisions. The E-News also discusses the impact of recent cannabis penalty changes on the sentencing guidelines, provides links to the MSCCSP’s new crimes of violence data dashboard and 2022 annual report, and notes upcoming opportunities for sentencing guidelines training.
January 30, 2023: The MSCCSP released its 2022 annual report, which covers the Commission’s activities over the past year and reviews circuit court sentencing practices for fiscal year 2021. Pursuant to Ch. 141 (S.B. 763), Acts of 2022, the MSCCSP also presents, in the annual report, information on sentences for crimes of violence and a corresponding data dashboard.
January 13, 2023: Proposed amendments to the sentencing guidelines were published in the January 13, 2023, issue of the Maryland Register (Volume 50, Issue 1). The proposed amendments include: 1) clarifying the definition of “explosive” as it pertains to the assignment of weapon presence points in part C of the offense score; and 2) revisions that account for recent cannabis legislation (Chapter 26 (H.B. 837), Acts of 2022) that substitutes the term marijuana with cannabis, legalizes the use or possession of a personal amount of cannabis, and reduces the maximum penalty from 5 years to 3 years for unlawfully possess with intent to distribute, manufacture, possess production equipment—cannabis. Public comments on the proposed amendments will be accepted through February 13, 2023.
January 4, 2023: The MSCCSP is pleased to welcome Kathy Sanchez who is joining the MSCCSP staff as a Research Analyst/Faculty Specialist.

2022

November 14, 2022: The MSCCSP updated the guidelines worksheet collection protocol for non-original sentencing events to provide consistency by limiting the collection of sentencing guidelines worksheets for three-judge panel reviews to those involving a crime of violence and to clarify the definition of “reconsiderations.” Additionally, the guidelines offense table was updated to reflect the classification of new offenses passed during the 2022 Legislative Session, as well as minor edits to the table. Finally, revisions were adopted to clarify the definition of “explosives” as it pertains to the assignment of weapon presence points in part C of the offense score. The November 2022 Guidelines E-News provides details regarding each of these revisions.
November 4, 2022: Proposed amendments clarifying the definition of “single criminal event” to provide additional guidance in sentence guidelines calculation for determining whether multiple crimes are committed during the same transaction, were published in the November 4, 2022, issue of the Maryland Register (Volume 49, Issue 23). Public comments on the proposed amendments will be accepted through December 5, 2022.
October 17, 2022: Members of the public are invited to address the MSCCSP regarding criminal sentencing policy issues in Maryland at its annual public comments hearing to be held at 5:00 pm on December 6, 2022 at the Maryland Judicial Center. All who are interested in speaking are asked to register and submit a written version of their testimony in advance but not later than December 2, 2022. Please submit written testimony to David Soulé, Executive Director of the Commission, at dsoule@umd.edu. If participants are not able to present testimony in-person, a videoconference option can be made available upon request. Those who wish to simply observe may view the livestream via the MSCCSP YouTube channel.
October 1, 2022: Revisions to the instructions for scoring the juvenile delinquency component of the offender score were adopted effective October 1, 2022. Additionally, the guidelines offense table was updated to reflect a reclassification for Arson, 1st degree from property offense to person offense, and the addition of three offense entries for child abuse violations occurring prior to October 1, 2003. The October 2022 Guidelines E-News provides details regarding each of these revisions.
September 25, 2022: The MSCCSP is pleased to announce that Chief Judge Matthew J. Fader appointed the Honorable Melanie M. Shaw, Judge, Court of Special Appeals, 4th Appellate Circuit as the Appellate Court representative for the Commission. Additionally, Chief Judge Fader appointed the Honorable Michelle R. Saunders, Associate Judge, District Court of Maryland, District 4, Calvert County, as the Commission’s District Court representative.
September 9, 2022: Proposed amendments to the sentencing guidelines were published in the September 9, 2022, issue of the Maryland Register (Volume 49, Issue 19). The proposed amendments include: 1) limiting the collection of sentencing guidelines worksheets for three-judge panel reviews to those involving a crime of violence and clarification of the definition of “reconsiderations;” 2) clarifying the definition of “explosive” as it pertains to the assignment of weapon presence points in part C of the offense score; and 3) modification of guidelines offense table to include the addition of new offenses from the 2022 Legislative Session and minor edits to the table. Public comments on the proposed amendments will be accepted through October 11, 2022.
September 1, 2022: The MSCCSP released Issue 8 of the Sentencing Snapshot. Issue 8 examines sentencing trends in Maryland circuit courts for murder convictions.
August 1, 2022: The Maryland State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy (MSCCSP) is HIRING! The MSCCSP seeks applicants for a Research Analyst/Faculty Specialist. The research analyst position assists with sentencing guidelines data collection, data verification, data dashboard management, and report writing in support of the Commission’s goals. The position is based at the University of Maryland in College Park and offers some opportunity for remote work. Those interested in contributing to the Commission’s work to support fair and proportional sentencing policy should submit an application through the University of Maryland application site.
July 8, 2022: The Maryland State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy (MSCCSP) is pleased to welcome the Honorable Brian L. DeLeonardo as the new Chair of the MSCCSP. The Governor appointed Judge DeLeonardo as Chair of the MSCCSP effective July 8, 2022. Judge DeLeonardo previously served as a member of the Commission from January 2016 until he was appointed to the Circuit Court for Carroll County in July 2021.
July 1, 2022: Revisions to the sentencing matrices for drug and property offenses were adopted effective July 1, 2022. The June 2022 Guidelines E-News provides details regarding the revisions, including instructions for how to account for the changes in MAGS and the GLCT.
July 1, 2022: Proposed amendments clarifying the instructions for calculating the juvenile delinquency score component of the Offender Score and a proposed reclassification of Arson, 1st degree, were published in the July 1, 2022, issue of the Maryland Register (Volume 49, Issue 14). Public comments on the proposed amendments will be accepted through August 1, 2022.
July 1, 2022: The Board of Trustees for the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) appointed Natasha Dartigue as the next Public Defender for Maryland. Ms. Dartigue began her six-year term on July 1, 2022, upon the retirement of Paul B. DeWolfe. Mr. Dartigue appointed Donald Zaremba, the Chief for Strategic Operations for the OPD, to continue in his role as the MSCCSP representative for the OPD.
June 1, 2022: Pending revisions to the sentencing matrices for drug and property offenses will be adopted effective July 1, 2022. Click HERE for more details regarding the pending revisions, including instructions for how to account for the changes in MAGS and the GLCT.
March 1, 2022: The MSCCSP released Issue 7 of the Sentencing Snapshot. Issue 7 examines sentencing trends in Maryland circuit courts for marijuana offenses.
February 1, 2022: The MSCCSP revised the Guidelines Offense Table to reflect (1) a seriousness category change for Sex offense, 3rd degree, involving age-based elements, and (2) the classification of one previously unclassified offense. For additional details, see the February 2022 edition of the Guidelines E-News.
January 31, 2022: The MSCCSP released its 2021 annual report. The annual report reviews the activities of the Commission over the past year and provides an overview of circuit court sentencing practices for fiscal year 2021.
January 28, 2022: Proposed amendments to the sentencing matrices for drug and property offenses were published in the January 28, 2022, issue of the Maryland Register (Volume 49, Issue 3). Public comments on the proposed amendments will be accepted through February 28, 2022.

2021

December 7, 2021: After receiving input at its December 7, 2021, public comments hearing, the MSCCSP voted to adopt amendments to the cell ranges of the existing Sentencing Matrix for Drug Offenses and the Sentencing Matrix for Property Offenses. A video presentation explaining the process of amending the guidelines is available HERE. The proposed amendments will be published in the January 28, 2022 issue of the Maryland Register (Volume 49, Issue 3). Public comments on the proposed amendments will be accepted through February 28, 2022.
November 15, 2021: The MSCCSP has approved tentatively, pending public input, certain amendments to the cell ranges of the existing Sentencing Matrix for Drug Offenses and the Sentencing Matrix for Property Offenses. The Commission invites public comment on those proposed amendments, or any other issue related to criminal sentencing policy, at the December 7, 2021, public hearing. A video presentation explaining the process of amending the guidelines is available HERE. Those who wish to speak at the hearing should register in advance. The MSCCSP should receive written public comment regarding the tentative amendments by no later than December 6, 2021.
November 15, 2021: The MSCCSP revised the Guidelines Offense Table to reflect (1) the classification of new and amended offenses passed during the 2021 Legislative Session; (2) the classification of four previously unclassified offenses; (3) the addition of five previously unlisted offenses with a maximum penalty of one year or less; (4) the addition of one previously classified but unlisted offense with a maximum penalty greater than 1 year; and (5) minor edits to the table. For additional details, see the November 2021 edition of the Guidelines E-News.
November 5, 2021: The Maryland Judiciary’s Equal Justice Committee will host a virtual community forum on sentencing on November 18, 2021. The MSCCSP Executive Director, Dr. David Soulé, will participate as a panelist. Click HERE to register.
November 5, 2021: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 48, Issue 23). Public comments on the proposed revisions will be accepted through December 6, 2021.
October 27, 2021: The MSCCSP released Issue 6 of the Sentencing Snapshot. Issue 6 examines sentencing trends in Maryland circuit courts for third degree sex offense.
October 1, 2021: The MSCCSP released Version 13.1 of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual (MSGM). MSGM 13.1 clarifies the instructions for scoring victim injury in cases involving child pornography. Please see the October 2021 edition of the Guidelines E-News for additional details about this update.
September 10, 2021: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 48, Issue 19). Public comments on the proposed revisions will be accepted through October 12, 2021.
September 1, 2021: The MSCCSP is pleased to announce that Governor Larry J. Hogan appointed Robert H. Harvey, Jr., State’s Attorney for Calvert County, to a four-year term as a member of the Commission. Mr. Harvey was appointed as the Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association representative for a term of four years from July 1, 2021.
August 30, 2021: The MSCCSP is pleased to welcome Mark Mills, who is joining the MSCCSP staff as a Policy Analyst / Graduate Research Assistant. Mark is a doctoral student in the Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice at the University of Maryland.
August 20, 2021: The MSCCSP is pleased to announce that Governor Larry J. Hogan appointed Kyle E. Scherer to a four-year term as a member of the Commission. Mr. Scherer was appointed as one of the two public representatives on the MSCCSP. Governor Hogan also reappointed Commissioners Dr. Brian Johnson and Alethea P. Miller. Each of these appointments was for a term of four years from July 1, 2021.
July 27, 2021: The MSCCSP is pleased to announce the appointment of Senator Charles E. Sydnor and Senator Christopher R. West to the Commission. The Senate President, Bill Ferguson, appointed Senators Sydnor and West to fill the two MSCCSP Maryland Senate positions.
July 19, 2021: The MSCCSP released Issue 5 of the Sentencing Snapshot. Issue 5 examines sentencing trends in Maryland circuit courts for offenses involving the sexual exploitation of minors.
July 2, 2021: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 48, Issue 14). Public comments on the proposed revisions will be accepted through August 2, 2021.
June 7, 2021: The MSCCSP is pleased to announce the appointment of the Delegate J. Sandy Bartlett to the Commission. The Speaker of the House, Adrienne A. Jones, appointed Delegate Bartlett to fill one of the two MSCCSP House of Delegates positions.
April 26, 2021: The MSCCSP released Issue 4 of the Sentencing Snapshot. Issue 4 examines the characteristics of and average sentences for felony property offenses that originated in Maryland circuit courts.
April 1, 2021: An updated version of the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS, version 10.0) was released for immediate use. What’s New in MAGS 10.0 describes these updates.
April 1, 2021: The MSCCSP released Version 13.0 of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual (MSGM). MSGM 13.0 amends the instructions regarding guidelines-compliant binding pleas. Please see the April 2021 edition of the Guidelines E-News for additional details about this update.
February 1, 2021: The MSCCSP released Version 12.4 of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual (MSGM). MSGM 12.4 clarifies the instructions for scoring the special victim vulnerability component of the sentencing guidelines offense score. Please see the February 2021 edition of the Guidelines E-News for additional details about this update.
January 26, 2021: The MSCCSP released its 2020 annual report. The annual report reviews the activities of the Commission over the past year and provides an overview of circuit court sentencing practices for fiscal year 2020.
January 20, 2021: The MSCCSP released Issue 3 of the Sentencing Snapshot. Issue 3 examines the characteristics of and average sentences for felony narcotic and hallucinogenic drug offenses that originated in Maryland circuit courts.
January 15, 2021: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 48, Issue 2). Public comments on the proposed revisions will be accepted through February 16, 2021.

2020

December 4, 2020: The MSCCSP welcomes Donald Zaremba as the representative for Maryland’s Public Defender, Paul DeWolfe. Mr. Zaremba is the Chief for Strategic Operations for the Office of the Public Defender.
November 9, 2020, In Memoriam: With great sadness, the MSCCSP shares that our colleague William “Bill” Davis died on November 9, 2020. As detailed in this fitting tribute in the Capital Gazette, Bill Davis is remembered as a zealous advocate for his clients. The MSCCSP also recognizes Bill for his more than 10 years of service as the representative on the Commission for the State Public Defender. The MSCCSP expresses its condolences to all of Bill’s family, friends, and colleagues.
November 6, 2020: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 47, Issue 23). Public comments on the proposed revisions will be accepted through December 7, 2020.
November 2, 2020: The MSCCSP revised the Guidelines Offense Table to reflect (1) the classification of new and amended offenses passed during the 2020 Legislative Session; (2) the classification of five previously unclassified offenses; (3) the addition of five offenses with a maximum penalty of one year or less; and (4) minor edits to the table. For additional details, see the November 2020 edition of the Guidelines E-News.
October 27, 2020: The MSCCSP released Issue 2 of the Sentencing Snapshot. The Sentencing Snapshot is a series of topical mini-reports intended to provide a quick overview of sentencing trends and other topics of interest. The Sentencing Snapshot will be published periodically with new topics in each release. Issue 2 examines the characteristics of and average sentences for second degree assaults that originated in Maryland circuit courts.
October 15, 2020: Members of the public are invited to address the MSCCSP regarding criminal sentencing policy issues in Maryland at its annual public comments hearing to be held at 5:00 pm on December 8, 2020. All who are interested in speaking are asked to register via the link by clicking HERE. Instructions for participation in the videoconference will be provided upon registration approval. All registered participants are asked to submit written testimony by December 5, 2020. Please submit written testimony to David Soulé, Executive Director of the Commission, at dsoule@umd.edu. Registration is necessary only for those who wish to speak at the public hearing. Those who wish to simply observe may view the livestream via the MSCCSP YouTube channel.
August 28, 2020: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 47, Issue 18). Public comments on the proposed revisions will be accepted through September 28, 2020.
August 12, 2020: The MSCCSP hosted two interactive training webinars in August providing guidance on calculating the sentencing guidelines and using the Maryland Automated Guidelines System. Click HERE to view a recording of the August 12, 2020, webinar on the MSCCSP YouTube channel.
July 20, 2020: The MSCCSP released Issue 1 of the Sentencing Snapshot. The Sentencing Snapshot is a series of topical mini-reports intended to provide a quick overview of sentencing trends and other topics of interest. The Sentencing Snapshot will be published periodically with new topics in each release. Issue 1 provides a closer look at average sentences for crimes of violence and firearms offenses.
July 1, 2020: The MSCCSP released Version 12.2 of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual (MSGM) and corresponding updates to the list of offenses in the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS). MSGM 12.2 clarifies the instructions for scoring the prior adult criminal record component of the offender score to indicate that certain military adjudications shall not be scored. Additionally, MSGM 12.2 classifies conspiracy to commit a lawful act by unlawful means. Next, MAGS was updated to add a unique entry for CDS distribution, PWID, manufacture, etc.-Fentanyl to the list of offenses. Finally, three offenses with a maximum penalty of one year or less were added to the Guidelines Offense Table and the the list of offenses in MAGS. Please see the July 2020 edition of the Guidelines E-News for additional details about each of these updates.
June 17, 2020: The MSCCSP is pleased to welcome Alethea P. Miller to the Commission. Governor Lawrence J. Hogan appointed Ms. Miller as the victim’s advocacy group representative for the remainder of a term of four years from July 1, 2017.
April 1, 2020: The MSCCSP revised the Guidelines Offense Table to reflect (1)classification of a new offense passed during the 2019 Legislative Session (commit a crime of violence against another person when the person knows or believes that the other person is pregnant); (2) addition of CJIS codes for a number of offenses; and (3) minor edits to the table. For additional details, see the April 2020 edition of the Guidelines E-News.
April 1, 2020: Due to the current restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, the MSCCSP cannot access the necessary equipment to conduct a webinar. Accordingly, the guidelines webinar training scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2020, has been POSTPONED. A new webinar date will be scheduled as soon as the restrictions are lifted.
March 27, 2020: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 47, Issue 7). Public comments on the proposed revisions will be accepted through April 27, 2020.
February 27, 2020: The MSCCSP invites you to participate in a webinar training on Maryland’s sentencing guidelines and the automated guidelines system on Friday, April 17, 2020 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM (EST). To register for the webinar, please click HERE. Instructions for accessing the webinar will be emailed upon registration.
February 1, 2020: The MSCCSP released Version 12.0 of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual (MSGM). MSGM 12.0 revises part A of the Offender Score to allow it to differ across offenses in multiple offense sentencing events; provides updated sample cases; and offers minor edits and formatting changes. For additional details, see the February 2020 edition of the Guidelines E-News.
February 1, 2020: An updated version of the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS, version 9.0) was released for immediate use. What’s New in MAGS 9.0 describes these updates.
January 27, 2020: The MSCCSP released its 2019 annual report. The annual report reviews the activities of the Commission over the past year and provides an overview of circuit court sentencing practices for fiscal year 2019.
January 17, 2020: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 47, Issue 2). Public comments on the proposed revisions will be accepted through February 18, 2020.
January 10, 2020: The MSCCSP is pleased to announce the appointment of the Delegate David Moon to the Commission. The Speaker of the House, Adrienne A. Jones, appointed Delegate Moon to replace former Delegate Charles Sydnor.

2019

November 12, 2019: The MSCCSP invites public comment on criminal sentencing policy-related issues at its annual public comments hearing to be held at 5:00 pm on December 10, 2019. Those who wish to speak at the public hearing should register and submit written comments to dsoule@umd.edu by 4:30 pm on December 6, 2019.
November 4, 2019: The MSCCSP released Version 11.1 of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual (MSGM). MSGM 11.1 includes: (1) clarified instructions for computation of the juvenile delinquency scoring component of the offender score; and (2) an updated Guidelines Offense Table that reflects classification of new and amended offenses passed during the 2019 Legislative Session, classification of one previously unclassified offense (illegal disposal of scrap tires), the addition of four previously unlisted offenses with a maximum penalty of one year or less, and other minor edits. For additional details, see the November 2019 edition of the Guidelines E-News.
October 25, 2019: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 46, Issue 22). Public comments on the proposed revisions will be accepted through November 25, 2019.
October 24, 2019: The MSCCSP is pleased to welcome Chief Douglas DeLeaver to the Commission. Governor Lawrence J. Hogan appointed Chief DeLeaver as the law enforcement representative for a term of four years from July 1, 2019.
October 1, 2019: The Circuit Court for Baltimore City deployed the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS) for initiation and submission of sentencing guidelines worksheets for cases sentenced on or after October 1, 2019.
October 1, 2019: The Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS) was updated to include a “SUBMITTED” stamp along with the corresponding date to indicate the completed submission of a guidelines worksheet. What’s New in MAGS 8.0, October 2019 further describes these updates.
September 16, 2019: The MSCCSP is pleased to welcome Molly Knipe and Lisa M. Spicknall-Horner as the newest members of the Commission. Governor Lawrence J. Hogan appointed Ms. Knipe as the victim’s advocacy group representative and Ms. Spicknall-Horner as one of the two public representatives.
September13, 2019: The Honorable Brett R. Wilson was appointed Chair of the MSCCSP by Governor Lawrence J. Hogan. Additionally, Governor Hogan appointed Melinda C. Grenier as the local correctional facility representative. The MSCCSP is pleased to welcome Judge Wilson and Ms. Grenier to the Commission. Finally, Governor Hogan also reappointed Commissioner Richard Finci as the criminal defense attorney representative. Each of these appointments was for a term of four years from July 1, 2019.
August 30, 2019: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 46, Issue 18). Public comments on the proposed revisions will be accepted through September 30, 2019.
August 21, 2019: The MSCCSP is pleased to welcome Sean Houlihan who is joining the MSCCSP staff as a Policy Analyst, Graduate Research Assistant. Sean is a doctoral student in the Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice at the University of Maryland.
July 1, 2019: An updated version of the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS, version 8.0) was released for immediate use. What’s New in MAGS 8.0 describes these updates.
July 1, 2019: The MSCCSP is pleased to announce the appointment of the Delegate Charles E. Sydnor to the Commission. The Speaker of the House, Adrienne A. Jones, appointed Delegate Sydnor to fill one of the two MSCCSP House of Delegates positions.
July 1, 2019: The MSCCSP released Version 11.0 of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual (MSGM). MSGM 11.0 provides an expanded definition of corrections options. MSGM 11.0 also clarifies that cases adjudicated in a juvenile court are excluded from guidelines coverage. Finally, several revisions to the Maryland sentencing guidelines worksheet are reflected in MSGM 11.0, including (1) separating Reconsideration and Review from the other disposition types; (2) modifying the racial categories so that they mirror those required by State Government (SG) Article, § 10-603 and allow for multiracial responses; (3) specifying the “other” corrections options and capturing other alternatives to incarceration; and (4) removal of the Subsequent Offender Filed and Restitution Requested fields. For additional details, see the July 2019 edition of the Guidelines E-News.
May 13, 2019: The MSCCSP is pleased to welcome Robert L. Green as the newest member of the Commission. Governor Hogan appointed Mr. Green as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services (DPSCS), effective May 13, 2019. Secretary Green assumes his position with the MSCCSP by virtue of his appointment as Secretary of the DPSCS.
April 8, 2019: The Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County deployed the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS) for initiation and submission of sentencing guidelines worksheets for cases sentenced on or after April 8, 2019.
March 29, 2019: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 46, Issue 7). Public comments on the proposed revisions will be accepted through April 29, 2019.
March 1, 2019: The MSCCSP released Version 10.2 of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual (MSGM). MSGM 10.2 clarifies that cases adjudicated in juvenile court are excluded from guidelines coverage.
February 4, 2019: The MSCCSP is pleased to announce the appointment of the House of Delegates Judiciary Committee Chair Luke H. Clippinger to the Commission. The Speaker of the House, Michael E. Busch, appointed Delegate Clippinger to fill one of the two MSCCSP House of Delegates positions.
January 28, 2019: The MSCCSP released its 2018 annual report. The annual report reviews the activities of the Commission over the past year and provides an overview of circuit court sentencing practices for fiscal year 2018.
January 1, 2019: The Circuit Court for Carroll County deployed the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS) for initiation and submission of sentencing guidelines worksheets for cases sentenced on or after January 1, 2019.

2018

December 7, 2018: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 45, Issue 25). Public comments on the proposed revisions will be accepted through January 7, 2019.
November 5, 2018: The MSCCSP released Version 10.1 of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual (MSGM). MSGM 10.1 includes: (1) clarified instructions for scoring multiple prior convictions from a single criminal event; (2) clarified instructions for applying the multiple victim stacking rule in sentencing events involving multiple criminal events; and (3) an updated Guidelines Offense Table that reflects classification of new and amended offenses passed during the 2018 Legislative Session, as well as classification of one previously unclassified offense (providing an unlicensed loan).
October 1, 2018: The Circuit Court for Howard County deployed the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS) for initiation and submission of sentencing guidelines worksheets for cases sentenced on or after October 1, 2018.
October 1, 2018: The MSCCSP invites public comment on criminal sentencing policy-related issues at its annual public comments hearing to be held at 5:00 pm on December 11, 2018. Those who wish to speak at the public hearing should register and submit written comments to dsoule@umd.edu by 4:30 pm on December 7, 2018.
August 31, 2018: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 45, Issue 18). Public comments on the proposed revisions will be accepted through October 1, 2018.
August 27, 2018: The MSCCSP is pleased to welcome Molly Triece, who is joining the MSCCSP staff as a Policy Analyst, Graduate Research Assistant. Molly is a doctoral student in the Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice at the University of Maryland.
July 1, 2018: An updated version of the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS, version 7.0) was released for immediate use. Please see What’s New in MAGS 7.0 for a description of these updates.
July 1, 2018: The Circuit Court for Worcester County deployed the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS) for initiation and submission of sentencing guidelines worksheets for cases sentenced on or after July 1, 2018.
July 1, 2018: The MSCCSP released Version 10.0 of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual (MSGM). MSGM 10.0 includes revisions to the juvenile delinquency scoring component of the offender score approved by the MSCCSP and adopted in COMAR effective July 1, 2018. For additional details on the juvenile delinquency score revisions, see the June 2018 edition of the Guidelines E-News. In addition to the juvenile delinquency score revisions, the new manual includes updated sample cases, an updated offense table (Appendix A), and a revision to one of the victim information items that involves changing “Victim Non-participation” to “Victim participation” following feedback from practitioners to phrase the item in the affirmative. Finally, the updated offense table reflects minor edits and the addition of a previously unclassified offense (EC, § 10-439–Purchase, sell, transfer, or obtain stem cell material donated in accordance with EC, § 10-438 for financial gain or advantage).
June 1, 2018: Following a study of the juvenile delinquency score component of the Maryland sentencing guidelines’ offender score, conducted by the MSCCSP, in partnership with the Maryland Data Analysis Center (MDAC), the MSCCSP voted to revise the juvenile delinquency score. The revisions will be adopted in COMAR effective July 1, 2018. Because guidelines are often calculated in advance of sentencing, this information is being shared with criminal justice practitioners one month prior to the effective date for the revisions. Please review the June 2018 edition of the Guidelines E-News for further details.
April 1, 2018: The MSCCSP released Version 9.2 of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual (MSGM). MSGM 9.2 includes a policy statement that encourages judges to consider at sentencing evidence-based or innovative alternatives to incarceration that are appropriate for defendants based on their specific risks and needs. MSGM 9.2 also includes an updated Guidelines Offense Table to reflect the addition of CJIS codes for offenses amended by the Justice Reinvestment Act and for new and amended offenses passed during the 2017 Legislative Session. Please review the April 2018 edition of the Guidelines E-News for further details.
April 1, 2018: The Circuit Court for Wicomico County deployed the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS) for initiation and submission of sentencing guidelines worksheets for cases sentenced on or after April 1, 2018.
March 30, 2018: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 45, Issue 7). Public comments on the proposed revisions were accepted through April 30, 2018.
February 1, 2018: The MSCCSP released an updated version (6.0) of the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS). What’s New in MAGS 6.0 provides a detailed description of these updates.
January 30, 2018: The Maryland Data Analysis Center released its report providing an analysis of the scoring of juvenile delinquency history under the Maryland sentencing guidelines.
January 26, 2018: The MSCCSP released its 2017 annual report. The annual report reviews the activities of the Commission over the past year and provides an overview of circuit court sentencing practices for fiscal year 2017.
January 5, 2018: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 45, Issue 1). Public comments on the proposed revisions were accepted through February 5, 2018.
January 1, 2018: The Circuit Courts for Dorchester County and Somerset County deployed the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS) for initiation and submission of sentencing guidelines worksheets for cases sentenced on or after January 1, 2018.

2017

December 28, 2017: The MSCCSP submitted a study on alternatives to incarceration as required pursuant to the Justice Reinvestment Act (Senate Bill 1005/Ch. 515, Sec. 8, 2016).
December 1, 2017: The MSCCSP revised the Guidelines Offense table to reflect: (1) the addition of methamphetamine as an example of a Schedule I through V non-narcotic drug with a seriousness category classification IV for distribution, PWID, and manufacture; (2) classification of new and amended offenses passed during the 2017 Legislative Session; and (3) updates to the statutory code for motor vehicle offenses pursuant to the recodification of these laws in SB 165, Chapter 55. Please review the December 2017 edition of the Guidelines E-News for further details.
November 2, 2017: The MSCCSP is pleased to announce that Governor Larry J. Hogan appointed William (Willy) E. Koutroumpis to a four-year term as a member of the Commission. Mr. Koutroumpis was appointed as one of the two public representatives on the MSCCSP. Governor Hogan also reappointed Commissioners Brian DeLeonardo, Laura Martin, and Brian Johnson. Each of these appointments was for a term of four years from July 1, 2017.
October 10, 2017: The MSCCSP seeks comment on proposed changes to the juvenile delinquency score instructions. The MSCCSP voted to amend the juvenile delinquency score by clarifying instructions in the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual and COMAR, adopting a five-year lookback window, and adopting an alternative scoring system. The MSCCSP invites public comment on these changes at the December 11, 2017, Public Comments Hearing. Those who wish to speak at the public hearing should register and submit written comments by 4:30pm on December 8, 2017.
October 1, 2017: The MSCCSP adopted revised seriousness categories for select drug, property, and person offenses consistent with revised penalties pursuant to the Justice Reinvestment Act (JRA), effective October 1, 2017. A detailed summary of the JRA-related sentencing guidelines and select criminal penalty changes is available HERE.
October 1, 2017: The MSCCSP released Version 9.0 of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual (MSGM). A detailed review of the updates to the MSGM is available in the October 2017 edition of the Guidelines E-News.
October 1, 2017: The Circuit Courts for Kent County and Queen Anne’s County deployed the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS) for initiation and submission of sentencing guidelines worksheets for cases sentenced on or after October 1, 2017.
September 1, 2017: The MSCCSP voted to modify the seriousness categories for select drug, property, and person offenses with revised penalties pursuant to the the Justice Reinvestment Act (JRA, Chapter 515 of the Laws of Maryland 2016). The revisions will be adopted in COMAR effective October 1, 2017, coinciding with the effective date for the JRA penalty revisions, and should be used for cases sentenced on or after this date. Because guidelines are often calculated in advance of sentencing, this information is being shared with criminal justice practitioners one month prior to the effective date for the revisions. Please review the September 1, 2017, edition of the Guidelines E-News for further details on these pending revisions.
September 1, 2017: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 44, Issue 18). Public comments on the proposed revisions were accepted through October 2, 2017.
July 7, 2017: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 44, Issue 14). Much of the proposed revisions are related to the corresponding penalty changes that will be enacted on October 1, 2017 pursuant to the Justice Reinvestment Act (Chapter 515 of the Laws of Maryland/2016). Public comments on the proposed revisions were accepted through August 7, 2017.
July 1, 2017: The Circuit Courts for Caroline County and Talbot County deployed the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS) for initiation and submission of sentencing guidelines worksheets for cases sentenced on or after July 1, 2017.
April 2, 2017, In Memoriam: The Honorable Howard S. Chasanow, retired judge of the Court of Appeals and former Chair of the MSCCSP, passed away on April 2, 2017. As detailed in this obituary in the Washington Post, Judge Chasanow is remembered for his 28 years as a judge in Maryland and for his subsequent exemplary career as a professional mediator. However, Judge Chasanow should also be recognized for his significant contributions to the creation of the sentencing guidelines in Maryland, serving as the Chair and Vice-Chair on the Judiciary’s Sentencing Guidelines Advisory Board (1978-1979, 1982, 1984-1990) and then furthering his commitment to the continued development of the sentencing guidelines by serving as a member of the Maryland Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy (1996-1999) and the MSCCSP (1999-2000), and as Chair of the MSCCSP (2007-2011).
April 1, 2017: The Circuit Court for Washington County deployed the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS) for initiation and submission of sentencing guidelines worksheets for cases sentenced on or after April 1, 2017.
January 25, 2017: The MSCCSP released its 2016 annual report. The annual report reviews the activities of the Commission over the past year and provides an overview of circuit court sentencing practices for fiscal year 2016.
January 1, 2017: The Circuit Courts for Allegany and Garrett counties began utilization of the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS) for submission of sentencing guidelines worksheets for cases sentenced on or after January 1, 2017.

2016

December 13, 2016: The MSCCSP will hosted a public comments hearing on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. in the Judiciary Committee Hearing Room at the House Office Building in Annapolis, MD.
November 1, 2016: The MSCCSP released Version 8.2 of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual (MSGM). A detailed review of the updates to the MSGM is available in the November 2016 edition of the Guidelines E-News.
October 1, 2016: The Baltimore County Circuit Court began utilization of the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS) for submission of sentencing guidelines worksheets for cases sentenced on or after October 1, 2016. For more information on the MAGS application, please visit the MAGS page of the MSCCSP website.
September 20, 2016: The MSCCSP reviewed the penalty structure revisions pursuant to the Justice Reinvestment Act (JRA, Chapter 515 of the Laws of Maryland) and approved proposed revisions to the sentencing guidelines corresponding to the statutory JRA-related penalty revisions. The proposed revisions to the sentencing guidelines are expected to be adopted effective October 1, 2017 to correspond with the JRA statutory enactment dates. However, given the breadth of the changes and the general widespread expected impact, the MSCCSP decided to share the proposed revisions in advance of their enactment date. Click HERE to review the penalty structure revisions pursuant to the JRA and the corresponding proposed revisions to the sentencing guidelines.
August 19, 2016: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 43, Issue 17). Public comments on the proposed revisions may be submitted through September 19, 2016.
August 15, 2016: The MSCCSP is pleased to welcome Jennifer Lafferty, who is joining our staff as a Policy Analyst, Graduate Research Assistant. Jennifer joins us from Thomson Reuters, where she worked as an Associate Editor. Prior to that she worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Office of the Bronx District Attorney. She earned her J.D. from American University, Washington College of Law in 2006.
July 1, 2016: The revisions to rows IV and V of the sentencing matrix for drug offenses were adopted in the Code of Maryland Regulations effective July 1, 2016. The revisions are intended to more accurately reflect sentencing practices, while also maintaining proportionality across rows and columns of the matrix. For additional details on the revisions, please see Vol. 11, No 2 of the Guidelines E-News.
June 1, 2016: In anticipation of the pending revisions to rows IV and V of the sentencing matrix for drug offenses that will take effect July 1, 2016, the MSCCSP released an updated version (8.0) of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual (MSGM). Please review Volume 11, Issue 2 of the Guidelines E-News for further description of the pending revisions to the sentencing matrix for drug offenses.
June 1, 2016: The MSCCSP released an updated version (5.0) of the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS). Please review What’s New in MAGS 5.0 for a detailed discussion of the MAGS 5.0 updates.
April 1, 2016: The Harford County Circuit Court began utilization of the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS) for submission of sentencing guidelines worksheets for cases sentenced on or after April 1, 2016.
February 1, 2016: The MSCCSP revised the Guidelines Offense Table to include two offenses that were recently classified by the Commission, as well as to reflect minor edits to the table, including updated CJIS codes.
January 28, 2016: The MSCCSP released its 2015 annual report. The annual report reviews the activities of the Commission over the past year and provides an overview of circuit court sentencing practices for fiscal year 2015.
January 22, 2016: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 43, Issue 2). Public comments on the proposed revisions were accepted through February 22, 2016.
January 7, 2016: The MSCCSP is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members of the Commission. Senate President, Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. appointed Senator Robert Cassilly to fill one of the two Senate positions. Additionally, Governor Larry Hogan appointed the Honorable Brian L. DeLeonardo as the State’s Attorney representative.
January 1, 2016: The Cecil County Circuit Court began utilization of the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS) for submission of sentencing guidelines worksheets for cases sentenced on or after January 1, 2016.

2015

December 1, 2015: The St. Mary’s County Circuit Court began utilization of the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS) for submission of sentencing guidelines worksheets for cases sentenced on or after December 1, 2015.
October 30, 2015: The MSCCSP has approved tentatively, but not officially, certain changes to the cell ranges of existing Sentencing Matrix for Drug Offenses. The Commission invites public comment on those changes and an alternate proposal for revised cell ranges. The MSCCSP will receive comment at the December 8, 2015 public hearing. The MSCCSP should receive written public comment regarding the tentative amendment and/or the alternate proposed amendment by no later than December 4, 2015.
October 5, 2015: The MSCCSP is pleased to announce that Governor Larry Hogan appointed Brian D. Johnson to a four-year term as a member of the Commission. Dr. Johnson was appointed to represent the criminal justice/corrections policy expert position.
October 1, 2015: The Prince George’s County Circuit Court began utilization of the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS) for submission of sentencing guidelines worksheets for cases sentenced on or after October 1, 2015. For more information on the MAGS application, please visit the MAGS page of the MSCCSP website.
August 19, 2015: The Honorable Glenn T. Harrell, Jr. was appointed Chair of the MSCCSP by Governor Lawrence J. Hogan. Additionally, Governor Hogan appointed Frederick County Circuit Court Administrator Barbara Dorsey Domer to one of the two public representative positions on the MSCCSP. Finally, Governor Hogan also reappointed Commissioners LaMonte Cooke and Richard Finci. Each of these appointments was for a term of four years from July 1, 2015.
July 1, 2015: Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera appointed the Honorable Shannon E. Avery, Baltimore City Circuit Court, as the Circuit Court judicial representative for the MSCCSP.
July 1, 2015: The Charles County Circuit Court began utilization of the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS) for submission of sentencing guidelines worksheets for cases sentenced on or after July 1, 2015. For more information on the MAGS application, please visit the MAGS page of the MSCCSP website.
June 1, 2015: The MSCCSP revised the Guidelines Offense Table to reflect minor edits to the table. Most of the edits involve adding CJIS codes for the new and revised offenses passed during the 2014 Legislative Session.
June 1, 2015: The MSCCSP released an updated version (4.0) of the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS). Please review What’s New in MAGS 4.0 for a detailed discussion of the MAGS 4.0 updates.
March 20, 2015: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 42, Issue 6). Public comments on the proposed revisions were accepted through April 20, 2015.
March 9, 2015: The MSCCSP is pleased to announce the hiring of Katharine B. Pembroke as the staff Administrative/Training Coordinator. Katharine brings 7+ years of increasingly responsible experience in the criminal justice field as a former Parole and Probation agent and correctional specialist. Katharine completed an internship at the MSCCSP in 2008, while she was an undergraduate student at the University of Maryland, so it is particularly fulfilling to welcome her back.
March 2, 2015: The Frederick County Circuit Court began utilization of the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS) for submission of sentencing guidelines worksheets for cases sentenced on or after March 2, 2015. For more information on the MAGS application, please visit the MAGS page of the MSCCSP website.
February 1, 2015: The MSCCSP released Version 7.0 of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual (MSGM). A detailed review of the updates to the MSGM is available in the February 2015 edition of the Guidelines E-News.
January 26, 2015: The MSCCSP released its 2014 annual report which details the activities of the Commission over the past year and provides an overview of circuit court sentencing practices for fiscal year 2014.

2014

December 9, 2014: The MSCCSP hosted its annual Public Comments Hearing on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at 6:15 p.m. in the Miller Senate Office Building at 11 Bladen Street in Annapolis, MD. The hearing was held in the William Amoss Committee Room (4th floor).
December 1, 2014: The MSCCSP revised the Guidelines Offense Table to reflect new and amended offenses passed during the 2014 Legislative Session. All of these updates are reviewed in more detail in the December 2014 edition of the Guidelines E-News.
November 14, 2014: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 41, Issue 23). Public comments on the proposed revisions were accepted through December 15, 2014.
September 26, 2014: The MSCCSP is pleased to announce that Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera appointed the Honorable James P. Salmon, Judge, Court of Special Appeals, 4th Appellate Circuit as the Appellate Court representative for the Commission. Additionally, Chief Judge Barbera appointed the Honorable Patrice E. Lewis, Associate Judge, District Court of Maryland, Prince George’s County as the Commission’s District Court representative.
September 5, 2014: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 41, Issue 18). Public comments on the proposed revisions were accepted through October 6, 2014.
June 2, 2014: The Calvert County Circuit Court began utilization of the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS) on June 2, 2014.
April 1, 2014: The MSCCSP revised the guidelines offense table to reflect minor updates to the table, including updated CJIS codes.
January 30, 2014: The MSCCSP released its 2013 annual report which details the activities of the Commission over the past year and provides an overview of circuit court sentencing practices for fiscal year 2013.
January 24, 2014: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 41, Issue 2). Public comments on the proposed revisions were accepted through February 24, 2014.
January 8, 2014: An updated version of the Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS) was released for immediate use in the Montgomery County Circuit Court. MAGS 3.0 provides improvements requested by MAGS users during the pilot period and also provides additional enhancements identified by the MSCCSP. Click HERE for a more detailed review of the MAGS 3.0 updates.

2013

December 27, 2013: Governor Martin O’Malley appointed the Honorable Andrew L. Sonner as the criminal justice/corrections policy expert for the MSCCSP for the remainder of a term of four years through June 30, 2017.
December 10, 2013: Due to inclement weather, the public comments hearing and MSCCSP meeting scheduled for December 10, 2013 were cancelled.
November 19, 2013: The MSCCSP is pleased to announce that Governor Martin O’Malley appointed Commissioners Joseph Cassilly, Paul Enzinna, and Laura Martin for another term of four years from June 30, 2017.
November 1, 2013: The MSCCSP revised the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual (MSGM) to include the definition of a sentencing event and to expand instructions on retroactive completion of the sentencing guidelines worksheet. The Guidelines Offense Table was also updated to reflect new and amended offenses passed during the 2013 Legislative Session. All of these updates are reviewed in more detail in the November 2013 edition of the Guidelines E-News.
August 23, 2013: Proposed amendments to the Maryland criminal sentencing guidelines were published in the Maryland Register (Volume 40, Issue 17). Public comments on the proposed revisions were accepted through September 23, 2013.
April 15, 2013: The MSCCSP released a new version of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual (MSGM). A detailed review of the updates to the MSGM is available in the latest edition of the Guidelines E-News.
April 15, 2013: An updated version of the Maryland Automated Guidelines System was released for immediate use in the Montgomery County Circuit Court. MAGS 2.0 addresses issues identified by MAGS users during the initial MAGS pilot period and provides additional enhancements recommended by the MSCCSP. Click HERE for a more detailed review of the MAGS 2.0 updates.
April 1, 2013: The MSCCSP revised the guidelines offense table to reflect: (1) the addition of Affray to the list of offenses under Disturbing the Peace, Disorderly Conduct and Related Crimes; and (2) minor updates to the table, including updated CJIS codes.
January 30, 2013: The MSCCSP released its 2012 annual report which details the activities of the Commission over the past year and provides an overview of circuit court sentencing practices for fiscal year 2012.
January 25, 2013: The MSCCSP submitted proposed amendments to the sentencing guidelines that were published in the January 25, 2013 issue of the Maryland Register.

2012

December 11, 2012: The MSCCSP held its annual public comments hearing on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 6:15 pm in the Judiciary Committee Hearing Room at the House Office Building in Annapolis, MD.
November 1, 2012: The MSCCSP revised the Guidelines Offense Table to reflect new and amended offenses passed during the 2012 Legislative Session. Additionally, the MSCCSP released a revised Sentencing Guidelines Worksheet and an updated Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual, which includes revisions to the computation of the Prior Adult Criminal Record regarding medical marijuana convictions. The November 2012 Guidelines E-News provides a complete review of all the updates.
August 10, 2012: The MSCCSP submitted proposed amendments to the sentencing guidelines that were published in the August 10, 2012 issue of the Maryland Register. Public comments on the proposed amendments were accepted through September 10, 2012.
May 8, 2012: The Maryland Automated Guidelines System (MAGS) pilot project began in the Montgomery County Circuit Court on May 8, 2012. For more information on the MAGS application, please visit the MAGS page of the MSCCSP website.
March 1, 2012: The MSCCSP revised the Guidelines Offense Table to reflect new and amended offenses passed during the 2011 Legislative Session and other minor edits. The March 1, 2012 edition of the Guidelines E-News provides a review of the updates.
February 10, 2012: The MSCCSP released its 2011 annual report which details the activities of the Commission over the past year and provides an overview of circuit court sentencing practices for fiscal year 2011.

2011

December 15, 2011: Governor Martin O’Malley appointed LaMonte E. Cooke as the local correctional facility representative for the MSCCSP for the remainder of a term of four years from July 1, 2011. Mr. Cooke is the Director of Correctional Services for the Queen Anne’s County Department of Corrections.
September 7, 2011: The Speaker of the Maryland House, Michael E. Busch reappointed Commissioners Curtis S. Anderson and Joseph F. Vallario for another term of four years from July 1, 2011.
August 8, 2011: The Honorable Diane O. Leasure was appointed Chair of the Maryland State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy (MSCCSP) by Governor Martin O’Malley. The Governor also reappointed Commissioners James Anthenelli, Marcus Brown, Richard Finci, and Bernard Foster for a term of four years from July 1, 2011.
June 1, 2011: The MSCCSP revised the Guidelines Offense Table to reflect: (1) the addition of oxycodone and methadone to the list of drugs provided as examples under CDS distribution with maximum penalty 20Y and seriousness category IIIB; (2) the addition of buprenorphine to the list of drugs provided as examples under CDS distribution with maximum penalty 5Y and seriousness category IV; and (3) minor edits to the table, including updated CJIS codes. Click HERE for a review of the updates.

2009-2010

December 20, 2010: The MSCCSP updated the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual to reference two recent Maryland Court of Appeals decisions. Click HERE for a review of the update.
August 2-4, 2009: The MSCCSP hosted the 2009 annual conference of the National Association of Sentencing Commissions (NASC). The conference was held August 2-4, 2009 in Baltimore at the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel. Please visit the conference website to view the agenda, download copies of the speakers’ presentations, and see photos from the conference.