NCJ Number
238471
Date Published
December 2011
Length
42 pages
Annotation
This report was prepared by Maryland's Department of Legislative Services, Office of Policy Analysis, in response to continuing legislative and public interest in the diminution of confinement credits that reduces the length of incarceration.
Abstract
Generally, inmates sentenced to prison in Maryland are entitled to earn diminution of confinement credits that reduce the length of incarceration. Inmates who may not receive such credits are those who are serving a sentence for first or second degree rape or sexual offense against a victim under age 16; an inmate who is serving a repeat sentence for a third-degree sexual offense against a victim under age 16; and an inmate imprisoned for a lifetime sexual offender supervision violation. In addition, an inmate whose mandatory supervision release has been revoked may not be awarded any new diminution credits on the term of confinement for which the inmate was on mandatory supervision release. During fiscal year 2010, 3,711 persons were released due to the expiration of their sentences; and 4,495 persons were released as a mandatory supervision release resulting from diminution credits. Some inmates may not be allowed a total deduction of more than 20 days per month; the maximum deduction is 15 days per month. If an inmate violates rules of discipline, the inmate's good conduct or special project credits may be revoked. Although Maryland does not currently provide for credits to reduce the length of probation, or parole, or mandatory supervised release, the State is in accord with most other States in allowing good-conduct credits as well as earned time credits. The features of good-time and earned-time policies for State prison inmates in a few other States are reported.