Maryland sends more children's criminal cases to juvenile court

More children's cases start in juvenile court rather than automatically starting in adult criminal court. This includes 14- and 15-year-olds accused of crimes punishable by life imprisonment and 16- and 17-year-olds accused of robbery or first-degree assault. Certain serious charges still start in adult court for 16- and 17-year-olds, along with other charges from the same incident. A previous adult felony conviction can still send a child's later felony case to adult court unless the case is transferred. These changes took effect October 1, 2026, and do not apply to proceedings for acts committed before that date.

An intake officer must authorize detention before a hearing for children at least 16 accused of the covered offenses. The requirement covers children at least 16 years old who are accused of conduct that would be a covered crime if committed by an adult. The accusation must involve the handgun offense in Criminal Law Section 4–203 or a crime covered by the referenced legal definition of violence. This requirement took effect October 1, 2026, and does not apply to proceedings for acts committed before that date.

Facilities must keep children out of contact, sight, and sound of incarcerated adults. Children cannot travel with adults charged with or convicted of crimes. Separation covers arrested, convicted, and awaiting-trial children, including those in adult court. Children under adult court authority cannot stay in adult correctional facilities except for temporary processing. Adult facilities may temporarily process children only with sight and sound separation, for up to six hours including transport to the nearest juvenile facility. While a court considers transfer to juvenile court, children must stay in a secure juvenile facility unless released before trial. Lack of space or a finding of risk no longer allows an exception. Section 4's confinement, separation, transportation, and placement rules take effect October 1, 2029.