BALTIMORE (AP) - A new state policy could mean that Maryland inmates serving parole-eligible life sentences for their childhood crimes may now be considered for minimum-security facilities and possibly work-release programs.
The Baltimore Sun reports Public Safety Secretary Stephen T. Moyer this month reversed rules that prohibited any Maryland inmate sentenced to life in prison from being placed in a below medium-security facility.
Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services spokesman Gerry Shields says the change follows recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions on juvenile life sentences.
The court ruled in January that prisoners sentenced to life in prison for crimes committed under the age of 18 could seek a chance at parole.
The Maryland Parole Commission says 271 inmates are eligible, but would need commission approval to move to a lower-security facility.
