In 2025, Maryland enacted the Second Look Act, a significant piece of legislation. Born from years of dedicated grassroots advocacy, this law represents a belief in redemption, personal accountability, and the human capacity for change. Signed into law by Governor Wes Moore, the Act provides a new opportunity for certain individuals who have served long sentences to have their sentences reviewed and potentially reduced. This landmark legislation, which takes effect on October 1, 2025, offers a path forward for those who have demonstrated significant personal growth and rehabilitation.
This post provides a general overview of the Second Look Act, explaining who is eligible, what the process entails, and why securing legal guidance is so important.
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Who is Eligible for the Second Look Act?
The law establishes specific criteria for determining who may file a motion for a sentence reduction. It is crucial to understand that an individual must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible:
- Age at Time of Offense: The offense must have occurred when the individual was at least 18 years old but not yet 25.
- Time Served: The individual must have already served at least 20 years for the offense.
- Sentence Type: The individual must not be serving a life without parole (LWOP) sentence.
- Offense Type: The individual cannot be defined as a ‘sex offender’ under Criminal Procedure Article § 11–701, nor can they have been convicted of murdering a first responder in the line of duty.
A key feature of the Second Look Act is that it applies both retrospectively and prospectively. This means that anyone who meets these criteria is eligible, regardless of when their sentence was handed down. However, meeting the eligibility requirements only entitles you to file a motion. It does not guarantee a sentence reduction.
The Process for a Second Look Review
The path to a sentence reduction under the Second Look Act is a formal legal process with several distinct steps. It is a challenging journey that requires careful preparation and patience.
Step 1: Preparing the Motion
Long before a motion is filed, the groundwork must be laid. This involves years of demonstrating rehabilitation, such as avoiding infractions and actively participating in available jobs and educational programs. An attorney plays a vital role in this stage by gathering evidence of progress, collecting important facts, and preparing a compelling written motion for the court.
The motion will argue why reducing your sentence benefits the community and does not pose a risk. It will be based on specific factors the judge is required to consider, including your age at the time of the offense, your behavior while incarcerated, your demonstrated maturity and rehabilitation, and your family circumstances, among others.
Step 2: Filing the Motion
Once the preparation is complete, your attorney will file the motion with the court. After filing, there is a waiting period while the State’s Attorney prepares a response and a hearing is scheduled.
Step 3: The Hearing
At the hearing, you must be present unless you waive that right. Your attorney will present evidence and speak on your behalf. You will also have an opportunity to make a statement to the court. The State’s Attorney will present their position, and any victim or their representative may also offer a statement regarding the impact of the offense and the potential sentence reduction.
Step 4: The Decision
After the hearing, the judge will issue a written decision. To reduce a sentence, the judge must be convinced of two things:
- You are not a danger to the public.
- The interests of justice will be better served by a sentence reduction.
The judge can grant the motion in full, potentially leading to immediate release if the request was for time served. The judge could also deny the motion or grant it “in part,” meaning reducing the sentence by less than requested. Importantly, the court cannot increase your sentence during this process.
Curious about Motions for Reconsideration of Sentence? Read our article here.
Key Considerations for Applicants
Navigating the Second Look Act involves complex legal and personal considerations. Understanding these aspects can help manage expectations and improve the chances of a favorable outcome.
The Importance of Legal Representation
While you can technically file a motion on your own (pro se), it is strongly discouraged. The legal system has structural barriers that are difficult to navigate without a skilled lawyer. An attorney familiar with this area of law will understand the unwritten rules, have a direct view of emerging legal issues, and be able to communicate with the State’s Attorney to potentially limit opposition. They can also access information that may be withheld from an individual.
Filing Multiple Motions
If a motion is denied or only partially granted, you do not lose your chance forever. The Second Look Act allows for up to three motions to be filed for an eligible sentence. However, you must wait at least three years after the previous ruling before filing again.
What If I Am Serving Multiple Sentences?
Cases involving multiple sentences are complex. The length of each sentence, whether they relate to the same incident, and when each one begins are all factors that determine the best strategy. Consulting an attorney is essential to determine whether separate motions are needed and how best to pursue the earliest possible release.
Maintaining Innocence
Claiming innocence during a Second Look Act proceeding can be complicated. Any statements you make could be used against you in a separate innocence petition, and a judge might view the maintenance of innocence negatively during a resentencing hearing. This is a delicate matter that must be discussed thoroughly with a lawyer.
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A New Opportunity for Redemption
The Maryland Second Look Act is a transformative law that provides individuals with a meaningful opportunity to earn a second chance. It acknowledges that people can change and that lengthy sentences imposed on younger individuals may warrant another review after decades of incarceration.
The process is long and demanding, and the outcome is never certain. Success depends on years of demonstrated rehabilitation and the support of skilled legal counsel. For those who are eligible, this Act offers a ray of hope and a formal path to show they are ready to reenter society as productive and law-abiding citizens.
Free Consultation
Are you looking to hire an attorney to file a Second Look Act petition on your behalf or on behalf of a loved one? We offer free consultations.
You can call us 24/7 at 301.513.7832. Or, you can fill out our online form here. Once completed, a lawyer will contact you within fifteen minutes.
