The Maryland General Assembly created the Maryland State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy (MSCCSP) in May 1999 (formally replacing the predecessor advisory commission) under Chapter 648 of the Laws of Maryland 1999. The General Assembly authorized the MSCCSP to "adopt existing sentencing guidelines for sentencing within the limits established by law which shall be considered by the sentencing court in determining the appropriate sentence for defendants who plead guilty or nolo contendere to, or who were found guilty of crimes in a circuit court." The MSCCSP was also authorized to "adopt guidelines to identify defendants who would be appropriate for participation in corrections options programs."

The MSCCSP shall work to: increase equity in sentencing by reducing unwarranted disparity, including racial disparity, while retaining judicial discretion to individualize sentences; articulate an explicit sentencing policy while providing a regular basis for policy review and change; promote increased visibility and aid public understanding of the sentencing process

University of Maryland
4511 Knox Road, Suite 309
College Park, MD 20742-8660
(877) 825-1991 / toll-free
(301) 403-4165 / phone
(301) 403-4164 / fax
msccsp@crim.umd.edu