Marylands

Maryland’s New Juvenile Justice Laws to Lower Age for Serious Charges, Increase Transparency and Accountability

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Baltimore, Maryland – A sweeping set of changes to Maryland’s juvenile justice laws came into effect on Friday, marking a significant shift in how the state handles young offenders. The new law, part of the Juvenile Justice Reform Act signed earlier this year by Governor Wes Moore, includes provisions that allow for younger children, ages 10 to 12, to be charged with certain serious offenses including illegal gun possession, auto theft, animal cruelty, and third-degree sexual offense. Previously, the minimum age to charge children with these crimes was 13. The legislation aims to tackle the … Read more

Federal Court Supports Maryland’s Handgun Training and Background Check Laws

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BALTIMORE — A federal court recently affirmed Maryland’s stringent laws on handgun possession, which include mandatory training and thorough background checks for prospective owners. The decision has been hailed as a victory by advocates for tighter gun control, who argue that these measures are essential for curbing gun violence and enhancing public safety. The ruling underscores a growing emphasis on the need for systematic checks and training in the gun purchasing process as a preventive measure against firearm-related incidents. In Maryland, individuals looking to purchase handguns must undergo a state-run training program, which covers the … Read more

Challenging the Tipped Minimum Wage: A Closer Look at Maryland’s Potential Elimination

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Washington, D.C. – Maryland residents are advised to thoroughly investigate the potential consequences before supporting the elimination of the tipped minimum wage, as seen in the nation’s capital. As an owner of restaurants in both D.C. and Maryland, I urge residents to conduct a comprehensive study of the earnings and reasons behind tipped employment. Employees in my establishments earn an impressive $35 to $40 per hour, surpassing the wages of cooks and dishwashers in most full-service restaurants. Additionally, it is crucial to examine the financial struggles faced by the restaurant industry itself. Contrary to popular … Read more

Maryland’s Legislative Session Puts Spotlight on Urgent Reforms for Juvenile Crime Laws

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ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — As Maryland’s legislative session approaches, the focus on juvenile crime law reform becomes increasingly urgent. The state, and particularly Baltimore City, has been grappling with a surge in juvenile crime, leaving lawmakers under intense scrutiny to address the issue. One tragic incident that highlights the need for reform is the mass shooting that occurred during the annual block party known as “Brooklyn Day” in Baltimore’s Brooklyn Homes neighborhood on July 2, 2023. Eighteen-year-old Aaliyah Gonzalez lost her life in the shooting, yet none of the arrested teenagers have been charged. Krystal Gonzalez, … Read more