A new Maryland law, known as Jamari’s Law, will increase the penalties for causing a death while driving with gross negligence. It applies to cases where someone drives with extreme carelessness, such as speeding heavily or ignoring traffic laws, and causes another person to die.
Below are some key points to consider.
What changes under the new law
Previously, a person convicted of grossly negligent manslaughter by vehicle could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. With Jamari’s Law, that maximum sentence will increase to 20 years. If the person has a past conviction for a similar offense, the maximum sentence will rise to 30 years.
There is no mandatory minimum. Judges can still decide the sentence based on the details of the case. The law only changes the maximum punishment allowed.
Why is it called Jamari’s Law?
The law is named after Jamari Duckett, an 18-year-old from St. Mary’s County who was killed in 2022. He was hit by a driver going 91 miles per hour in a 40-mile-per-hour zone. The driver received the old maximum sentence of 10 years but became eligible for parole after just two and a half years. This led Jamari’s family to push for stronger penalties in similar cases.
Jamari’s Law has passed through the Maryland legislature. If it is signed by the governor, it will take effect on October 1, 2025.
As you can see, driving charges have the potential to be very serious, and it’s important to build the strongest possible defense. Seeking legal guidance will help you do this.