Maryland HB84 allows domestic violence as a mitigating factor in sentencing for certain crimes.

Maryland HB84, also known as the Providing Alternatives Through Healing for Justice-Involved Individuals (PATH) Act, permits the introduction of evidence that a defendant was a victim of domestic violence and that this violence was a significant contributing factor to the commission of a crime as a mitigating factor at sentencing. This applies to crimes of violence, including stalking and revenge porn, but excludes murder. The defendant must establish this mitigating factor by a preponderance of the evidence.

Maryland HB84 allows domestic violence as a mitigating factor in sentencing for certain crimes.

Maryland HB84, also known as the Providing Alternatives Through Healing for Justice-Involved Individuals (PATH) Act, permits the introduction of evidence that a defendant was a victim of domestic violence and that this violence was a significant contributing factor to the commission of a crime as a mitigating factor at sentencing. This applies to crimes of violence, including stalking and revenge porn, but excludes murder. The defendant must establish this mitigating factor by a preponderance of the evidence.