CUMBERLAND — Republican state lawmakers are hoping Gov. Wes Moore will support efforts to reign in violent crime in the state, particularly in urban areas.
Sen. Mike McKay and Dels. Jason Buckel and Jim Hinebaugh, Republican members of the Western Maryland legislative delegation, discussed public safety during a pre-legislative breakfast Friday at the Rocky Gap Casino Resort. It was hosted by the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce. State elected officials meet annually with constituents prior to the opening of the legislative session in Annapolis, which begins on Jan. 10.
“I’ve been (in Annapolis) 10 years and I don’t think we considered a single piece of legislation on the floor that is really tougher on crime,” said Buckel, the House minority leader. “Everything we pass has been softer on crime. We’ve made it easier to get parole, probation, get out on bail, get the sentence cut, easier to get an attorney, easier to avoid interrogation. Everything is easier and nothing tougher.”
Delegation members are supporting an initiative to adopt stronger crime fighting measures as violent crime, particularly among juveniles, is on the rise, according to Baltimore Police Department statistics.
“There needs to be a response for the uptick in crime,” McKay said. “The public can’t stand for someone who has been charged for carjacking 15 times and just let them back on the streets.”
McKay said a five-point plan has been put forth by Senate and House Republicans.
In an interview Monday, McKay provided the details contained in the plan. He said the measures are mostly from bills submitted in recent years that did not pass.
The plan includes an increase from three years’ jail time to five years and a fine increase from $2,500 to $10,000 for crimes committed with an illegal firearm. It would also repeal the drug dealer loophole, which McKay said occurs during pleas when drug distribution is not considered tangential.
In addition, a person supplying a subject with a gun, when they know they were going to commit a crime, would face charges.
The proposal also calls for theft of a firearm to be a felony and would eliminate diminution (time served) credits for first- and second-degree murder. In addition, a cap for diminution credits would be set at no more than 10% for violent crime.
The plan also prohibits bail for violent crime if the accused has pending violent crime charges and eliminates preventing police from searching a car based on the smell of cannabis. However, there must be additional mitigating violations taking place as well. McKay said 720 illegal guns were taken off the streets last year during cannabis odor detection searches.
In regard to juvenile crime, currently juveniles can’t be interrogated without an attorney present and parental consent. McKay said underage kids are being used as drug mules and triggermen during crimes because they may receive lesser sentences as juveniles and put back on the street.
“Right now, they can’t hold them,” said McKay. “But, if they have the parents’ consent, (police) can interrogate to find out who is behind the crime.”
The plan also would have juveniles who have been arrested three times placed into the court system.
“The law says you have to release them back into the custody of the parents,” said McKay. “This would place them into the court system. On third arrest, they can’t go home.”
Buckel spoke about stories of violent offenders being released early only to go on violent crime sprees.
“I’m a believer in rehabilitation for some,” said Buckel. “But there are people prone to violence and can’t be reformed. Our job is to make sure they stay behind bars for the rest of their lives or for at least a period of time until they are no longer a viable threat.”
McKay said he remains optimistic that Democrat Moore’s administration will commit to a conversation on the initiative.
Del. Terry Baker had a pre-arranged hunting trip and was unable to attend the breakfast.