Published in The Baltimore Sun April 24, 2003
by Gabriela Q. Kahrl, co-director, Chacón Center for Immigrant Justice at Maryland Carey Law
Gov. Wes Moore is expected to sign House Bill 193/Senate Bill 211 into law. This bipartisan bill, sponsored by Sen. Chris West and Del. David Moon, will amend the Probation Before Judgment (“PBJ”) statute so that it no longer triggers unintended adverse consequences, like loss of federal employment or legal immigration status. The bill enjoyed a broad base of support, including from Attorney General Anthony Brown, the Maryland State’s Attorney Association, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Maryland State Bar Association and retired judges...