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Panel backs stiffer maximum sentences for vehicular manslaughter in ''Jamari's Law' testimony
Summary
Supporters including victims' family members and MADD told the Judiciary Committee that House Bill 977 would let judges impose longer sentences for vehicular manslaughter (manslaughter by vehicle or vessel) where offenders are convicted of violent conduct, increasing maximum terms to 20 years for first offenses and 30 for repeat offenders.
Delegate Brian Crosby introduced House Bill 977, called "Jamari's Law," after Jamari Duckett, an 18-year-old St. Mary's County resident killed in a 2022 crash. Crosby and family members testified that the bill would increase the maximum sentence for manslaughter by vehicle or vessel (currently 10 years for a first offense and 15 for repeat offenders) to 20 and 30 years respectively.
Family members of Jamari Duckett testified about the circumstances of his death and urged the…
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