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Decarceration and Re-Entry Clinic

Decarceration and Re-Entry Clinic (DREC) students represent incarcerated individuals in Maryland circuit courts pursuant to the Maryland Second Look Act and, historically, under its predecessor, the Juvenile Restoration Act. The Second Look Act allows individuals who were convicted of certain crimes between the ages of 18 and 25, who have served at least 20 years of their sentence, to petition the court for a sentence reduction. This important criminal justice reform recognizes that young adults, just like juveniles, are capable of genuine change over the course of lengthy incarceration and that the justice system must conform to that reality and afford those individuals a second chance. DREC students will also represent individuals of all ages before the Maryland Parole Commission and collaborate with community-based re-entry specialists to address the unique challenges faced by our clients when released after decades behind bars.

DREC Overview 2021-2022

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Our Focus

The Decarceration and Re-Entry Clinic provides the opportunity for law students who are enrolled in either the day or evening program to help youthful offenders who are seeking to be released from confinement and restart their lives. In the 2021-2022 school year, students sought both parole and resentencing under Juvenile Restoration Act for their clients. In representing their clients, students will be able to develop their roles as lawyers through the services they provide and connections they make.

Meet Our Faculty