This CLE presentation will share the innovations in Maryland to protect emerging adult clients. The Maryland Office of the Public Defender has begun a pilot project to create a specialized unit representing “emerging adult” clients. Emerging adult clients are 18-25 years old and are over-represented in our criminal legal system and prisons despite the science indicating they are less culpable, more capable of growth and change, and still maturing neurologically.

Recent research shows that the worst racial disparities in the Country exist with the emerging-adult prison population. In response, Maryland intends to develop and spread innovative and cutting-edge strategies for defending this population to foster systemic change.