Criminal Procedure - Probation Before Judgment - Defendants Diagnosed With Autism or Intellectual Disabilities

HB 940 requires Maryland courts to delay sentencing and place defendants diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability on probation before judgment under specific conditions. This applies when a defendant pleads guilty or is convicted, has a diagnosis meeting Maryland’s legal definition (per DSM or §7-101 of Health - General), and the court finds their crime was a direct result of their disability. Courts must also determine probation serves both the defendant’s best interests and public safety. The bill directly affects eligible defendants in criminal cases, offering an alternative to immediate conviction.