The United States District Court for the District of Maryland is proposing a new Standing Order regarding Guilty Pleas and Sentencings. 

Although this Standing Order is an exercise of the Court’s inherent judicial authority, the Court recognizes that the Order is a matter of significant public importance on which many stakeholders have varying perspectives and that both the Fourth Circuit and Congress have recognized the value of notice and comment in analogous circumstances.  The Court thus invites public comment on this proposed Order. 

Comments must be submitted on or before October 19, 2026, to Mr. David E. Ciambruschini, U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, 101 West Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, or emailed to MDD_Localrules@mdd.uscourts.gov.

If approved, this Order will take effect on or about December 7, 2026.