Jamari’s Law Returns To Annapolis As Father Prepares To Testify

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — In July 2022, a drunk driver traveling at an unsafe speed crashed into the vehicle of Jamari Duckett, an 18-year-old from St. Mary’s County, ending his life moments later. Jamari was a recent graduate of Great Mills High School with plans to study mechanical engineering, his death a devastating loss to his family and the Southern Maryland community. Out of the tragedy came Jamari’s Law, proposed legislation aimed at strengthening penalties for drivers whose reckless or impaired actions result in death.

Under current Maryland law, vehicular manslaughter is classified as a nonviolent offense, even in cases involving drunk driving or extreme recklessness. A first offense carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and under current parole eligibility rules, offenders can be released after serving only a portion of that time. In Jamari’s case, the driver received the maximum sentence but became eligible for parole after roughly two and a half years, a result that fueled public outrage and renewed calls for reform.

Jamari’s Law would not create mandatory minimum sentences but would significantly expand the sentencing range available to judges. A first conviction for manslaughter by vehicle or vessel would increase from 10 to 20 years in prison, while a subsequent conviction would increase from 15 to 30 years. Supporters say the changes would give courts greater discretion to impose penalties that better reflect the seriousness of the crime and the permanent impact on victims’ families.

Jamari’s Law passed unanimously in the Maryland Senate in 2024 but did not receive a final vote in the House before the legislative session ended. Last year, the bill was introduced in both chambers of the General Assembly but failed to move out of committee. The legislation has been championed by St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling, along with Sen. Jack Bailey, R-District 29, and Del. Brian Crosby, D-St. Mary’s, who argue that current law fails to adequately address deadly driving behavior.

Jamari’s parents have also become leading advocates, attending hearings and sharing their son’s story in hopes of preventing similar tragedies. They and other supporters hope to see the bill’s passage in this year’s session, asserting the legislation is about accountability, public safety and punishment proportional to loss. Jamari’s father, John Duckett, is scheduled to travel to Annapolis on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, to speak before a Maryland Senate committee in support of the bill.