State's Attorney testifies in support of eviction right to counsel bill

BALTIMORE — On Tuesday, Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby submitted testimony during a Housing and Urban Affairs Committee virtual hearing on a City Council bill that would establish a mechanism to provide counsel for individuals facing eviction in Baltimore City.

The bill would also require landlords disclose certain information regarding the right to counsel in eviction matters.

"What we know to be true is that when someone is saddled with a criminal record, it can become very hard, if not impossible, to find housing. As such, individuals enter a vicious cycle," said State's Attorney Mosby. "They commit a crime out of economic desperation; are subsequently arrested and convicted; now they have a criminal record, serve their time in prison, and get out trying to rehabilitate and put their life back on track, only to be denied access to housing, employment, and other benefits as they try and reintegrate into society. Such barriers are a path to recidivism and more crime in our city, as those individuals are shut out of regular society and turn back to the life they know."