Syed v. Lee
Intermediate court held that victim’s representative’s notice of a hearing on a motion to vacate defendant’s convictions, and attendance by Zoom, were inconsistent with state constitution’s requirement that crime victims be treated with dignity and sensitivity. Court also held that 1) victims’ rights to notice and attendance do not apply to off-the-record, in-chambers conferences and 2) victims do not have a state constitutional right to be heard at vacatur hearings. Appeals from both the victim’s representative and defendant are pending before the Maryland Supreme Court.
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Adnan Syed’s appeal raises questions about the scope of Maryland’s protections for victims’ rights.