Bill > HB582

This bill revises several key aspects of Montana's criminal sentencing laws, focusing on three main areas: suspended or deferred sentences, sentence revocation proceedings, and credit for time served. Specifically, the bill allows district courts more discretion in denying elapsed time credit during revocation proceedings, particularly for offenders with multiple violations. The legislation clarifies rules for calculating credit for time served prior to sentencing, stipulating that credit is only applicable when the custody is directly related to the specific conduct for which the defendant was convicted. Additionally, the bill modifies provisions around suspended sentences, including limitations on the duration of community supervision for different types of offenses (such as sexual offenders, violent offenders, and those convicted of specific crimes). The changes aim to provide judges with more flexibility in sentencing and credit calculations while ensuring that offenders are treated consistently and fairly. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to offenders sentenced on or after that date, potentially impacting how courts handle sentencing, probation, and time served calculations for criminal defendants.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3451