Bill > A00720

This bill modifies existing criminal procedure law regarding youthful offender status, specifically expanding the circumstances under which a young person can be classified as a youthful offender. Currently, courts can grant youthful offender status if they believe it serves the interest of justice and would help relieve the eligible youth from the burden of a criminal record. The bill specifically changes the language around misdemeanor convictions, mandating that if an eligible youth is convicted of a misdemeanor and has no prior criminal convictions, the court must find them a youthful offender. A youthful offender classification is beneficial because it can help protect a young person's future by sealing their criminal record and potentially avoiding more severe penalties. The bill would apply to criminal convictions entered on or after its effective date, providing more automatic protection for young first-time misdemeanor offenders. The key modification removes the previous discretionary language for misdemeanor convictions in local criminal courts and creates a more standardized approach to granting youthful offender status for eligible youth.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A720