Bill > HB4174

This bill modifies Michigan's juvenile justice laws to create a presumption that statements made by juveniles during interactions involving deceptive police practices are involuntary and inadmissible in court. Specifically, if a law enforcement officer, court official, or their agent knowingly uses deception during an interaction with a juvenile, any statement, admission, or confession made by the juvenile will be presumed involuntary and inadmissible as evidence. The bill defines "deception" broadly as knowingly using communication to convey false facts about evidence, misrepresent facts, or make unauthorized promises of leniency. However, the prosecution can overcome this presumption by proving by clear and convincing evidence that the statement was voluntary, not resulting from deception, and reliable. The bill also adds a new definition of "deception" to the existing juvenile justice statute and introduces provisions that would protect juveniles from potentially coercive interrogation tactics. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2027, and will apply to self-incriminating responses made on or after that date, indicating a forward-looking approach to protecting juveniles' legal rights during interactions with law enforcement.

Justice

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4174