Bill > H1771

This bill modifies Massachusetts law regarding probation violations and sentencing for suspended sentences. Specifically, the bill changes how courts can handle revocations of suspended sentences in two key ways: First, for suspended sentences to state prison, if the sentence is revoked, the full original sentence will be imposed. Second, for suspended sentences to a house of correction, the court will now have more flexibility, being able to either impose the full suspended sentence or impose only a portion of the sentence with the remaining balance still suspended. If a partial sentence is imposed, the bill stipulates that the remaining suspended portion will be reduced by the time already served during the revocation. Additionally, when imposing less than the full suspended sentence, the court will have discretion to modify the probation conditions. These changes aim to provide judges with more nuanced options when addressing probation violations, potentially allowing for more individualized and proportional responses to different types of infractions.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1771