Bill > HB220

This bill amends Delaware law to enhance the Juvenile Civil Citation Program, which provides an alternative to criminal charges for certain young offenders. The bill requires peace officers to consciously consider issuing a civil citation instead of pressing criminal charges for specific offenses, such as criminal mischief, graffiti, trespassing, shoplifting, theft, and disorderly conduct, when the juvenile is a "qualified offender" (meaning they have no prior delinquency adjudications or recent diversion program referrals). If an officer chooses not to issue a civil citation for certain listed offenses, they must now document the reason in the Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS). The legislation also mandates that every law enforcement agency submit an annual report to the Police Officer Standards and Training Commission detailing their use of juvenile civil citations. Additionally, the bill requires that training on the Juvenile Civil Citation Program be included as part of mandatory police officer training every two years. The goal is to provide a more rehabilitative approach to handling minor juvenile offenses, giving young people an opportunity to address their behavior without immediately entering the criminal justice system. The act will take effect 18 months after its enactment.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142478