Bill > HB5010

This bill amends the Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure by adding a new provision that creates an affirmative defense for individuals who commit crimes as a direct result of being victims of human trafficking. Specifically, the bill allows defendants to argue in court that their criminal actions were a direct consequence of their status as human trafficking victims, with the defendant responsible for proving this defense by a preponderance of the evidence (meaning it is more likely than not that the claim is true). The defense applies to both felony and misdemeanor charges and references the specific human trafficking definitions found in Chapter LXVIIA of the Michigan Penal Code. This new legal provision recognizes that human trafficking victims may be coerced into criminal activities and provides them with a potential legal protection when prosecuted for crimes committed under duress. The bill will take effect 90 days after it is enacted into law, giving courts and legal professionals time to understand and implement the new defense mechanism.

Justice

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-5010