Bill > SB1319

This bill, by adding section 13-722 to Arizona Revised Statutes, allows for sentence reductions for individuals convicted of felony offenses committed before their twenty-first birthday, provided they have served at least fifteen years or fifty percent of their sentence. The court must grant this reduction if it finds the defendant is not a danger to others and that justice warrants it, after considering factors such as the defendant's age at the time of the offense, their history and characteristics, victim input, demonstrated maturity and rehabilitation, mental health evaluations, past circumstances including abuse or trauma, their role in the offense, the diminished culpability of youth, and any other relevant information. Defendants can file a motion with the sentencing court, which will hold a hearing where the defendant can speak on their behalf, and the court must provide written reasons for granting or denying the request, potentially imposing a sentence less than the minimum but never a natural life sentence, while still respecting victims' rights.

Justice

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84857