Bill > SB0184

This bill amends existing law to provide new circumstances and procedures under which a court can reduce the degree of a criminal offense for which a person has been convicted, meaning a more serious crime could be treated as a less serious one. Specifically, it allows for such reductions if a defendant successfully completes probation or parole, or a rehabilitation program, and meets certain timeframes and conditions, such as not being convicted of a new serious offense. The bill also introduces a new provision allowing for a reduction if a defendant provides substantial assistance in criminal investigations or prosecutions within one year of sentencing, with the prosecutor's consent. Important terms like "rehabilitation program" are defined to include various treatment and educational programs, and "serious offense" refers to felonies or misdemeanors that are not minor regulatory or traffic offenses. The bill clarifies that a reduction can only be by one degree unless the prosecutor agrees to a two-degree reduction, and it cannot reduce an offense by more than two degrees, nor can it be applied to offenses that require sex offender registration until those registration requirements expire. The bill also outlines factors the court must consider when determining if a reduction is in the "interest of justice," including the harm caused to victims and input from victims, as well as other factors like the defendant's criminal history and participation in rehabilitation. Finally, it sets an effective date of May 6, 2026.

Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0184.html