Bill > S760

This bill proposes to amend existing laws to establish a comprehensive diversion program for individuals charged with certain misdemeanors. Key provisions include: - Allowing courts to divert eligible individuals from further court processing upon recommendation from the Department of Probation or a certified diversion program. Eligibility is presumed for those charged with minor misdemeanors without outstanding warrants or pending cases. - Requiring the Department of Probation to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the individual's needs and make a recommendation to the court on diversion suitability. - Providing a 90-day stay of proceedings for eligible individuals who consent to participate in the diversion program, during which time no criminal record is created. - Allowing the District Attorney to divert individuals to the community or a program at their discretion, with or without court approval. - Directing the Commissioner of Probation to certify, monitor, and assist diversion programs to ensure high-quality, individualized services. - Expanding the role of the advisory board to assist the Commissioner in coordinating services for defendants participating in diversion programs. The overall goal is to provide an alternative to traditional criminal justice processing for certain lower-level offenses, focusing on addressing underlying needs and rehabilitation rather than incarceration.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S760