Legislation Helps First-Time Juvenile Offenders Avoid Getting A Criminal Record

Legislation from state Senator John Proos designed to help low-level, first-time juvenile offenders avoid a public record and get treatment has been signed by Governor Rick Snyder. Proos says the plan lays out guidelines for when a judge can refer a juvenile offender to the informal “consent calendar” so they don’t get a regular court proceeding. From there, they would be referred to services designed to rehabilitate.

“An out of court process that doesn’t criminalize these individuals, these young offenders, particularly in some of their first-time offenses, but instead puts people around them that helps them to understand the consequences of their actions, and gives them the best chance to succeed,” Proos said.

Proos says the idea was brought to him by southwest Michigan judges. Under the legislation, the juvenile, their legal guardian, and the prosecutor would all have to agree to the consent calendar. The case could also be moved back into formal proceedings at any time. The legislation is the first of several criminal justice reforms designed to reduce crime and the prison population which Proos hopes to see approved soon.