Section 1. The bill creates a sentencing option for offenders convicted of certain drug felonies that allows the court to vacate the felony conviction and enter a misdemeanor conviction in its place if the offender successfully completes a community-based sentence.

Section 2. For level 4 drug felonies, the bill creates an exhaustion of remedies requirement prior to the court sentencing the defendant to prison.

Section 3. If an offender who is convicted of a level 4 drug felony is terminated from a community corrections sentence, the court shall hold a resentencing hearing or make written findings regarding the sentence.

Sections 4 and 5. The bill creates new felony and misdemeanor drug sentencing grids.

Sections 6 and 7. The bill amends the drug sentencing article short title and legislative declaration.

Sections 8 through 30. The bill assigns each of the drug crimes a new drug penalty based on the new felony and misdemeanor drug sentencing grids.

Section 31. The bill prohibits a plea agreement that requires the defendant to waive his or her right to petition to have the conviction record sealed.

Section 32. When a defendant is sentenced to probation for a drug misdemeanor, the court may impose residential drug treatment as a condition of probation.

Section 33. The bill amends the intensive supervision probation program to allow defendants convicted of a misdemeanor to participate if they are assessed as higher risk.

Section 34. The bill adds all drug felonies to the habitual sentencing schemes.

Sections 35 through 54. The bill makes conforming amendments.

Section 55. The bill authorizes the statewide organization representing district attorneys the ability to receive, manage, and expend state funds in the manner prescribed by the general assembly on behalf of the district attorneys who are members of the organization.

Section 56. Under current law, drug offenders convicted after July 1, 2011, have the opportunity to have their conviction sealed. The bill conforms those provisions to the new drug offense classifications.

Section 57. The bill requires the division of criminal justice in the department of public safety to collect data on drug cases and issue a report by December 31, 2016.

Sections 58 through 62. The bill makes conforming amendments.

Year

2013

Current status

  • 05/21/2013 - Sent to Governor

Sponsors

Steadman, King/Levy, DelGrosso

Bill number

SB13-250

Position

Support