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Lighter Sentences for Young Offenders and Victims of Crime

This law aims to change how sentences are given to young people who commit crimes, as well as to those who were victims of trafficking, abuse, or assault. Courts will be able to impose lower sentences than the statutory minimums, considering age, potential for rehabilitation, and the impact of trauma. Additionally, the law allows for earlier release from prison for individuals sentenced as adults for crimes committed before turning 18, after serving at least 20 years.
Key points
Courts can impose lower sentences for young victim offenders (under 18) who committed a crime, considering the impact of trauma.
Courts can impose lower sentences (up to 35% below the minimum) for juvenile offenders, considering their age and rehabilitation prospects.
Individuals sentenced as adults for crimes committed before age 18 can apply for sentence reduction after 20 years, if they are not a danger and show rehabilitation.
Prisoners sentenced for crimes committed as juveniles cannot be denied access to educational and rehabilitative programs.
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Additional Information
Sara’s Law and the Preventing Unfair Sentencing Act of 2021
Print number: HR 2858
Sponsor: Rep. Westerman, Bruce [R-AR-4]
Process start date: 2021-04-26