This bill proposes to amend current statutes by introducing enhanced sentencing guidelines for felony offenses committed against vulnerable adults. Under the new provisions, individuals aged 18 or older, or those tried as adults, who are convicted of felonies and are aware that the victim is a vulnerable adult, will face increased sentences. Specifically, the presumptive, minimum, and maximum sentences will be raised by three years for class 4, 5, or 6 felonies, and by five years for class 2 or 3 felonies. Additionally, these offenders will not be eligible for suspension of sentence, probation, pardon, or early release until their full sentence is served, unless specific conditions are met.

The bill also mandates that any additional sentence imposed due to the victim's status as a vulnerable adult must be in addition to any other applicable sentence enhancements. This change aims to strengthen protections for vulnerable adults by ensuring that offenders face more severe consequences for crimes committed against them. The current law remains unchanged, but the new language will be inserted into the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically in title 13, chapter 7, by adding section 13-722.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-722