The bill S.186, introduced by Senator Hashim, aims to modify the jurisdictional framework regarding juvenile offenders in criminal proceedings. It allows a juvenile who is alleged to have committed certain offenses to opt for a plea agreement in the Criminal Division instead of the Family Division. Specifically, the bill amends 33 V.S.A. § 5201 to state that unless certain conditions apply, proceedings for juveniles under 20 years of age will typically start in the Family Division. However, if a juvenile chooses to enter a plea agreement for an offense specified in subsection 5204(a) or subdivisions (c)(2) or (3), they can do so in the Criminal Division, which will then retain jurisdiction over the case.

Additionally, the bill modifies 33 V.S.A. § 5203, stipulating that if a Criminal Division court finds that a defendant was under 20 years old at the time of the alleged offense, it must transfer the case to the Family Division unless the juvenile opts for a plea agreement in the Criminal Division. The bill also includes provisions for the State's Attorney regarding filing charges based on the juvenile's choice of plea agreement. The effective dates for the sections of the bill vary, with some provisions taking effect upon passage and others set for July 2, 2027.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 33-5201, 33-5203