The proposed bill establishes a criminal deferral process specifically for juveniles charged with misdemeanors in Wyoming. Under the new section W.S. 14-6-253, if a juvenile has no prior convictions and is charged with a misdemeanor deemed not treatable under existing juvenile statutes, the circuit court may defer proceedings and place the juvenile on probation for up to eighteen months. The probation terms include regular court reporting, law-abiding behavior, and restitution to victims. If the juvenile successfully completes probation, the court may dismiss the charges without a conviction. However, if the juvenile violates probation, the court has the authority to adjudicate guilt or transfer the case to juvenile court.

Additionally, the bill amends various existing statutes to incorporate the new deferral process, including provisions for surcharges and probation conditions. Notably, it specifies that a deferral under W.S. 14-6-253 will not be considered a conviction for any purpose, ensuring that juveniles can benefit from this rehabilitative approach without the long-term consequences of a criminal record. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and applies to misdemeanors committed by juveniles on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 1-40-119, 5-9-134, 5-12-116, 5-12-118, 6-10-102, 6-10-103, 7-9-101, 7-13-301, 7-13-1202, 7-13-1301, 7-13-1303, 21-2-802, 31-5-233