Probation: term length.

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not specify when the bill will start or how much it might cost local agencies, and there is uncertainty about whether the extra year for completing a program will always be given.

Probation Term Length

This law allows courts to extend probation periods for people convicted of misdemeanor sex crimes and ordered to register as a sex offender from one year to three years, and adds an extra year if they complete a special management program.

What This Bill Does

• Allows judges to give someone on probation up to three years instead of just one year if they are required to register as a sex offender.
• Adds an extra year to the probation period for people who finish a special management program designed to help them.

Who It Names or Affects

• People convicted of misdemeanor sex crimes and ordered to register as sex offenders.
• Courts that handle these cases.

Terms To Know

Probation

A period when someone who has committed a crime is allowed to stay out of jail if they follow certain rules set by the court.

Sex Offender Registration Act

A law that requires people convicted of sex crimes to tell police where they live and work for a long time.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify when it will start or how much it might cost local agencies.
• It is unclear if the extra year for completing a program will always be given.

Official Summary Text

AB 2237, as amended, Patterson.
Probation: term length.
Existing law, the Sex Offender Registration Act (act), requires a person convicted of specified crimes to register with law enforcement as a sex offender while residing in California or while attending school or working in California, as specified. Existing law establishes 3 tiers of registration based on specified criteria, for periods of at least 10 years, at least 20 years, and life, respectively, for a conviction of specified sex offenses. Existing law authorizes courts that have jurisdiction in misdemeanor cases to suspend the sentence and make and enforce terms of probation in those cases, for a period not to exceed one year, except as specified.
Existing law authorizes the court, in an order granting probation, to suspend the imposition or execution of sentence and direct the suspension to continue for a period of time not exceeding 2 years, except as specified.
This bill would authorize a court having jurisdiction to impose punishment in misdemeanor cases to suspend the sentence for
a period of time not exceeding 3 years for an individual granted probation and ordered to register as a sex offender. This bill would authorize a court granting probation to suspend the imposition or the execution of the sentence for a period of time not exceeding 3 years for an individual granted probation and ordered to register as a sex offender.
an additional year, to allow for an individual required to register as a sex offender to complete an approved sex offender management program. The bill would require the period of time exceeding the one-year limit be terminated by the court upon the individual’s successful completion of the approved sex offender management program.
By extending the term of probation, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Current Bill Text

Download Bill PDF