Plain English Breakdown
Checked against official source text during the last sync.
AB-2274: New Rules on Plea Deals and Diversion for Crimes Against Minors
This law changes how plea deals work in human trafficking, pimping, or pandering cases involving minors by requiring court approval for immunity agreements to third parties and setting a minimum prison time.
What This Bill Does
- Prohibits giving immunity to anyone other than the defendant unless that person is named in writing and the court approves it after hearing from victims.
- Requires plea deals or dispositions for these crimes involving minors to include at least five years of actual state prison time served.
- Allows courts to skip the minimum prison sentence only if extraordinary circumstances exist that outweigh the need to protect child victims and the public.
- Makes defendants ineligible for pretrial mental health diversion programs if evidence shows they committed prohibited sex offenses, even if not formally charged with them.
Who It Names or Affects
- Defendants facing charges of human trafficking, pimping, or pandering where the victim was a minor.
- Local prosecutors who must follow new rules for plea agreements and diversion eligibility.
- Courts that must hold hearings to approve immunity grants and review evidence before denying diversion.
Terms To Know
- Plea agreement
- A deal where a defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for specific terms, such as reduced charges or sentencing.
- Pretrial diversion
- A program that allows some defendants with mental disorders to receive treatment instead of facing trial and potential prison time.
- Immunity agreement
- An arrangement where a person is protected from being charged or punished for their involvement in a crime.
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill does not specify the exact date it will take effect.
- Reimbursement to local agencies depends on whether the Commission on State Mandates determines that costs are mandated by this law.