SCS/SB 440 - This act creates provisions relating to criminal procedure.JUVENILE DETENTION (Section 211.072)
This act provides that a juvenile, under the age of 18, who has been certified to stand trial as an adult, if currently placed in a secure juvenile detention, shall remain in juvenile detention, pending finalization of the judgment and completion of appeal, if any, of the judgment dismissing the juvenile petition to allow for prosecution under the general law, unless otherwise ordered by the juvenile court.
Upon any final judgment on appeal of the petition to dismiss prosecution of the juvenile under the general laws, and adult charges being filed, if the juvenile is currently in juvenile detention, the juvenile shall remain in detention unless the juvenile posts bond or the juvenile is transferred to an adult jail.
Additionally, this act provides that if the juvenile officer does not believe detention in a secure juvenile detention facility would be an appropriate placement or would continue to serve as an appropriate placement, the juvenile officer may file a motion in the adult criminal case, requesting that the juvenile be transferred from juvenile detention to jail. The court shall hear evidence relating to the appropriateness of the juvenile remaining in juvenile detention or being transferred to an adult jail. At the hearing, the juvenile, the juvenile's parents and counsel, the prosecuting attorney, and others as provided in the act, shall have the opportunity to present evidence and recommendations.
Following the hearing, the court shall order that the juvenile continue to be held in a secure juvenile detention facility or shall order that the pre-trial certified juvenile be held in an adult jail, but only after the court has made findings that it would be in the best interest of justice to move the pre-trial certified juvenile to an adult jail. The court shall weigh certain factors, as provided in the act, when deciding whether to detain a certified juvenile in an adult jail. In the event the court finds that it is in the best interest of justice to require the certified juvenile to be held in an adult jail, the court shall hold a hearing once every 30 days to determine whether the placement of the certified juvenile in an adult jail is still in the best interest of justice.
This act provides that a juvenile cannot be held in an adult jail for more than 180 days unless the court finds, for good cause, that an extension is necessary or the juvenile waives the 180-day maximum period.
Effective December 21, 2021, all previously certified, pre-trial juveniles, under the age of 18, who had been certified prior to August 28, 2021 shall be transferred from adult jail to a secure juvenile detention facility, unless a hearing is held and the court finds that it would be in the best interest of justice to keep the juvenile in the adult jail. All certified juveniles who are held in adult jails shall continue to be subject to the protections of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and shall be physically separated from adult inmates.
If the certified juvenile remains in juvenile detention, the juvenile officer may file a motion to reconsider placement and a hearing shall be held as provided in the act. The court may amend its earlier order in light of the evidence and arguments presented at the hearing if the court finds that it would not be in the best interest of justice for the juvenile to remain in a juvenile detention facility.
The issue of setting or posting bond shall be held in the pre-trial certified juvenile's adult criminal case.
Finally, this act provides that upon attaining the age of 18 or upon conviction on the adult charges, the juvenile shall be transferred from juvenile detention to the appropriate adult facility. Any responsibility for transportation of the certified juvenile who remains in a secure juvenile detention facility shall be handled in the same manner as in all other adult criminal cases where the defendant is in custody.
This provision is identical to a provision in the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SBs 53 & 60 (2021).
MOTION TO VACATE OR SET ASIDE THE VERDICT (Section 547.031)
This act provides that a prosecuting or circuit attorney may file a motion to vacate or set aside the judgment at any time if he or she has information that the convicted person may be innocent or may have been erroneously convicted. The circuit court in which the person was convicted shall have jurisdiction and authority to consider, hear, and decide the motion. Upon the filing of such a motion, the court shall order a hearing and issue findings of fact and conclusions of law on all issues presented. The Attorney General shall be given notice of hearing of much a motion and shall be permitted to appear, question witnesses, and make arguments in the hearing.
This act provides that the court shall grant the motion of the prosecuting or circuit attorney to vacate or set aside the judgment where the court finds that there is clear and convincing evidence of actual innocence or constitutional error at the original trial or plea that undermines the confidence in the judgment. In considering the motion, the court shall take into consideration the evidence presented at the original trial or plea; the evidence presented at any direct appeal or post-conviction proceedings; and the information and evidence presented at the hearing on the motion.
The prosecuting attorney, circuit attorney, or the defendant shall have the authority and right to file and maintain an appeal of the denial or disposal of such a motion. The Attorney General shall also have the right to intervene in any appeal filed by the prosecuting or circuit attorney or the defendant.
This provision is identical to a provision in the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SBs 53 & 60 (2021).
MARY GRACE BRUNTRAGER