Proposal Provides First-Time Juvenile Offenders a Second Chance

HB 1197 (Ahern) provides for automatic expungement of a juvenile's first-time misdemeanor after the offender completes a diversion program. The bill also allows for discretionary use of civil citations for adults. FCCB staff expressed support for the measure at a meeting of the Criminal Justice Subcommittee, which passed the bill unanimously ( 10-0).

Civil citations serve as an alternative to criminal arrest and provide a second chance to offenders who make mistakes while still holding them accountable for their actions. Such diversion programs also benefit society by reducing crime, saving the state money and helping build a productive citizenry.