The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 425, sponsored by Rep. Frizzell, on low level offenses. Author Sen. Young explained that the bill reduces a number of election crimes from Level 6 felonies to Class A misdemeanors. It also permits an alcoholic beverage retailer or dealer to: (1) accept credit cards; and (2) extend credit to a consumer if the amount owed is paid … [Read more...] about Low level offenses
sentencing
Plea agreements and sentencing
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 120, sponsored by Rep. Steuerwald, on plea agreements and sentencing. The bill repeals Ind. Code § 35-35-3-3(b)’s provision that a felony plea agreement, the presentence investigation for it, and the hearing are not part of “’the official record of the case” unless the court approves the agreement. It also repeals Ind. Code § 35-3 … [Read more...] about Plea agreements and sentencing
Victim notification
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 239 on victim notification. Sponsor Rep. Friend explained that the bill provides that if the discharge or release date of an offender is changed during the 40-day notification period before an offender's planned discharge or release, the Department of Correction shall notify the victim as soon as possible but not more than 48 … [Read more...] about Victim notification
Commitment to the DOC for a Level 6 felony
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1010 on commitment to the DOC for a Level 6 felony. Sponsor Sen. Young explained that the bill amends the law limiting the circumstances under which a person convicted of a Level 6 felony can be committed to the Department of Correction (DOC). Provides that a person convicted of a Level 6 felony can be committed to the DOC … [Read more...] about Commitment to the DOC for a Level 6 felony
Habitual offender requirements
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard Rep. HB 1064 on habitual offender requirements. Sponsor Sen. Head explained that the bill provides that to be sentenced as a habitual offender (other than for a conviction of a Level 1 through Level 4 felony or murder), a person must have accumulated at least one of the required number of prior unrelated felony convictions … [Read more...] about Habitual offender requirements