Bill signed expanding use of alternative sentencing for youth

A program for youthful offenders that allows them to have their criminal record cleared if they serve their sentence without incident will be expanded under legislation signed last week by Gov. Rick Snyder.

The bill package expands the age of eligibility under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA), which allows sentences to be decided by the prosecuting attorney and judge, and can involve probation, jail or prison.

“Allowing younger offenders to fulfill their sentence with the promise of a second chance gives them invaluable time to consider the consequences of their actions and chart a different course for the future,” Snyder said.

“Under the discretion of the judge and prosecuting attorney, this program enables an offender to continue working or going to school. It is showing good results for our youth and our communities and deserves to be expanded.”

The governor referred to the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act during a speech on criminal justice earlier this month. Among other things, Snyder addressed when incarceration is the best option for an offender and whether an alternative sentence would better serve the public interest.