Sometimes young people make mistakes. They shouldn’t have to pay for them forever!
For many young people, being arrested is about one of the worst experiences they could possibly endure. Especially if they’re on track towards a bright future, and this single situation is about to ruin everything they’ve worked so hard for. But don’t give up hope just yet! Just because you made a stupid choice, or did something wrong that you regret, doesn’t mean your future is ruined. The Holmes Youthful Trainee Act might mean a fresh start for you!
What does the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA) do for you?
The Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (called the HYTA for short) is a Michigan law that allows certain young people between ages 17 through 23, to have a criminal conviction dismissed and cleared from their public record. This law was put in place because Michigan law assumes that many 17 to 23 year olds, while they’re legally adults, don’t have the wisdom and maturity that comes with adulthood. So they sometimes make poor choices that can have long term consequences. The belief is that this lack of self-discipline and wisdom, (which can lead to certain, isolated criminal acts) shouldn’t be punished with standard criminal convictions.
How do you ask for sentence under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act?
Obviously, the very first step is talking to your criminal defense attorney. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to tell you if HYTA sentencing is possible in your case, or not. But possible doesn’t mean probable! And before you can be eligible for the HYTA, you have to meet certain criteria. (Not everyone is eligible!) Here is a list of the requirements:
- You must be between the ages of 17 and 23 years old. (Anyone younger or older doesn’t qualify)
- Not all crimes are eligible for HYTA sentencing. Certain crimes, like drunk driving and very serious felony drug charges, life offense crimes and many sex assault crimes, are not eligible.
- You have to plead guilty to the crime you’re being charged with, before the judge will even consider granting you this privilege! Being sentenced under the HYTA statute is at the judge’s discretion – there are no guarantees!
- HYTA sentences may include jail time, probation, counseling, random drug testing, and/or restitution to any victims. Your case would only be dismissed once you’ve fulfilled these court ordered obligations.
- Any probation violations can cause a judge to revoke your HYTA status (and most of them will!). So you have to be careful to stick to the terms of your sentencing,or risk not having your case dismissed at the end of your probationary period.
One mistake doesn’t have to ruin your future!
Join us next time, when we’ll be explaining exactly what the difference would be for you if you received a HYTA sentence, versus a regular sentence, and why that matters for your future. Until then, if you have a young loved one who made a mistake and needs legal representation from someone who understands what’s really at stake here, call The Kronzek Firm PLC at 866 766 5245. Our highly respected criminal defense attorneys have handled many HYTA sentencings over the decades, and we understand how to present the case to get the best results. We can help you 24 / 7 by calling 866 7No Jail.