Teens make mistakes. They shouldn’t be required to pay for them for the rest of their lives.
Welcome back and thanks for joining us here at The Kronzek Firm, while we wrap up this discussion on Michigan’s Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (called the HYTA for the purpose of brevity!) If you’re only joining us now we recommend you spend a moment getting caught up, and then we’ll wrap up this topic with a look at the crimes that aren’t eligible for HYTA sentencing, and what other options are available to you here in Michigan.
Some crimes in Michigan make you ineligible to apply for a HYTA sentence!
HYTA is available for young adults who’ve committed many different types of crimes here in Michigan. It applies to both misdemeanors and felonies. However, some crimes are considered too serious for a deferred sentence, which means they aren’t eligible for HYTA sentencing. That means that a judge cannot even consider a request for sentencing under our Holmes Youthful Trainee Act. Here’s a list of some of the more common ones, but it doesn’t include them all. If you’re curious about whether or not your charges are eligible, speak to your criminal defense attorney.
Crimes not eligible for HYTA sentencing:
- Any crime that could result in a life sentence. Examples include murder, armed robbery, first degree child abuse, and certain assault crimes.
- Many sex crimes, including First and Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct
- Felony Drug charges or any Federal charges
- Drunk or drugged driving
What other options are available for you instead of the HYTA?
HYTA sentencing isn’t always going to available, for a variety of reasons. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. For certain crimes, there are alternatives that allow for cases to be resolved under different Michigan laws that are similar to HYTA. Some of these include:
- Certain Domestic violence cases may be dismissed under MCL 769.4a.
- Certain drug possession and use crimes may be dismissed under MCL 333.7411.
However, there’s one very important difference between HYTA sentencing and the two options we just mentioned, and that is: how many times you can make use of them as options. The above two options are only available once in a person’s lifetime, whereas HYTA sentences are technically available on an unlimited basis. But it’s important for you to understand that very few judges will grant someone a second chance at Holmes Youthful Trainee Act sentencing when they’ve already committed a felony (even if the record of that felony isn’t publicly available any more!)
Not all Michigan attorneys are equipped to handle HYTA cases! In fact, only a limited number of Michigan’s best criminal defense lawyers know about every possible option for resolving a case without life-long consequences. That’s one of the many reasons that it’s always best to hire a top Michigan criminal defense attorney.
Can I get a HYTA sentence if I want one?
It’s important to remember that a HYTA sentence isn’t automatic! Just because you’re eligible, doesn’t mean you will be granted the privilege. Only a judge can decide if a person will make a good candidate for a this type of sentence. Which means that getting this kind of sentence requires a very special set of circumstances, and a lot of work on the part of your criminal attorney. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right criminal defense attorney!
Have you made a mistake? You don’t have to handle it alone!
At The Kronzek Firm, our aggressive criminal defense attorneys have handled many HYTA sentencings over the decades. We know what’s involved in the process, and how to present the case to achieve the best possible results. If you have made a mistake, and need help protecting your future, call us quickly, as soon as you’re ready to hire a defense attorney, at 866 766 5245 (866 7No Jail). We are available 24/7 to help you., including weekends and holidays! Remember, the right attorneys is critical.