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Sen. Long backs SB 48 to limit restoration for low‑level offenses, keep court discretion
Summary
Senate Bill 48 would permit New Hampshire judges to dismiss certain low‑level misdemeanors and violations for defendants found not competent to stand trial, sponsor Sen. Long told the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Senate Bill 48 would allow New Hampshire courts to dismiss certain low‑level misdemeanors and violations when a defendant is found not competent to stand trial, sponsor Sen. Long told the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The bill’s purpose, supporters said, is to reduce the time people found not competent spend in jails or hospitals while awaiting competency evaluations or restoration services. ‘‘The goal of this legislation is not to undermine the judicial process or to decrease safety, but to ensure that individuals with mental illnesses are not languishing in jails or mental health institutions for minor crimes,’’ Holly Stevens, director of public…
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