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Bill to allow resentencing for people coerced into crimes advances in Judiciary subcommittee
Summary
The subcommittee advanced a substitute to let judges reduce sentences when a person proves coercion or severe abuse substantially contributed to the offense, with proponents focusing on survivors of domestic violence.
A substitute bill to give people convicted of crimes after coercion — particularly survivors of domestic or intimate-partner violence — a path to resentencing won subcommittee approval after testimony from legal advocates, a judge and victims’ family members.
What the bill would do: The LC492281S substitute would let a defendant present evidence that coercion substantially contributed to the offense and allow a judge discretion to reduce sentence if the court finds the evidence persuasive. The proposal is focused on sentencing relief rather than reopening guilt determinations, though sponsors said the broader statutory framework could later address justification…
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