AZ HB2673

Allows courts to depart from mandatory prison sentences if the court finds that imposition would result in injustice to the defendant and the mandatory sentence is not necessary for public protection.

Court may impose a shorter prison sentence or suspend the sentence and impose probation instead when these conditions are met.

Does not apply to convictions involving death or serious physical injury, offenses against minors listed in chapter 14 (with limited exception for consensual conduct between defendants under 19/in high school and victims 15-17), or continuing criminal enterprises.

Court must state on the record its reason for departing from a mandatory prison sentence in each case where it exercises this discretion.

Administrative Office of the Courts must submit annual report to the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission containing defendant's name, age, race, and gender for each case where a mandatory sentence departure occurred.