DE SB163

Redefines habitual criminal status to require 2 convictions for Title 11 violent felonies or 3 convictions for any Title 11 felony, eliminating the previous mandatory life sentence requirement.

Establishes minimum sentences for habitual offenders: the average maximum sentence of underlying violent felonies (up to life) for third or subsequent violent felony convictions, and 5 years to life for fourth or subsequent non-violent felony convictions.

Allows persons previously convicted under the old habitual criminal statute to petition Superior Court for sentence modification after serving the applicable mandatory minimum sentence for their offense.

Permits judges discretion to modify, reduce, or suspend sentences upon modification petitions, except for statutory minimums or mandatory sentences required by law for the underlying offenses.

Requires the Superior Court to establish rules governing the filing and litigation of sentence modification petitions under this Act.