DE SB209

Repeals and replaces Title 11, Part I, Chapters 1-15 of the Delaware Criminal Code with a reorganized, clarified version based on the Model Penal Code and recommendations from the Criminal Justice Improvement Committee.

Introduces rational and proportional sentencing structures, consolidates redundant offenses, and eliminates inconsistencies and ambiguities that accumulated since the original 1973 Criminal Code.

Establishes a 20-month transition period after enactment before the new code takes effect, allowing criminal justice stakeholders to familiarize themselves with changes and develop model jury instructions and sentencing guidelines.

Applies prospectively only; prosecutions for offenses committed before the effective date remain governed by prior law, and prior convictions cannot be appealed or reviewed based on this Act.

Creates comprehensive definitions and establishes clearer offense classifications organized under General Provisions and Specific Offenses sections.