MA H1587

Adults or children charged with crimes who are survivors of abuse, sexual assault, or human trafficking may file motions for pretrial diversion (3-24 months), reduced sentencing, or postconviction relief if their offenses were related to their survivor experiences

Mandatory sentence reductions for eligible survivors include: life without parole reduced to 10 years or less, life with parole to 7 years or less, 25+ year sentences to 5 years or less, and sentences of 2.5 years or less suspended or converted to probation

Survivors can establish eligibility through documentary evidence including court records, hospital records, protective orders, sworn statements, photographs, text messages, or verification of consultation with medical/mental health providers, clergy, attorneys, or rape crisis counselors

Evidence presented during proceedings under this Act cannot be used in future civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings, and participation does not waive Fifth Amendment protections

Offenses related to being a survivor of abuse, sexual assault, or human trafficking are added as grounds for record expungement, and judges may seal such records without the standard waiting period