SB-0410 Summary

• Allows first-time drug offenders to receive deferred judgment and probation instead of conviction for possession or use of controlled substances, with one-time discharge and dismissal option upon successful completion of probation terms.

• Records of deferred proceedings remain closed to public inspection, but may be accessed by courts, law enforcement, prosecutors, and the Department of Corrections for specified purposes related to employment and criminal eligibility determinations.

• Grants the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards access to nonpublic records for individuals placed on probation after March 25, 2002, to determine eligibility for law enforcement officer certification, academy admission, or training waivers.

• Requires courts to order screening and assessment for second-time violators of imitation controlled substance offenses to determine eligibility for rehabilitative services, with costs borne by the offender.

• Persons subjected to civil fines for first-time imitation drug violations are not considered previously convicted for purposes of the statute's protections.