NY S00332

Modifies the criteria for mandatory youthful offender status, changing it from convictions "in a local criminal court" to convictions "for a misdemeanor"

Requires courts to grant youthful offender status to eligible youths convicted of misdemeanors who have no prior criminal convictions or youthful offender findings before trial or guilty plea

Maintains judicial discretion to grant youthful offender status in other cases where it serves the interest of justice and avoids imprisonment terms exceeding four years

Takes effect immediately and applies to criminal convictions of eligible youths entered on or after the effective date