New Michigan Juvenile Diversion Law Allows Judges To Handle More Juvenile Justice Cases In Informal Proceedings

On June 20, 2016, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed legislation to allow family court judges to handle more juvenile justice cases in informal proceedings. The goal is to identify age-appropriate penalties rather than only court adjudication. The new law, “Michigan Public Act 185 Of 2016: To Revise Statutes Relating To The Family Division Of Circuit Court,” removes the restriction of the types of offenses that can be referred to the consent calendar program, so that juveniles who were previously ineligible can participate. The consent calendar is an informal process of court supervision that is open to juveniles under the . . .