HOUSE BILL NO. 203
INTRODUCED BY J. SHOCKLEY
AN ACT REVISING CERTAIN CRIMINAL LAW PROVISIONS RELATING TO ASSAULT AND THE CRIMINAL DISTRIBUTION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS; CREATING THE OFFENSE OF ASSAULT ON A MINOR; RENAMING "FELONY ASSAULT" TO "ASSAULT WITH A WEAPON" AND INCREASING THE PENALTY FOR THE OFFENSE; AND AMENDING SECTIONS 40-15-102, 41-5-206, 45-5-102, 45-5-201, 45-5-202, 45-5-206, 45-5-627, 45-8-405, 45-9-101, 45-9-103, 45-9-109, 45-9-112, 45-9-113, 46-18-201, 46-18-219, 46-18-231, 46-23-502, AND 50-32-405, MCA.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
Section 1. Section 40-15-102, MCA, is amended to read:
"40-15-102. Eligibility for order of protection. (1) A person may file a petition for an order of protection if:
(a) the petitioner is in reasonable apprehension of bodily injury by the petitioner's partner or family member as defined in 45-5-206; or
(b) the petitioner is a victim of one of the following offenses committed by a partner or family member:
(i) assault as defined in 45-5-201;
(ii) aggravated assault as defined in 45-5-202;
(iii) intimidation as defined in 45-5-203;
(iv) partner or family member assault as defined in 45-5-206;
(v) criminal endangerment as defined in 45-5-207;
(vi) negligent endangerment as defined in 45-5-208;
(vii) assault on a minor as defined in [section 5];
(viii) assault with a weapon as defined in [section 7];
(vii)(ix) unlawful restraint as defined in 45-5-301;
(viii)(x) kidnapping as defined in 45-5-302;
(ix)(xi) aggravated kidnapping as defined in 45-5-303; or
(x)(xii) arson as defined in 45-6-103.
(2) A victim of stalking as defined in 45-5-220, incest as defined in 45-5-507, sexual assault as defined in 45-5-502, or sexual intercourse without consent as defined in 45-5-503 is eligible for an order of protection against the offender regardless of the petitioner's relationship to the offender.
(3) A parent, guardian ad litem, or other representative of the petitioner may file a petition for an order of protection on behalf of a minor petitioner against the petitioner's abuser. At its discretion, a court may appoint a guardian ad litem for a minor petitioner.
(4) A guardian must be appointed for a minor respondent when required by Rule 17(c), Montana Rules of Civil Procedure, or by 25-31-602. An order of protection is effective against a respondent regardless of the respondent's age.
(5) A petitioner is eligible for an order of protection whether or not:
(a) the petitioner reports the abuse to law enforcement;
(b) charges are filed; or
(c) the petitioner participates in a criminal prosecution.
(6) If a petitioner is otherwise entitled to an order of protection, the length of time between the abusive incident and the petitioner's application for an order of protection is irrelevant."
Section 2. Section 41-5-206, MCA, is amended to read:
"41-5-206. Filing in district court prior to formal proceedings in youth court. (1) The county attorney may, in the county attorney's discretion, file with the district court a motion for leave to file an information in the district court if:
(a) the youth charged was 12 years of age or older at the time of the conduct alleged to be unlawful and the unlawful act would if it had been committed by an adult constitute:
(i) sexual intercourse without consent as defined in 45-5-503;
(ii) deliberate homicide as defined in 45-5-102;
(iii) mitigated deliberate homicide as defined in 45-5-103; or
(iv) the attempt, as defined in 45-4-103, of or accountability, as provided in 45-2-301, for either deliberate or mitigated deliberate homicide; or
(b) the youth charged was 16 years of age or older at the time of the conduct alleged to be unlawful and the unlawful act is one or more of the following:
(i) negligent homicide as defined in 45-5-104;
(ii) arson as defined in 45-6-103;
(iii) aggravated or felony assault as defined in 45-5-202;
(iv) assault with a weapon as defined in [section 7];
(iv)(v) robbery as defined in 45-5-401;
(v)(vi) burglary or aggravated burglary as defined in 45-6-204;
(vi)(vii) aggravated kidnapping as defined in 45-5-303;
(vii)(viii) possession of explosives as defined in 45-8-335;
(viii)(ix) criminal sale distribution of dangerous drugs as defined in 45-9-101;
(ix)(x) criminal production or manufacture of dangerous drugs as defined in 45-9-110;
(x)(xi) attempt, as defined in 45-4-103, of or accountability, as provided in 45-2-301, for any of the acts enumerated in
subsections (1)(b)(i) through (1)(b)(x);
(xi)(xii) use of threat to coerce criminal street gang membership or use of violence to coerce criminal street gang
membership, as defined in 45-8-403.
(2) The county attorney shall file with the district court a petition for leave to file an information in district court if the youth was 17 years of age at the time the youth committed an offense listed under subsection (1).
(3) The district court shall grant leave to file the information if the court finds that there is probable cause to believe that the youth has committed the alleged offense and that, considering the seriousness of the offense and in the interests of community protection, the case should be filed in the district court.
(4) The filing of an information in district court terminates the jurisdiction of the youth court over the youth with respect to the acts alleged in the information. A youth may not be prosecuted in the district court for a criminal offense originally subject to the jurisdiction of the youth court unless the case has been filed in the district court as provided in this section. A case may be transferred to district court after prosecution as provided in 41-5-208 or 41-5-1605.
(5) An offense not enumerated in subsection (1) that arises during the commission of a crime enumerated in subsection (1) may be:
(a) tried in youth court;
(b) transferred to district court with an offense enumerated in subsection (1) upon motion of the county attorney and order of the district court judge.
(6) If a youth is found guilty in district court of any of the offenses enumerated in subsection (1) and is sentenced to the
state prison, the commitment must be to the department of corrections. The department shall confine the youth in whatever
institution that it considers proper, including a state youth correctional facility under the procedures of 52-5-111. However,
a youth under 16 years of age may not be confined in a state prison facility. During the period of confinement, school-aged
youth with disabilities must be provided an education consistent with the requirements of the federal Individuals with With
Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. 1400, et seq.
(7) A youth whose case is filed in the district court may not be detained or otherwise placed in a jail or other adult detention facility before final disposition of the youth's case unless:
(a) alternative facilities do not provide adequate security; and
(b) the youth is kept in an area that provides physical separation as well as sight and sound separation from adults accused or convicted of criminal offenses."
Section 3. Section 45-5-102, MCA, is amended to read:
"45-5-102. Deliberate homicide. (1) A person commits the offense of deliberate homicide if:
(a) the person purposely or knowingly causes the death of another human being; or
(b) the person attempts to commit, commits, or is legally accountable for the attempt or commission of robbery, sexual
intercourse without consent, arson, burglary, kidnapping, aggravated kidnapping, felonious escape, felony assault assault
with a weapon, aggravated assault, or any other forcible felony and in the course of the forcible felony or flight thereafter,
the person or any person legally accountable for the crime causes the death of another human being.
(2) A person convicted of the offense of deliberate homicide shall be punished by death as provided in 46-18-301 through 46-18-310, by life imprisonment, or by imprisonment in the state prison for a term of not less than 10 years or more than 100 years, except as provided in 46-18-219 and 46-18-222."
Section 4. Section 45-5-201, MCA, is amended to read:
"45-5-201. Assault. (1) A person commits the offense of assault if he the person:
(a) purposely or knowingly causes bodily injury to another;
(b) negligently causes bodily injury to another with a weapon;
(c) purposely or knowingly makes physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with any individual; or
(d) purposely or knowingly causes reasonable apprehension of bodily injury in another.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), a A person convicted of assault shall be fined not to exceed $500 or be
imprisoned in the county jail for any term not to exceed 6 months, or both.
(3) If the victim is less than 14 years old and the offender is 18 or more years old, the offender, upon conviction under
subsection (1)(a), shall be fined not to exceed $50,000 or be imprisoned in the state prison for a term not to exceed 5 years,
or both."
Section 5. Assault on minor. (1) A person commits the offense of assault on a minor if the person commits an offense under 45-5-201, and at the time of the offense, the victim is under 14 years of age and the offender is 18 years of age or older.
(2) A person convicted of assault on a minor shall be imprisoned in a state prison for a term not to exceed 5 years or be fined not more than $50,000, or both.
Section 6. Section 45-5-202, MCA, is amended to read:
"45-5-202. Aggravated assault -- felony assault. (1) A person commits the offense of aggravated assault if the person
purposely or knowingly causes serious bodily injury to another.
(2) A person commits the offense of felony assault if the person purposely or knowingly causes:
(a) bodily injury to another with a weapon; or
(b) reasonable apprehension of serious bodily injury in another by use of a weapon.
(3)(2) (a) A person convicted of aggravated assault shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not less than 2
years or more than 20 years and may be fined not more than $50,000, except as provided in 46-18-219 and 46-18-222.
Subject to the provisions of subsection (3)(b), a person convicted of felony assault shall be imprisoned in the state prison for
a term not to exceed 10 years or be fined not more than $50,000, or both.
(b) In addition to any sentence imposed under subsection (3)(a), if the person convicted of felony assault is a partner or
family member of the victim, as defined in 45-5-206, the person is required to pay for and complete a counseling
assessment as required in 45-5-206(4)."
Section 7. Assault with weapon. (1) A person commits the offense of assault with a weapon if the person purposely or knowingly causes:
(a) bodily injury to another with a weapon; or
(b) reasonable apprehension of serious bodily injury in another by use of a weapon or what reasonably appears to be a weapon.
(2) (a) Subject to the provisions of subsection (2)(b), a person convicted of assault with a weapon shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term not to exceed 20 years or be fined not more than $50,000, or both.
(b) In addition to any sentence imposed under subsection (2)(a), if the person convicted of assault with a weapon is a partner or family member of the victim, as defined in 45-5-206, the person is required to pay for and complete a counseling assessment as required in 45-5-206(4).
Section 8. Section 45-5-206, MCA, is amended to read:
"45-5-206. Partner or family member assault -- penalty. (1) A person commits the offense of partner or family member assault if the person:
(a) purposely or knowingly causes bodily injury to a partner or family member;
(b) negligently causes bodily injury to a partner or family member with a weapon; or
(c) purposely or knowingly causes reasonable apprehension of bodily injury in a partner or family member.
(2) For the purposes of Title 40, chapter 15, 46-6-311, and this section, the following definitions apply:
(a) "Family member" means mothers, fathers, children, brothers, sisters, and other past or present family members of a household. These relationships include relationships created by adoption and remarriage, including stepchildren, stepparents, in-laws, and adoptive children and parents. These relationships continue regardless of the ages of the parties and whether the parties reside in the same household.
(b) "Partners" means spouses, former spouses, persons who have a child in common, and persons who have been or are currently in a dating or ongoing intimate relationship with a person of the opposite sex.
(3) (a) An offender convicted of partner or family member assault shall be fined an amount not less than $100 or more than $1,000 and be imprisoned in the county jail for a term not to exceed 1 year or not less than 24 hours for a first offense. An offender convicted of a second offense under this section shall be fined not less than $300 or more than $1,000 and be imprisoned in the county jail not less than 72 hours or more than 1 year. Upon a first or second conviction, the offender may be ordered into misdemeanor probation as provided in 46-23-1005. On a third or subsequent conviction for partner or family member assault, the offender shall be fined not less than $500 and not more than $50,000 and be imprisoned for a term not less than 30 days and not more than 5 years. If the term of imprisonment does not exceed 1 year, the person shall be imprisoned in the county jail. If the term of imprisonment exceeds 1 year, the person shall be imprisoned in the state prison.
(b) (i) For the purpose of determining the number of convictions under this section, a conviction means a conviction, as defined in 45-2-101, in this state, conviction for a violation of a similar statute in another state, or a forfeiture of bail or collateral deposited to secure the defendant's appearance in court in this state or in another state for a violation of a similar statute, which forfeiture has not been vacated. A prior conviction for domestic abuse under this section is a prior conviction for purposes of subsection (3)(a).
(ii) A conviction for felony assault with a weapon under 45-5-202 [section 7], if the offender was a partner or family
member of the victim, constitutes a conviction for the purpose of calculating prior convictions under this section.
(4) (a) An offender convicted of partner or family member assault is required to pay for and complete a counseling assessment with a focus on violence, dangerousness, and chemical dependency. The offender shall follow through on all recommendations made by the counseling provider. The counseling provider must be approved by the court. The counseling must include a counseling assessment and a minimum of 25 hours of counseling, in addition to the assessment. The assessment and the counseling must be:
(i) with a person licensed under Title 37, chapter 17, 22, or 23;
(ii) with a professional person as defined in 53-21-102; or
(iii) in a specialized domestic violence intervention program.
(b) The counseling provided in subsection (4)(a) must be directed to the violent conduct of the offender. Other issues indicated by the assessment may be addressed in additional counseling beyond the minimum 25 hours. Subsection (4)(a) does not prohibit the placement of the offender in other appropriate treatment if the court determines that there is no available treatment program directed to the violent conduct of the offender.
(5) In addition to any sentence imposed under subsections (3) and (4), after determining the financial resources and future ability of the offender to pay restitution as provided for in 46-18-242, the court shall require the offender, if able, to pay the victim's reasonable actual medical, housing, wage loss, and counseling costs.
(6) In addition to the requirements of subsection (5), if financially able, the offender must be ordered to pay for the costs of the offender's probation, if probation is ordered by the court.
(7) The court may prohibit an offender convicted under this section from possession or use of the firearm used in the assault. The court may enforce 45-8-323 if a firearm was used in the assault.
(8) At the time of sentencing, the court shall provide an offender a written copy of the offender's sentence."
Section 9. Section 45-5-627, MCA, is amended to read:
"45-5-627. Ritual abuse of minor -- exceptions -- penalty. (1) A person commits the offense of ritual abuse of a minor if the person purposely or knowingly and as part of any ceremony, rite, or ritual or of any training or practice for any ceremony, rite, or ritual:
(a) has sexual intercourse without consent with a person less than 16 years of age; commits assault, aggravated assault,
assault on a minor, or felony assault with a weapon against a victim less than 16 years of age; or kills a person less than 16
years of age;
(b) actually or by simulation tortures, mutilates, or sacrifices an animal or person in the presence of the minor;
(c) dissects, mutilates, or incinerates a human corpse or remains in the presence of the minor;
(d) forces upon the minor or upon another person in the presence of a minor the ingestion or the external bodily application of human or animal urine, feces, flesh, blood, bone, or bodily secretions or drugs or chemical compounds;
(e) places a living minor or another living person in the presence of a minor in a coffin or open grave that is empty or that contains a human corpse or remains; or
(f) threatens the minor or, in the presence of the minor, threatens any person or animal with death or serious bodily harm and the minor reasonably believes that the threat will or may be carried out.
(2) This section does not apply to activities, practices, and procedures otherwise allowed by law.
(3) Except as provided in 46-18-219, a person convicted of ritual abuse of a minor shall:
(a) for the first offense, be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not less than 2 years or more than 20 years and may be fined not more than $50,000, or both; and
(b) for a second or subsequent offense, be imprisoned in the state prison for any term of not less than 2 years or more than 40 years and may be fined not more than $50,000, or both.
(4) In addition to any sentence imposed under subsection (3), after determining pursuant to 46-18-242 the financial resources and future ability of the offender to pay restitution, the court shall require the offender, if able, to pay the victim's reasonable costs of counseling that result from the offense. The amount, method, and time of payment must be determined in the same manner as provided for in 46-18-244."
Section 10. Section 45-8-405, MCA, is amended to read:
"45-8-405. Pattern of criminal street gang activity. (1) For purposes of this part, "pattern of criminal street gang activity" means the commission, solicitation, conspiracy, attempt; adjudication as a delinquent youth for the commission, attempt, or solicitation; or conviction of two or more of the offenses listed in subsection (2) within a 3-year period, and that the offenses were committed on separate occasions.
(2) The offenses that form a pattern of criminal street gang activity include:
(a) deliberate homicide, as defined in 45-5-102;
(b) felony assault with a weapon, as defined in 45-5-202 [section 7];
(c) intimidation, as defined in 45-5-203;
(d) kidnapping, as defined in 45-5-302;
(e) aggravated kidnapping, as defined in 45-5-303;
(f) robbery, as defined in 45-5-401;
(g) sexual intercourse without consent, as defined in 45-5-503;
(h) aggravated promotion of prostitution, as defined in 45-5-603;
(i) criminal mischief, as defined in 45-6-101;
(j) arson, as defined in 45-6-103;
(k) burglary, as defined in 45-6-204;
(l) theft, as defined in 45-6-301;
(m) forgery, as defined in 45-6-325;
(n) tampering with witnesses and informants, as defined in 45-7-206;
(o) bringing armed men into the state, as defined in 45-8-106;
(p) unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted person, as defined in 45-8-313;
(q) carrying a concealed weapon, as defined in 45-8-316;
(r) possession of a deadly weapon by a prisoner, as defined in 45-8-318;
(s) possession of a destructive device, as defined in 45-8-334;
(t) possession of explosives, as defined in 45-8-335;
(u) possession of a sawed-off firearm, as defined in 45-8-340;
(v) the sale, possession for sale, transportation, manufacture, offer for sale, offer to manufacture, or other offense involving a dangerous drug as prohibited by Title 45, chapter 9;
(w) use of threat to coerce criminal street gang membership or use of violence to coerce criminal street gang membership provided in 45-8-403."
Section 11. Section 45-9-101, MCA, is amended to read:
"45-9-101. Criminal sale distribution of dangerous drugs. (1) A person commits the offense of criminal sale
distribution of dangerous drugs if the person sells, barters, exchanges, gives away, or offers to sell, barter, exchange, or give
away any dangerous drug, as defined in 50-32-101.
(2) A person convicted of criminal sale distribution of a narcotic drug, as defined in 50-32-101(18)(d), or an opiate, as
defined in 50-32-101(19), shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not less than 2 years or more than life and
may be fined not more than $50,000, except as provided in 46-18-222.
(3) A person convicted of criminal sale distribution of a dangerous drug included in Schedule I or Schedule II pursuant
to 50-32-222 or 50-32-224, except marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinol, who has a prior conviction for criminal sale
distribution of such a drug shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not less than 10 years or more than life and
may be fined not more than $50,000, except as provided in 46-18-222. Upon a third or subsequent conviction for criminal
sale distribution of such a drug, the person shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not less than 20 years or
more than life and may be fined not more than $50,000, except as provided in 46-18-222.
(4) A person convicted of criminal sale distribution of dangerous drugs not otherwise provided for in subsection (2), (3),
or (5) shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not less than 1 year or more than life or be fined an amount of not
more than $50,000, or both.
(5) A person who was an adult at the time of sale distribution and who is convicted of criminal sale distribution of
dangerous drugs to a minor shall be sentenced as follows:
(a) If convicted pursuant to subsection (2), the person shall be imprisoned in the state prison for not less than 4 years or more than life and may be fined not more than $50,000, except as provided in 46-18-222.
(b) If convicted of the sale distribution of a dangerous drug included in Schedule I or Schedule II pursuant to 50-32-222
or 50-32-224 and if previously convicted of such a sale distribution, the person shall be imprisoned in the state prison for
not less than 20 years or more than life and may be fined not more than $50,000, except as provided in 46-18-222.
(c) If convicted of the sale distribution of a dangerous drug included in Schedule I or Schedule II pursuant to 50-32-222
or 50-32-224 and if previously convicted of two or more such sales distributions, the person shall be imprisoned in the state
prison for not less than 40 years or more than life and may be fined not more than $50,000, except as provided in
46-18-222.
(d) If convicted pursuant to subsection (4), the person shall be imprisoned in the state prison for not less than 2 years or more than life and may be fined not more than $50,000, except as provided in 46-18-222.
(6) Practitioners and agents under their supervision acting in the course of a professional practice, as defined by 50-32-101, are exempt from this section."
Section 12. Section 45-9-103, MCA, is amended to read:
"45-9-103. Criminal possession with intent to sell distribute. (1) A person commits the offense of criminal
possession with intent to sell distribute if he the person possesses with intent to sell distribute any dangerous drug as
defined in 50-32-101.
(2) A person convicted of criminal possession of an opiate, as defined in 50-32-101(19), with intent to sell distribute
shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not less than 2 years or more than 20 years and may be fined not more
than $50,000, except as provided in 46-18-222.
(3) A person convicted of criminal possession with intent to sell distribute not otherwise provided for in subsection (2)
shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not more than 20 years or be fined an amount not to exceed $50,000, or
both.
(4) Practitioners and agents under their supervision acting in the course of a professional practice as defined by 50-32-101 are exempt from this section."
Section 13. Section 45-9-109, MCA, is amended to read:
"45-9-109. Criminal sale distribution of dangerous drugs on or near school property -- penalty -- affirmative
defense. (1) A person commits the offense of criminal sale distribution of dangerous drugs on or near school property if he
the person violates 45-9-101 in, on, or within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising a public or private elementary or
secondary school.
(2) Except as provided in 46-18-222, a person convicted of criminal sale distribution of dangerous drugs on or near
school property:
(a) shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not less than 3 years or more than life; and
(b) may be fined an amount of not more than $50,000.
(3) It is not a defense to prosecution under subsection (1) that the person did not know the distance involved.
(4) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution for a violation of this section that:
(a) the prohibited conduct took place entirely within a private residence; and
(b) no person 17 years of age or younger was present in the private residence at any time during the commission of the offense."
Section 14. Section 45-9-112, MCA, is amended to read:
"45-9-112. Criminal sale distribution of imitation dangerous drug -- penalty. (1) A person commits the offense of
criminal sale distribution of an imitation dangerous drug if he the person knowingly or purposely sells, barters, exchanges,
gives away, or offers to sell, barter, exchange, or give away any imitation dangerous drug.
(2) A person convicted of criminal sale distribution of an imitation dangerous drug to a person 18 years of age or older
shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not more than 5 years and may be fined not more than $50,000.
(3) A person convicted of criminal sale distribution of an imitation dangerous drug to a person under the age of 18 shall
be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not more than 10 years and may be fined not more than $50,000."
Section 15. Section 45-9-113, MCA, is amended to read:
"45-9-113. Criminal possession of imitation dangerous drug with the purpose to sell distribute -- penalty. (1) A
person commits the offense of criminal possession of an imitation dangerous drug with the purpose to sell distribute if he
the person possesses with the purpose to sell distribute any imitation dangerous drug.
(2) A person convicted of criminal possession of an imitation dangerous drug with the purpose to sell distribute shall be
imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not more than 5 years and may be fined not more than $50,000.
(3) A person under 18 years of age convicted of a first violation under this section shall be is presumed to be entitled to
a deferred imposition of sentence."
Section 16. Section 46-18-201, MCA, is amended to read:
"46-18-201. Sentences that may be imposed. (1) Whenever a person has been found guilty of an offense upon a verdict or a plea of guilty, the court may:
(a) defer imposition of sentence, except as provided in 61-8-734 for sentences for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or as provided in 61-6-304, for a period, except as otherwise provided, not exceeding 1 year for any misdemeanor or for a period not exceeding 3 years for any felony. The sentencing judge may impose upon the defendant any reasonable restrictions or conditions during the period of the deferred imposition. Reasonable restrictions or conditions may include:
(i) jail base release;
(ii) jail time not exceeding 180 days;
(iii) conditions for probation;
(iv) payment of the costs of confinement;
(v) payment of a fine as provided in 46-18-231;
(vi) payment of costs as provided in 46-18-232 and 46-18-233;
(vii) payment of costs of court-appointed counsel as provided in 46-8-113;
(viii) with the approval of the facility or program, an order that the offender be placed in a community corrections facility or program as provided in 53-30-321;
(ix) with the approval of the prerelease center or prerelease program and confirmation by the department of corrections that space is available, an order that the offender be placed in a prerelease center or prerelease program for a period not to exceed 1 year;
(x) community service;
(xi) home arrest as provided in Title 46, chapter 18, part 10;
(xii) any other reasonable conditions considered necessary for rehabilitation or for the protection of society;
(xiii) payment of expenses for use of a judge pro tempore or special master as provided in 3-5-116; or
(xiv) any combination of the restrictions or conditions in subsections (1)(a)(i) through (1)(a)(xiii).
(b) suspend execution of sentence for a period up to the maximum sentence allowed or for a period of 6 months, whichever is greater, for each particular offense. The sentencing judge may impose on the defendant any reasonable restrictions or conditions during the period of suspended sentence. Reasonable restrictions or conditions may include any of those listed in subsection (1)(a).
(c) impose a fine as provided by law for the offense;
(d) require payment of costs as provided in 46-18-232 or payment of costs of court-appointed counsel as provided in 46-8-113;
(e) impose a county jail or state prison sentence, as provided in Title 45, for the offense or commit the defendant to the department of corrections for a period not to exceed 5 years for placement in an appropriate correctional facility or program;
(f) with the approval of the facility or program, order the offender to be placed in a community corrections facility or program as provided in 53-30-321;
(g) with the approval of the prerelease center or prerelease program and confirmation by the department of corrections that space is available, order the offender to be placed in a prerelease center or prerelease program for a period not to exceed 1 year; or
(h) impose any combination of subsections (1)(b) through (1)(g).
(2) In addition to any penalties imposed pursuant to subsection (1), if the court finds that the victim of the offense has sustained a pecuniary loss, the court shall require payment of full restitution to the victim as provided in 46-18-241 through 46-18-249.
(3) If a financial obligation is imposed as a condition under subsection (1)(a), sentence may be deferred for a period not exceeding 2 years for a misdemeanor or for a period not exceeding 6 years for a felony, regardless of whether any other conditions are imposed.
(4) If any restrictions or conditions imposed under subsection (1)(a) or (1)(b) are violated, the court shall consider any elapsed time and either expressly allow part or all of it as a credit against the sentence or reject all or part as a credit. The court shall state its reasons in the order. Credit, however, must be allowed for jail or home arrest time already served.
(5) Except as provided in 45-9-202 and 46-18-222, the imposition or execution of the first 2 years of a sentence of
imprisonment imposed under the following sections may not be deferred or suspended: 45-5-103, 45-5-202(3) relating to
aggravated assault, 45-5-302(2), 45-5-303(2), 45-5-401(2), 45-5-502(3), 45-5-503(2) and (3), 45-9-101(2), (3), and (5)(d),
45-9-102(4), and 45-9-103(2).
(6) Except as provided in 46-18-222, the imposition or execution of the first 10 years of a sentence of imprisonment imposed under 45-5-102 may not be deferred or suspended.
(7) Except as provided in 46-18-222, imposition of sentence in a felony case may not be deferred in the case of a defendant who has been convicted of a felony on a prior occasion, whether or not the sentence was imposed, imposition of the sentence was deferred, or execution of the sentence was suspended.
(8) If the victim was less than 16 years old, the imposition or execution of the first 30 days of a sentence of imprisonment imposed under 45-5-503, 45-5-504, 45-5-505, or 45-5-507 may not be deferred or suspended. Section 46-18-222 does not apply to the first 30 days of the imprisonment.
(9) In imposing a sentence on a defendant convicted of a sexual or violent offense as defined in 46-23-502, the court may not waive the registration requirement provided in Title 46, chapter 23, part 5.
(10) A person convicted of a sexual offense, as defined in 46-23-502, and sentenced to imprisonment in the state prison shall enroll in and complete the educational phase of the prison's sexual offender program. If the person is subject to the provisions of 45-5-512, the person shall also, as provided in 45-5-512, undergo medically safe medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment or its chemical equivalent or other medically safe drug treatment that reduces sexual fantasies, sex drive, or both, paid for by and for a period of time determined by the department of corrections. The period may not exceed the period of state supervision of the person.
(11) In sentencing a nonviolent felony offender, the court shall first consider alternatives to imprisonment of the offender in the state prison, including placement of the offender in a community corrections facility or program or a prerelease center or prerelease program. In considering alternatives to imprisonment, the court shall examine the sentencing criteria contained in 46-18-225. If the court subsequently sentences the offender to a state prison, the court shall state the reasons why it did not select an alternative to imprisonment, based on the criteria contained in 46-18-225.
(12) If a felony sentence includes probation, the department of corrections shall supervise the defendant unless the court specifies otherwise.
(13) Except as provided in 46-18-222, a provision of this section that conflicts with 46-18-219 does not apply to a person sentenced under 46-18-219."
Section 17. Section 46-18-219, MCA, is amended to read:
"46-18-219. Life sentence without possibility of release. (1) (a) Except as provided in subsection (3), if a person convicted of one of the following offenses was previously convicted of one of the following offenses or of an offense under the laws of another state or of the United States that, if committed in this state, would be one of the following offenses, the person must be sentenced to life in prison, unless the death penalty is applicable and imposed:
(i) 45-5-102, deliberate homicide;
(ii) 45-5-303, aggravated kidnapping;
(iii) 45-5-503, sexual intercourse without consent;
(iv) 45-5-625, sexual abuse of children; or
(v) 45-5-627, except subsection (1)(b), ritual abuse of a minor.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (3), if a person convicted of one of the following offenses was previously convicted of two of the following offenses, two of any combination of the offenses listed in subsection (1)(a) or the following offenses, or two of any offenses under the laws of another state or of the United States that, if committed in this state, would be one of the offenses listed in subsection (1)(a) or this subsection, the person must be sentenced to life in prison, unless the death penalty is applicable and imposed:
(i) 45-5-103, mitigated deliberate homicide;
(ii) 45-5-202(1), aggravated assault;
(iii) 45-5-302, kidnapping;
(iv) 45-5-401, robbery.
(2) Except as provided in 46-23-210 and subsection (3) of this section, a person sentenced under subsection (1):
(a) shall serve the entire sentence;
(b) shall serve the sentence in prison;
(c) may not for any reason, except medical reasons, be transferred for any length of time to another type of institution, facility, or program;
(d) may not be paroled; and
(e) may not be given time off for good behavior or otherwise be given an early release for any reason.
(3) If the person was previously sentenced for either of two or three offenses listed in subsection (1), as applicable, pursuant to any of the exceptions listed in 46-18-222, then the provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section do not apply to the person's present sentence.
(4) (a) For purposes of this section, "prison" means a secure detention facility in which inmates are locked up 24 hours a day and that is operated by this state, another state, the federal government, or a private contractor.
(b) Prison does not include a work release center, prerelease center, boot camp, or any other type of facility that does not provide secure detention."
Section 18. Section 46-18-231, MCA, is amended to read:
"46-18-231. Fines in felony and misdemeanor cases. (1) Whenever, upon a verdict or a plea of guilty, a person has
been found guilty of an offense for which a felony penalty of imprisonment could be imposed, the court may impose a fine,
only in accordance with subsection (3), and in lieu of or in addition to a sentence of imprisonment. For those crimes for
which penalties are provided in 45-5-103, 45-5-202(3), [section 7], 45-5-302(2), 45-5-303(2), 45-5-401(2), 45-5-502(3),
45-5-503(2) and (3), 45-9-101(2), (3), and (5)(d), 45-9-102(4), 45-9-103(2), and 45-9-109, a fine may be imposed in
accordance with subsection (3) in addition to a sentence of imprisonment.
(2) Whenever, upon a verdict or plea of guilty, a person has been found guilty of an offense for which a misdemeanor penalty of a fine could be imposed, the court may impose a fine only in accordance with subsection (3).
(3) The court may not sentence a defendant to pay a fine unless the defendant is or will be able to pay the fine. In determining the amount and method of payment, the court shall take into account the nature of the crime committed, the financial resources of the defendant, and the nature of the burden that payment of the fine will impose.
(4) Any fine levied under this section in a felony case shall be in an amount fixed by the court not to exceed $50,000."
Section 19. Section 46-23-502, MCA, is amended to read:
"46-23-502. Definitions. As used in 46-18-255 and this part, the following definitions apply:
(1) "Department" means the department of corrections provided for in 2-15-2301.
(2) "Mental abnormality" means a congenital or acquired condition that affects the mental, emotional, or volitional capacity of a person in a manner that predisposes the person to the commission of one or more sexual offenses to a degree that makes the person a menace to the health and safety of other persons.
(3) "Personality disorder" means a personality disorder as defined in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders adopted by the American psychiatric association.
(4) "Predatory sexual offense" means a sexual offense committed against a stranger or against a person with whom a relationship has been established or furthered for the primary purpose of victimization.
(5) "Sexual offender evaluator" means a person qualified under rules established by the department to conduct sexual offender and sexually violent predator evaluations.
(6) "Sexual offense" means:
(a) any violation of or attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit a violation of 45-5-502(3), 45-5-503, 45-5-504(2)(c), 45-5-507 (unless the act occurred between two consenting persons 16 years of age or older), or 45-5-625; or
(b) any violation of a law of another state or the federal government reasonably equivalent to a violation listed in subsection (6)(a).
(7) "Sexual or violent offender" means a person who has been convicted of a sexual or violent offense.
(8) "Sexually violent predator" means a person who has been convicted of a sexual offense and who suffers from a mental abnormality or a personality disorder that makes the person likely to engage in predatory sexual offenses.
(9) "Violent offense" means:
(a) any violation of or attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit a violation of 45-5-102, 45-5-103, 45-5-202, 45-5-206 (third or subsequent offense), [section 5], [section 7], 45-5-301 (when the victim is less than 18 years of age and the offender is not a parent of the victim), 45-5-302, 45-5-303, 45-5-401, 45-5-603(1)(b), or 45-6-103; or
(b) any violation of a law of another state or the federal government reasonably equivalent to a violation listed in subsection (9)(a)."
Section 20. Section 50-32-405, MCA, is amended to read:
"50-32-405. Violation -- penalties. (1) A person commits the offense of failure to report sale or transfer distribution of
a precursor to a controlled substance if he the person purposely or knowingly fails to report the sale, transfer, or other
furnishing of a substance regulated by 50-32-401.
(2) A person convicted of failing to report the sale or transfer distribution of a precursor to a controlled substance shall
be fined not more than $10,000 or be imprisoned in the state prison for not more than 10 years, or both."
Section 21. Codification instruction. [Sections 5 and 7] are intended to be codified as an integral part of Title 45, chapter 5, part 2, and the provisions of Title 45, chapter 5, part 2, apply to [sections 5 and 7].
- END -
Latest Version of HB 203 (HB0203.ENR)
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