In Michigan, you are treated as an adult if you commit a criminal felony or misdemeanor at age 17 or older. If you are a youthful offender charged with a crime, age 17 but under 21, you may be eligible for special sentencing treatment, known as HYTA, in all Macomb County, Oakland County, and Wayne County district and circuit courts including Clinton Township, Sterling Heights, Warren, Troy, Rochester and all of the Grosse Pointe Courts.

We know that many youthful offenders who face Michigan criminal felony or misdemeanor charges are applying to college or seeking a job. All college and job applications ask if the applicant has been convicted of a crime. There is nothing worse than losing an opportunity of a lifetime because of a criminal offense which could have been dismissed. Fortunately, Michigan has a law known as HYTA.

Youthful Offenders HYTA

The Michigan HYTA provision, also known as the Youthful Trainee Act, applies to youthful offenders charged with a criminal offense who have attained the age 17 but before the age of 21. An individual who is sentenced pursuant to HYTA may be entitled to discharge and dismissal of the proceedings upon compliance. Youthful trainee status is not available for certain offenses, including but not limited to offenses involving life in prison or major controlled substance offenses.

In Michigan, HYTA is not applicable for offenders who are age 16 years or younger, or who are age 21 or older. An offender who is 16 or younger will be prosecuted in the Juvenile Court. However, a juvenile in Macomb or Oakland County may be eligible for a diversion program or a disposition to take the case under advisement.

If you are charged with a crime in Macomb County Circuit and District Courts, you may be eligible for HYTA that will allow your case to be dismissed without trial! Our firm knows how to petition and obtain HYTA for eligible offenders.

The ABDO LAW FIRM believes that your rights matter! Let our firm help protect you!