Delaware lawmakers eye criminal justice reform proposals

DOVER, Del. (AP) - Delaware lawmakers are proposing a wide range of criminal justice reform measures aimed at modernizing sentencing, protecting the rights of juvenile offenders and reducing barriers to employment for criminals released from prison.

Among other things, the bills would eliminate sentencing enhancements for many drug crimes, make it easier for offenders to get their records expunged, and prohibit the prosecution of anyone under age 12 for any crime, other than murder or rape.

Lawmakers also want to make consumption of alcohol or marijuana by a person under age 21 a civil offense rather than a crime.

Lawmakers are proposing the reforms after having rebuffed calls from Delaware's chief justice for a sweeping overhaul of the state's criminal code. That effort was scrapped last year amid criticism from then-Attorney General Matt Denn.