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Bill will raise minimum sentence for sex crimes vs minors
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Posted on Jul 07 2021
Rep. Patrick H. San Nicolas (R-Tinian) meets with Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence associate director Kiki Igitol Benjamin at the CNMI Legislature. (Contributed Photo)
Rep. Patrick H. San Nicolas (R-Tinian) has introduced a measure in the CNMI House of Representatives that would increase the mandatory minimum sentence for individuals convicted of sexual assault in the first degree and sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree.
If enacted into law, House Bill 22-72 would amend the existing law by increasing the mandatory minimum sentence to 10 years for any person convicted of sexual assault in the first degree or sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree, if the person convicted has no record of a felony conviction. Currently, the mandatory minimum sentence is eight years.
“I introduced this bill in response to public outcry over the high rate of sexual violence in the Commonwealth, especially against children,” San Nicolas said.
According to the findings and purpose of House Bill 22-72: The Legislature…finds that high mandatory sentences would have a deterrent effect on sexual violence and that victims would be more likely to report if they believed that perpetrators would be sent to jail.
San Nicolas recently met with Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence associate director Kiki Igitol Benjamin to express his desire to partner with the non-profit organization to bring about awareness about domestic violence against family members and sexual violence against children.
“I would like to thank Ms. Benjamin for taking the time to visit me. We discussed several legislative proposals in addition to House Bill 22-72. I look forward to meeting with other community stakeholders in our joint effort to help rid the Commonwealth of domestic and sexual violence,” San Nicolas said. (PR)
