1. A. After consideration of the evidence and argument presented, the court shall impose a sentence. The court may sentence the youthful offender to the same range of punishment, except for capital offenses, as an adult who was convicted of the same offense or offenses. Any sentence imposed upon a youthful offender may be served in the supervision or custody of the Office of Juvenile Affairs until one of the following occurs:

   1. 1. The expiration of the sentence;
   2. 2. The youthful offender is discharged from supervision or custody of the Office of Juvenile Affairs by the court; or

   3. 3. The court transfers the youthful offender to the custody or supervision of the Department of Corrections.

      In addition to the placement of the youthful offender in the supervision or custody of the Office of Juvenile Affairs, the court may issue orders regarding the youthful offender as provided by law for the disposition of an adjudicated juvenile delinquent as long as the age of the youthful offender does not exceed nineteen (19) years of age.

2. B. A youthful offender adjudication is not an adult conviction, nor shall any youthful offender adjudication prevent the youthful offender from exercising any right or privilege under law.
3. C. The sentence imposed by the court on a youthful offender who is transferred to the custody or supervision of the Department of Corrections shall not exceed the maximum term of the original sentence.
4. D. Upon adjudicating a youthful offender, the court shall file a Judgment of Adjudication as a Youthful Offender. The Judgment of Adjudication shall reflect the date of adjudication, the adjudicated crimes, and the youthful offender sentence imposed.

5. E. Whenever a youthful offender is placed in the custody or under the supervision of the Office of Juvenile Affairs, the Office of Juvenile Affairs shall, within thirty (30) days of receiving notification of the placement, prepare and file with the court the written rehabilitation plan for the youthful offender. The rehabilitation plan shall ensure the protection of the public and shall include but not be limited to:

   1. 1. The placement decision, such as community, group home, secure care, or specialized placement;
   2. 2. The youthful offender's treatment and educational needs;
   3. 3. The measurable objectives required for the youthful offender's successful completion of the rehabilitation plan;
   4. 4. The treatment objectives for the youthful offender's parent, guardian, or next friend; and
   5. 5. If the youthful offender is placed in a group home, secure care, or specialized placement, the preconditions for reintegration into the community.

Laws 2022, SB 217, c. 375, § 8, eff. November 1, 2022.