AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SEXUAL OFFENSE REPORTING AND IMMUNITY FOR CERTAIN CRIMES.

Legal protection for people reporting sexual offenses

Delaware law protects people who report sexual offenses in good faith, request help for victims, or are victims or witnesses. The protection covers alcohol or drug possession or use offenses that are civil penalties, violations, or misdemeanors, including underage drinking. Authorities cannot issue citations, charge, arrest, or prosecute when evidence of those offenses comes from the report or help request. People must give their full name, contact information, and enough information to show a sexual offense may have occurred. They must not be accused of committing that sexual offense. A protected incident cannot change or revoke pretrial release, probation, or parole. It also cannot support a probation violation or a warrant or notice for violating probation or a suspended sentence. Authorities can still prosecute using independent evidence and investigate or prosecute other crimes or violations.