American Samoa's Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga has signed into law legislation, allowing the prosecution and defence to agree to, and the court to approve, a plea in abeyance, or suspended plea.
American Samoa Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga Photo: American Samoa Govt
It means the accused person can have the charges dismissed after a period.
The legislation says a plea in abeyance is not allowed for sexual offences against a victim under the age of 14.
The governor said the legislation represented a key tool to make American Samoa's criminal system fairer.
He also said a plea in abeyance will allow for appropriate opportunities for a second chance while also putting important limitations in place to ensure the public interest is served.