Section 42-7-8. Court recommendation of treatment as youthful offender

   If a court finds that a youthful offender might benefit from this chapter, the court may recommend that a young offender be treated as a youthful offender by indicating the recommendation in writing in the sentence itself. When the judge has recommended in the sentence that a person be given youthful offender treatment, release may be made without regard to limitations placed upon the service of a portion of the prison sentence provided by Code Section 42-9-45. After the offender is evaluated, the department will make the decision concerning the placement of the offender.

Code 1981, § 42-7-8, enacted by Ga. L. 1985, p. 420, § 1.