I. This code shall take effect on November 1, 1973.
II. Prosecution for offenses committed prior to the effective date of this code shall be governed by the prior law, which is continued in effect for that purpose as if this code were not in force; provided, however, that in any such prosecution the court may, with the consent of the defendant, impose sentence under the provisions of this code.
III. For purposes of this section, an offense was committed prior to the effective date if any of the elements of the offense occurred prior thereto.