This bill would prohibit federal judges from considering conduct that a defendant was acquitted of when deciding on a sentence, though judges could still use such acquitted conduct to reduce a sentence if appropriate. Currently, judges can factor in acquitted conduct when sentencing even if a jury found the defendant not guilty of those charges, a practice that effectively punishes someone for conduct they were cleared of. The law would apply to all federal criminal cases sentenced after the bill becomes law, affecting defendants in the federal court system. The bill does not authorize any new federal spending or establish timelines beyond its effective date. Sponsored by Representatives Armstrong and Cohen, the bill aims to align sentencing practices with the principle that people should not face punishment for conduct they were acquitted of in court.
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