Senate Bill 3483 would prohibit federal judges from considering acquitted conduct when sentencing defendants, except in cases where such conduct could reduce a sentence. The bill amends federal law to prevent judges from enhancing criminal sentences based on conduct for which a defendant was found not guilty at trial or for which charges were dismissed through acquittal motions. This applies to all federal defendants whose sentences are imposed after the bill becomes law, as well as juveniles in federal cases. The legislation addresses a legal practice that has been controversial because it allows judges to punish defendants for crimes they were acquitted of, potentially violating principles of double jeopardy and fairness. The bill was introduced by Senators Durbin and Grassley on December 15, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
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