This bill, titled the "Right to Trial Act," seeks to safeguard the constitutional right to trial by discouraging the imposition of extended sentences on defendants who opt for a trial over a plea agreement. It amends federal sentencing guidelines to ensure that a defendant's decision to exercise their right to trial does not result in a harsher sentence. Specifically, the legislation adds new factors for courts to consider when imposing a sentence, including the need to protect the right to trial and to prohibit increased sentences based on a defendant's refusal of a plea offer. Courts must also consider the plea offers and sentences of similarly situated codefendants or defendants who pled guilty. Furthermore, the bill grants courts explicit authority to impose a sentence below a statutory minimum if the minimum would constitute a penalty for asserting the constitutional right to a trial.
This bill, titled the "Right to Trial Act," seeks to safeguard the constitutional right to trial by discouraging the imposition of extended sentences on defendants who opt for a trial over a plea agreement. It amends federal sentencing guidelines to ensure that a defendant's decision to exercise their right to trial does not result in a harsher sentence. Specifically, the legislation adds new factors for courts to consider when imposing a sentence, including the need to protect the right to trial and to prohibit increased sentences based on a defendant's refusal of a plea offer. Courts must also consider the plea offers and sentences of similarly situated codefendants or defendants who pled guilty. Furthermore, the bill grants courts explicit authority to impose a sentence below a statutory minimum if the minimum would constitute a penalty for asserting the constitutional right to a trial.