Legis Daily

Right to Trial Act

USA119th CongressHR-9095| House 
| Updated: 6/2/2026
H. Morgan Griffith

H. Morgan Griffith

Republican Representative

Virginia

Cosponsors (1)
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
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.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-8092
Right to Trial Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-8856
Right to Trial Act
Jun 2, 2026
Introduced in House
Jun 2, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-8092
    Right to Trial Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-8856
    Right to Trial Act


  • June 2, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • June 2, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Crime and Law Enforcement

Right to Trial Act

USA119th CongressHR-9095| House 
| Updated: 6/2/2026
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.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-8092
Right to Trial Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-8856
Right to Trial Act
Jun 2, 2026
Introduced in House
Jun 2, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-8092
    Right to Trial Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-8856
    Right to Trial Act


  • June 2, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • June 2, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
H. Morgan Griffith

H. Morgan Griffith

Republican Representative

Virginia

Cosponsors (1)
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

Crime and Law Enforcement

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted