What does Preamble of Right to Trial Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To protect the constitutional right to trial and discourage imposition of extended sentences for defendants who elect to go to trial instead of accepting a plea offer, and for other purposes,' aims to protect the constitutional right to trial. The bill intends to discourage the imposition of extended sentences for defendants who choose to go to trial rather than accepting a plea offer.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Right to Trial Act do?

This Act is formally titled the Right to Trial Act.

What does FACTORS FOR CONSIDERATION WHEN IMPOSING A SENTENCE; AUTHORITY of Right to Trial Act do?

This section amends Section 3553(a) of Title 18, United States Code, to add factors for consideration when imposing a sentence. New factors include protecting the constitutional right to a trial, considering plea offers and sentences of similarly situated codefendants, and determining if a statutory minimum sentence would penalize the assertion of the right to trial. The amendment also adds a provision to Section 3553(e) of Title 18, United States Code, granting courts the authority to impose sentences below statutory minimums to protect the constitutional right to trial.

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Right to Trial Act

Last updated: 6/2/2026 · Introduced: 6/2/2026

Author: H. Griffith (R-VA)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill amends federal sentencing guidelines to require courts to consider a defendant's constitutional right to trial when determining a sentence.
It mandates consideration of plea offers and sentences given to codefendants, and whether statutory minimum sentences penalize exercising the right to trial.
The bill grants courts authority to impose sentences below statutory minimums to safeguard the constitutional right to trial.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

3 sections

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