S. 3483 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Dec 15, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryLimits use of acquitted conduct at sentencing
This bill would prevent federal judges from considering conduct that led to acquittal—in other words, criminal charges someone was found not guilty of—when deciding what sentence to give. Currently, judges can factor in behavior related to those dismissed charges even though a jury or judge determined the person wasn't guilty of them.
How it affects you
If you're convicted of a federal crime, this change would directly affect you. A judge couldn't use charges you were acquitted of to increase your sentence, which could result in shorter prison time or lighter penalties than might otherwise occur under current law.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Dec 15, 2025)
This bill limits the consideration of acquitted conduct (e.g., conduct underlying criminal charges for which an individual was found not guilty) by a federal court at sentencing.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionS. 3483
A BILL
A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit the consideration of acquitted conduct at sentencing.
Sponsor: Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-IL) · Introduced Dec 15, 2025 · Crime and Law Enforcement · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Dec 15, 2025: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S8737)”