Amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit the consideration of acquitted conduct at sentencing.

Summary

Bars federal judges from using "acquitted conduct" to increase a sentence, except when that conduct is used to reduce (mitigate) a sentence. The bill also defines "acquitted conduct" to cover acts for which a person was found not guilty at trial in Federal, State, or Tribal court, certain juvenile findings of not responsible, and acts underlying charges dismissed after acquittal motions. The restriction applies only to sentences imposed in judgments entered on or after the law takes effect. The change mainly affects criminal defendants, federal sentencing practice, prosecutors' charging and plea strategies, and judges who currently consider acquitted or dismissed conduct when deciding sentences.

• Federal courts are prohibited from considering acquitted conduct to increase a defendant's sentence, except if used to mitigate the sentence.
• The bill creates a statutory definition of "acquitted conduct," including acquittals at trial and certain dismissals after acquittal motions in Federal, State, Tribal, and juvenile proceedings.
• The prohibition applies only to sentences in judgments entered on or after the law's enactment.
• The change restricts judicial use of conduct for sentencing but does not alter how plea admissions or convictions are treated.
• The rule affects sentencing practice, prosecutorial charging decisions, and plea bargaining leverage.
• State and Tribal sentencing laws are not directly altered, but State/Tribal acquittals are covered in the definition of acquitted conduct when considered by federal courts.
• Juvenile adjudications finding "not responsible" are included in the definition, extending protections to juvenile defendants in relevant cases.