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| Appeals Court Ruling Could Reshape Sentencing for Jan. 6 Defendants |
A recent ruling by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the sentence of a Jan. 6 defendant, which may affect the sentences of over 100 other individuals involved in the Capitol riot. The court found that lower courts had improperly added a sentencing enhancement for “administration of justice,” which typically applies to interference with judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings, such as court cases or investigations. This enhancement had been applied to some defendants for disrupting Congress’ certification of the 2020 election, effectively lengthening their sentences.
The panel argued that Congress’ electoral vote count does not fit the traditional definition of “administration of justice” as it is not a judicial proceeding. This interpretation challenges how federal prosecutors have used obstruction charges against Jan. 6 defendants. As a result, defendants who received extended sentences due to this enhancement might seek resentencing, potentially reducing their penalties. The Department of Justice is considering whether to appeal the decision, which could bring the case to the Supreme Court next year, where it might impact other ongoing obstruction-related cases related to Jan. 6
