Supreme Court Will Consider Shrinking Sentences for Jan. 6 Rioters
The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Tuesday about whether Jan. 6 rioters should be sentenced using a federal charge which carries a hefty maximum penalty.
The Department of Justice has been regularly recommending Jan. 6 rioters be charged with a statute which prohibits obstruction of Congressional inquiries and investigations, including acts unrelated to investigations and evidence. On Jan. 6 2021, rioters interrupted the counting and certification of electoral votes, a judicial proceeding.
The federal charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. So far, over 100 rioters have been convicted and sentenced under that charge, but D.C. judges often sentence below the maximum.