H.R. 6471: Justice in Sentencing for Survivors Act of 2025

This bill is titled the "Justice in Sentencing for Survivors Act of 2025" and aims to modify sentencing policies for individuals, referred to as "victim offenders," who have been affected by abuse. The key components of the bill are outlined below:

New Sentencing Authority

The bill allows courts to impose sentences that are below the minimum statutory requirement for certain offenders who are also victims of abuse, specifically:

• Sexual assault
• Stalking
• Dating violence
• Domestic violence
• Severe forms of trafficking in persons

Alternative Sentencing Options

Courts would also have the authority to offer alternative sentences, which could include:

• Probation
• Community confinement
• A combination of both probation and community confinement

Eligibility for Reduced Sentencing

The bill specifies that a victim offender could be eligible for a reduced sentence or alternative sentencing regardless of several factors, such as if the abuse:

• Did not result in physical injury
• Was not ongoing for a long time
• Did not occur at the same time as the offense

Additionally, the offense could have been committed against someone other than the individual responsible for the abuse.

Evidence Consideration

The victim offender's ability to provide evidence of their past abuse will not determine their eligibility for reduced sentencing. The court can consider affidavits that demonstrate experiences of physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological abuse, trauma, or neglect when deciding on a sentence.

Application of the Act

This law would apply to sentences imposed after its enactment. However, it also allows for re-sentencing for already convicted individuals if a motion is made by the victim offender or others involved in their case.

Federal Sentencing Guidelines Review

The United States Sentencing Commission is instructed to review and amend federal sentencing guidelines to include considerations related to the types of abuse outlined in the bill when determining sentences for victim offenders.

Definitions Provided

The bill includes definitions for key terms related to abuse, such as:

• Dating Violence: Violence by someone in a romantic relationship with the victim.
• Domestic Violence: Crimes committed by a current or former intimate partner or spouse.
• Sexual Assault: Non-consensual sexual acts under federal, tribal, or state law.
• Severe Forms of Trafficking: Defined under federal law regarding human trafficking.
• Stalking: A pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that causes fear or emotional distress.
• Victim Offender: An individual who has experienced abuse and whose criminal behavior is significantly influenced by that abuse.

Relevant Companies

None found.