Appeals Court Overturns Sentence Enhancement for Jan. 6 Defendants

A significant ruling by the D.C. Circuit Court could lead to the resentencing of numerous Jan. 6 insurrectionists, impacting the legal landscape of the Capitol riot cases.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the 'administration of justice' sentencing enhancement does not apply to Jan. 6 defendants obstructing Congress's certification of the 2020 election.
The decision specifically addressed the case of Larry Brock, a Texas man convicted for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection, but could affect the sentences of potentially hundreds of other defendants.
The appeals court sent Brock's case back to district court for resentencing without the enhancement, although his other convictions remain intact.
The ruling raises questions about the application of certain charges and enhancements in Jan. 6 cases, with the Supreme Court set to review related issues in April.
Former President Donald Trump, facing similar charges, could be impacted by the outcome of this and related legal developments.