Right to Trial Act
To protect the constitutional right to trial and discourage imposition of extended sentences for defendants who elect to go to trial instead of accepting a plea offer, and for other purposes.
HB9095, also known as the Right to Trial Act, aims to safeguard the constitutional right of defendants to a trial and to prevent the imposition of harsher sentences for those who choose to go to trial rather than accept a plea deal. This bill would ensure that defendants are not unfairly penalized for exercising their right to a trial.
The bill would affect defendants in criminal cases, ensuring they are not coerced into accepting plea deals due to the threat of extended sentences. It seeks to protect their right to a fair trial as guaranteed by the constitution. The bill is currently in its early stages of the legislative process, having just been introduced and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for further review.
As of now, HB9095 has been introduced on June 2, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. The bill is co-sponsored by Democrat Henry Johnson and Republican Morgan Griffith, indicating bipartisan support. Further actions will include committee review, potential amendments, and a vote in the House.
