No. 25-7085

Christopher Adin Graham v. United States

Lower Court: Ninth Circuit
Docketed: 2026-03-23
Status: Pending
Type: IFP
Response WaivedIFP
Tags: 18-USC-1591 beyond-reasonable-doubt fifth-amendment mandatory-minimum-sentencing sex-trafficking sixth-amendment
Latest Conference: 2026-04-17
Question Presented (from Petition)

Whether, in prosecutions involving adult victims under 18 U.S.C. § 1591, the Government must prove to the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that the "offense was effected by means of force, fraud or coercion" before the sentencing Judge may impose the statutory mandatory minimum sentence under § 1591 (b)(1 ), or whether a sentencing judge may instead find that fact by ai preponderance of the evidence, consistent with the Fifth and Sixth Amendments.

Question Presented (AI Summary)

Whether, in prosecutions involving adult victims under 18 U.S.C. § 1591, the Government must prove to the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that the offense was effected by means of force, fraud or coercion before a sentencing judge may impose the statutory mandatory minimum sentence, or whether a sentencing judge may instead find that fact by a preponderance of the evidence, consistent with the Fifth and Sixth Amendments

Docket Entries

2026-04-02
DISTRIBUTED for Conference of 4/17/2026.
2026-03-30
Waiver of United States of right to respond submitted.
2026-03-30
Waiver of right of respondent United States to respond filed.
2026-01-09
Petition for a writ of certiorari and motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis filed. (Response due April 22, 2026)

Attorneys

Christopher Adin Graham
Christopher Adin Graham — Petitioner
United States
D. John SauerSolicitor General, Respondent