Oral Argument: Rico v. United States | Disappearing Defendant Dilemma

Rico v. United States | Case No. 24-1234 | Oral Argument Date: 11/3/25 | Docket Link: Here

Overview

Today, the Supreme Court hears oral arguments in Rico versus United States, the disappearing defendant dilemma examining when sentence clocks stop ticking. Isabel Rico went on the run during her 42-month release term. The government says her time on the run doesn't count toward her sentence.

Question Presented: Whether the fugitive-tolling doctrine applies in the context of supervised release.

Oral Advocates:

• For Petitioner: Adam G. Unikowsky, Washington, D.C.
• For Respondent: Joshua K. Handell, Assistant to the Solicitor General, Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Argument Overview

[00:00:37] Argument Begins

[00:00:45] Petitioner Opening Statement

[00:02:30] Petitioner Free for All Questions

[00:24:20] Petitioner Sequential Questions

[00:24:35] Respondent Opening Statement

[00:26:25] Respondent Free for All Questions

[00:52:15] Respondent Sequential Questions

[00:52:20] Petitioner Rebuttal