The federal Sentencing Guidelines are an important part of sentencing in federal criminal cases, but they are not the entire sentencing analysis. A guideline calculation typically considers the offense guideline, specific offense characteristics, adjustments, criminal history and other provisions that may apply.
Advisory guideline range
The court determines an advisory guideline range and also considers the federal sentencing statute and the circumstances of the individual case. Statutory minimum and maximum penalties can affect the available sentencing options.
Why the calculation matters
A disputed guideline issue can materially change the advisory range. Common disputes can involve loss amounts, drug quantity, weapon allegations, role adjustments, obstruction, acceptance of responsibility, criminal-history scoring and whether a prior conviction qualifies for a particular enhancement.
Use the current official manual
The old version of this website reproduced a 2009 guideline manual across hundreds of pages. That archive has been retired so visitors are not directed to obsolete material. For the current Guidelines Manual and amendments, use the United States Sentencing Commission's official Guidelines page.
Case-specific sentencing analysis
The correct guideline calculation depends on the charging documents, plea or trial record, presentence report, prior record and current law. General web materials cannot substitute for reviewing those documents in a particular case.
General information only; not legal advice.