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(January 8)   This episode examines the 2023 amendment to the Guidelines Manual relating to criminal history.

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(December 19)   Commissioners have published proposed amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines. The proposals are subject to a public comment period ending February 3, 2025 with a reply comment period closing February 18, 2025. 

Press Release
"Reader Friendly" Proposals and Issues for Comment

(December 19)   The Commission is seeking comment on the criteria it should use when determining whether an amendment should apply retroactively.  Comment deadline: April 18, 2025.

Issue for Comment
Submit Comment

(December 11)   The Commission has expanded its interactive resource on Earned Time Credits with new data provided by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

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(December 4)  This quarterly data report reflects information received on individuals sentenced during fiscal year 2024 (October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024).

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About the Commission

The U.S. Sentencing Commission, a bipartisan, independent agency located in the judicial branch of government, was created by Congress in 1984 to reduce sentencing disparities and promote transparency and proportionality in sentencing.

The Commission collects, analyzes, and distributes a broad array of information on federal sentencing practices.  The Commission also continuously establishes and amends sentencing guidelines for the judicial branch and assists the other branches in developing effective and efficient crime policy. Learn the basics of federal sentencing.

 

Resources
Bureau of Prisons Resources

These interactive resources provide an overview of certain BOP programs for policymakers and other stakeholders interested in learning how RDAP and the earned time credits system are administered.

Resources
Amendments In Brief

Amendments In Brief are short summaries, usually one to two pages, of the Commission’s actions in a certain area of sentencing policy and the issue that prompted the guideline amendment.

Resources
Glossary of Sentencing Terms

Unclear about some of the terms found in the Guidelines Manual? This glossary covers everything from “Abuse of Trust” to “Zone D”.

Resources
Decision Trees

How do the guidelines apply in a case with multiple counts? How do you score criminal history convictions? Follow the decision trees to answer these questions.

Resources
Primers

Want to learn more about relevant statutes, case law and guidelines on a specific topic? Discover our primers that focus on topics ranging from drug trafficking to criminal history to supervised release.…

Resources
Worksheets

Use these worksheets to help determine the applicable offense level, criminal history score, and guideline range in an individual offender’s case.

2024-2025 Amendment Cycle

  • Public Comment

     

     

    The Commission received comment on proposed priorities for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2025.

  • Federal Register Notice

     

    The Commission seeks comment on proposed priorities for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2025.
     

    Public comment should be received by the Commission on or before July 15, 2024. 

     

     

  • Press Release

     

    Embracing the public’s ideas to improve sentencing, Commission unanimously adopts policy priorities.

  • Federal Register Notice

     

    The Commission published final priorities for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2025.
     

    Federal Register Notice

     

     

  • Event

     

    A public meeting of the Commission was held on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. (EDT) pursuant to Rule 3.2 of the Rules of Practice and Procedure of the United States Sentencing Commission. This meeting was livestreamed. 

  • Federal Register Notice

     

    The Commission published proposed amendments for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2025.
     

    Federal Register Notice

     

  • Public Comment

     

     

    The Commission is receiving comment on proposed amendments for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2025.

  • Press Release

     

    The Commission published proposed amendments and issues for comment for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2025.

  • Amendments

     

    This document contains unofficial text of proposed amendments to the sentencing guidelines provided only for the convenience of the user in the preparation of public comment.   

    The Commission is seeking comment on these proposals through February 3, 2025 with a reply comment period closing on February 18, 2025.

     

    "Reader-Friendly" Version of Proposed Amendments

  • Event


    A public meeting of the Commission was held on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 2:00 pm (EST) pursuant to Rule 3.2 of the Rules of Practice and Procedure.