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(June 24)   This preliminary data report reflects information received from the federal courts on individuals sentenced during the first two quarters of fiscal year 2025 (October 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025).

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(June 17)   A Special Edition of QuickFacts is now available on prison contraband offenses. QuickFacts publications give readers basic facts about a single area of federal crime. 

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Wondering what changes are scheduled to take effect on November 1? Amendments In Brief offer short summaries of the Commission’s actions in a certain area of sentencing policy as well as the issue that prompted the guideline amendment.

Explore by Amendment

(June 9)  The Commission has published a request for comment on policy priorities for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2026. Comment will be accepted through July 18, 2025. 

Federal Register Notice

(June 18)  The Commission's annual datafiles have been updated to include fiscal year 2024 data. This comprehensive collection is available for researchers interested in studying federal sentencing practices through quantitative methods.

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(June 5)   The Commission received public comment on possible retroactive application of certain 2025 guideline amendments. A representative sample of public comment is now available for review.

Public Comment

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.

2025-2026 Amendment Cycle

  • Federal Register Notice

     

    The Commission seeks comment on proposed priorities for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2026.
     

    Public comment should be received by the Commission on or before July 18, 2025.

     

     

  • Public Comment

     

     

    The Commission received comment on possible retroactive application of certain 2025 guideline amendments.