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(February 12)   The Commission held a public hearing to receive testimony from invited witnesses on proposed amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2025. 

Learn More
 

(February 11)   Explore recent federal sentencing-related Supreme Court and appellate court decisions by circuit or topic using this interactive PDF. The latest issue covers cases decided during calendar year 2024. 

Explore Here

(February 6)  The Commission continues to receive public comment on proposed amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2025.  A representative sample of public comment is now available for review.

Public Comment

(February 5)   The Commission has released several data briefing videos to inform public comment on proposed amendments relating to drug offenses, machinegun conversion devices, and individuals sentenced under §4B1.1. 

Explore Here

(February 4)   In the latest podcast episode, staff discuss the use of supervised release—an area of focus for the Commission this amendment cycle. 

Listen Here

(January 24)   Commissioners have proposed a second round of amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2025.  Additional proposals relate to supervised release and drug offenses. 

Press Release
"Reader Friendly" Proposals 

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. 

  • Event

     

    A public hearing was held on Wednesday, February 12 to receive testimony on proposed amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines.

     

    This event was live-streamed. Check back soon for a transcript of the event.

  • Public Comment

     

     

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

  • Video

     

    Commission staff prepared data to inform public comment on a proposal relating to drug offenses under §2D1.1.

  • Federal Register Notice

     

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

    Federal Register Notice

     

  • 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 March 3, 2025 with a reply comment period closing on March 18, 2025

     

    "Reader-Friendly"

  • Press Release

     

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

  • Event


    A public meeting of the Commission was held on Friday, January 24, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. (EST) pursuant to Rule 3.2 of the Rules of Practice and Procedure. A video recording is available. Check back soon for a transcript of the event.

  • Video

     

    Commission staff prepared data to inform public comment on a proposal relating to the treatment of machinegun conversion devices under the §2K2.1 guideline.

  • Video

     

    Commission staff prepared data to inform public comment on a proposal relating to career offenders.