2023 National Seminar

2023 National Seminar

The 2023 National Seminar on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines was held in
Los Angeles, CA from August 29-31, 2023.

Seminar materials are available by topic below.

 

Amendments

We opened the seminar with a panel of Commissioners discussing the recently promulgated 2023 Guideline Amendments and the 2023-24 Commission priorities. Other sessions discussed specific promulgated 2023 amendments.

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Categorical Approach

This session focused on the categorical approach analysis and the determination of whether an offense qualifies as a violent felony, crime of violence, serious drug offense or controlled substance offense.

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Criminal History

This session reviewed basic criminal history rules and will highlight particular rules that tend to cause confusion. The speakers discussed the determination of single vs. separate sentences, the application of §4A1.1(e) when there are multiple prior sentences for crimes of violence, and the rules addressing revocations for purposes of §4A1.2(k).

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Drug Offenses

This session discussed commonly occurring sentencing guideline application issues in drug offenses. The session included discussion related to methamphetamine and fentanyl offenses.

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Economic Offenses

This session focused on how to determine loss at §2B1.1 (Fraud, Theft, and Embezzlement). The session covered specific types of fraud offenses and various specific offense characteristics at the guideline.

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Firearms Offenses

This session discussed the commonly occurring sentencing guideline application issues in firearm offenses. The session also discussed in detail the Promulgated 2023 Firearms Amendment.

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Multi-Defendant Cases

This session highlighted issues related to sentencing in multi-defendant cases. The session utilized the show “Ozark” to highlight these issues.

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Multiple Counts/Grouping

This session discussed how to determine a single guideline range where there are multiple counts. The session utilized the multiple count decision tree to apply the grouping rules to various offense types.

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Organizational Guidelines

Learn how to apply the guidelines governing sentencing of organizational defendants. This session used real-world scenarios and the Organizational Guidelines worksheet to learn about Chapter Eight of the guidelines.

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Prison Issues

Bureau of Prison representatives discussed issues related to BOP programming, the designation process, and issues related to crediting. The session also included a question-and-answer period for attendees to ask questions.

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Relevant Conduct

Relevant conduct is one of guidelines’ foundational principles, and understanding it is key to determining a defendant’s sentencing liability. This session discussed the rules and principles of relevant conduct.

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Restitution

This session discussed issues involving restitution orders, including who is a victim for purposes of restitution, and when restitution can be ordered. The session also discussed issues related to the victim enhancement at §2B1.1(b)(2).

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Sentence Reductions/Compassionate Release

This session discussed the Promulgated 2023 Amendments to §1B1.13 (Reduction in Term of Imprisonment under 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A)). The session also included discussion of case law related to this topic.

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Sex Offenses

This session focused on relevant conduct principles relating to child pornography and sex offense cases. The session focused on commonly occurring sentencing guideline application issues including cross references, special instructions, and grouping rules. A review of §4B1.5 was also provided.

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Explore additional training resources by topic below: