1994 PARTH

1994 Guidelines Manual

Chapter Two - PART H - OFFENSES INVOLVING INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS

1. CIVIL RIGHTS

Introductory Commentary

This subpart covers violations of civil rights statutes that typically penalize conduct involving death or bodily injury more severely than discriminatory or intimidating conduct not involving such injury.

The addition of two levels to the offense level applicable to the underlying offense in this subpart reflects the fact that the harm involved both the underlying conduct and activity intended to deprive a person of his civil rights. An added penalty is imposed on an offender who was a public official at the time of the offense to reflect the likely damage to public confidence in the integrity and fairness of government, and the added likely force of the threat because of the official's involvement.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987.

2H1.1. Conspiracy to Interfere with Civil Rights; Going in Disguise to Deprive of Rights

(a) Base Offense Level (Apply the greater):

(1) 15; or

(2) 2 plus the offense level applicable to any underlying offense.

(b) Specific Offense Characteristic

(1) If the defendant was a public official at the time of the offense, increase by 4 levels.

Commentary

Statutory Provision: 18 U.S.C. 241.

Application Notes:

1. "Underlying offense," as used in this guideline, includes any offense under federal, state, or local law other than an offense that is itself covered under Chapter Two, Part H, Subpart 1, 2, or 4. For example, in the case of a conspiracy to interfere with a person's civil rights (a violation of 18 U.S.C. 241) that involved an aggravated assault (the use of force) to deny certain rights or benefits in furtherance of discrimination (a violation of 18 U.S.C. 245), the underlying offense in respect to both the violation of 18 U.S.C. 241 (to which 2H1.1 applies) and the violation of 18 U.S.C. 245 (to which 2H1.3 applies) would be the aggravated assault.

"2 plus the offense level applicable to any underlying offense" means 2 levels above the offense level (base offense level plus any applicable specific offense characteristics and cross references) from the offense guideline in Chapter Two that most closely corresponds to the underlying offense. For example, if the underlying offense was second degree murder, which under 2A1.2 has an offense level of 33, "2 plus the offense level applicable to any underlying offense" would be 33 + 2 = 35. If the underlying offense was assault, criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping, abduction or unlawful restraint, the offense level from the guideline for the most comparable offense in 2A2.1-2A4.2 (Assault, Criminal Sexual Abuse, and Kidnapping, Abduction, or Unlawful Restraint) would first be determined, and 2 levels then would be added. If the underlying offense was damage to property by means of arson or an explosive device, the offense level from 2K1.4 (Arson; Property Damage By Use of Explosives) would first be determined and 2 levels would be added. If the offense was property damage by other means, the offense level from 2B1.3 (Property Damage or Destruction) would first be determined and 2 levels would be added. If the offense was a conspiracy or attempt to commit arson, "2 plus the offense level applicable to any underlying offense" would be the offense level from the guideline applicable to a conspiracy or attempt to commit arson plus 2 levels.

In certain cases, the count of which the defendant is convicted may set forth conduct that constitutes more than one underlying offense (e.g., two instances of assault, or one instance of assault and one instance of arson). In such cases, determine the offense level for the underlying offense by treating each underlying offense as if contained in a separate count of conviction. To determine which of the alternative base offense levels (e.g., 2H1.1(a)(1) or (a)(2)) results in the greater offense level, apply Chapter Three, Parts A, B, C, and D to each alternative base offense level. Use whichever results in the greater offense level. Example: The defendant is convicted of one count of conspiracy to violate civil rights that included two level 12 underlying offenses (of a type not grouped together under Chapter Three, Part D). No adjustment from Chapter Three, Parts A, B, or C applies. The base offense level from 2H1.1(a)(1) is 15. The offense level for each underlying offense from 2H1.1(a)(2) is 14 (2 + 12). Under Chapter Three, Part D (Multiple Counts), the two level 14 underlying offenses result in a combined offense level of 16. This offense level is greater than the alternative base offense level of 15 under 2H1.1(a)(1). Therefore, the case is treated as if there were two counts, one for each underlying offense, with a base offense level under 2H1.1(a)(2) of 14 for each underlying offense.

2. Where the adjustment in 2H1.1(b)(1) is applied, do not apply 3B1.3 (Abuse of Position of Trust or Use of Special Skill).

Background: This section applies to intimidating activity by various groups, including formally and informally organized groups as well as hate groups. The maximum term of imprisonment authorized by statute is ten years; except where death results, the maximum term of imprisonment authorized by statute is life imprisonment. The base offense level for this guideline assumes threatening or otherwise serious conduct.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 303); November 1, 1990 (see Appendix C, amendments 313 and 327); November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 430).

2H1.2. [Deleted]

Historical Note: Section 2H1.2 (Conspiracy to Interfere with Civil Rights), effective November 1, 1987, amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 303), was deleted by consolidation with 2H1.1 effective November 1, 1990 (see Appendix C, amendment 327).

2H1.3. Use of Force or Threat of Force to Deny Benefits or Rights in Furtherance of Discrimination; Damage to Religious Real Property

(a) Base Offense Level (Apply the greatest):

(1) 10, if no injury occurred; or

(2) 15, if injury occurred; or

(3) 2 plus the offense level applicable to any underlying offense.

(b) Specific Offense Characteristic

(1) If the defendant was a public official at the time of the offense, increase by 4 levels.

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. 245, 247; 42 U.S.C. 3631. For additional statutory provision(s), see Appendix A (Statutory Index).

Application Notes:

1. "2 plus the offense level applicable to any underlying offense" is defined in the Commentary to 2H1.1.

2. "Injury" means "bodily injury," "serious bodily injury," or "permanent or life-threatening bodily injury" as defined in the Commentary to 1B1.1 (Application Instructions).

3. Where the adjustment in 2H1.3(b)(1) is applied, do not apply 3B1.3 (Abuse of Position of Trust or Use of Special Skill).

4. In the case of a violation of 42 U.S.C. 3631, apply this guideline where the offense involved the threat or use of force. Otherwise, apply 2H1.5.

Background: The statutes covered by this guideline provide federal protection for the exercise of civil rights in a variety of contexts (e.g., voting, employment, public accommodations, etc.). The base offense level in 2H1.3(a) reflects that the threat or use of force is inherent in the offense. The maximum term of imprisonment authorized by statute is one year if no bodily injury results, ten years if bodily injury results, and life imprisonment if death results.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 165).

2H1.4. Interference with Civil Rights Under Color of Law

(a) Base Offense Level (Apply the greater):

(1) 10; or

(2) 6 plus the offense level applicable to any underlying offense.

Commentary

Statutory Provision: 18 U.S.C. 242.

Application Notes:

1. "6 plus the offense level applicable to any underlying offense" means 6 levels above the offense level for any underlying criminal conduct. See the discussion in the Commentary to 2H1.1.

2. Do not apply the adjustment from 3B1.3 (Abuse of Position of Trust or Use of Special Skill).

Background: This maximum term of imprisonment authorized by 18 U.S.C. 242 is one year if no bodily injury results, ten years if bodily injury results, and life imprisonment if death results. A base offense level of 10 is prescribed at 2H1.4(a)(1) providing a guideline sentence near the one-year statutory maximum for cases not resulting in death or bodily injury because of the compelling public interest in deterring and adequately punishing those who violate civil rights under color of law. The Commission intends to recommend that this one-year statutory maximum penalty be increased. An alternative base offense level is provided at 2H1.4(a)(2). The 6-level increase under subsection (a)(2) reflects the 2-level increase that is applied to other offenses covered in this Part plus a 4-level increase for the commission of the offense under actual or purported legal authority. This 4-level increase is inherent in the base offense level of 10 under subsection (a)(1).

Enhancement under 3B1.3 (Abuse of Position of Trust or Use of Special Skill) is inappropriate because the base offense level in 2H1.4(a) reflects that the abuse of actual or purported legal authority is inherent in the offense.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 166).

2H1.5. Other Deprivations of Rights or Benefits in Furtherance of Discrimination

(a) Base Offense Level (Apply the greater):

(1) 6; or

(2) 2 plus the offense level applicable to any underlying offense.

(b) Specific Offense Characteristic

(1) If the defendant was a public official at the time of the offense, increase by 4 levels.

Commentary

Statutory Provision: 18 U.S.C. 246.

Application Notes:

1. "2 plus the offense level applicable to any underlying offense" is defined in the Commentary to 2H1.1.

2. Where the adjustment in 2H1.5(b)(1) is applied, do not apply 3B1.3 (Abuse of Position of Trust or Use of Special Skill).

Background: Violations of the statutes covered by this provision do not necessarily involve the use of force or threatening conduct or violations by public officials. Accordingly, the minimum base offense level (level 6) provided is lower than that of the other guidelines in this subpart.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 167); November 1, 1990 (see Appendix C, amendment 328).

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2. POLITICAL RIGHTS

2H2.1. Obstructing an Election or Registration

(a) Base Offense Level (Apply the greatest):

(1) 18, if the obstruction occurred by use of force or threat of force against person(s) or property; or

(2) 12, if the obstruction occurred by forgery, fraud, theft, bribery, deceit, or other means, except as provided in (3) below; or

(3) 6, if the defendant (A) solicited, demanded, accepted, or agreed to accept anything of value to vote, refrain from voting, vote for or against a particular candidate, or register to vote, (B) gave false information to establish eligibility to vote, or (C) voted more than once in a federal election.

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. 241, 242, 245(b)(1)(A), 592, 593, 594, 597; 42 U.S.C. 1973i, 1973j. For additional statutory provision(s), see Appendix A (Statutory Index).

Application Note:

1. If the offense resulted in bodily injury or significant property damage, or involved corrupting a public official, an upward departure may be warranted. See Chapter Five, Part K (Departures).

Background: Alternative base offense levels cover three major ways of obstructing an election: by force, by deceptive or dishonest conduct, or by bribery. A defendant who is a public official or who directs others to engage in criminal conduct is subject to an enhancement from Chapter Three, Part B (Role in the Offense).

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 168).

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3. PRIVACY AND EAVESDROPPING

2H3.1. Interception of Communications or Eavesdropping

(a) Base Offense Level: 9

(b) Specific Offense Characteristic

(1) If the purpose of the conduct was to obtain direct or indirect commercial advantage or economic gain, increase by 3 levels.

(c) Cross Reference

(1) If the purpose of the conduct was to facilitate another offense, apply the guideline applicable to an attempt to commit that offense, if the resulting offense level is greater than that determined above.

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. 2511; 47 U.S.C. 605. For additional statutory provision(s), see Appendix A (Statutory Index).

Application Note:

1. If the offense involved interception of satellite cable transmissions for purposes of commercial advantage or private financial gain (including avoiding payment of fees), apply 2B5.3 (Criminal Infringement of Copyright) rather than this guideline.

Background: This section refers to conduct proscribed by 47 U.S.C. 605 and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986, which amends 18 U.S.C. 2511 and other sections of Title 18 dealing with unlawful interception and disclosure of communications. These statutes proscribe the interception and divulging of wire, oral, radio, and electronic communications. The Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 provides for a maximum term of imprisonment of five years for violations involving most types of communication.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 169).

2H3.2. Manufacturing, Distributing, Advertising, or Possessing an Eavesdropping Device

(a) Base Offense Level: 6

(b) Specific Offense Characteristic

(1) If the offense was committed for pecuniary gain, increase by 3 levels.

Commentary

Statutory Provision: 18 U.S.C. 2512.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987.

2H3.3. Obstructing Correspondence

(a) Base Offense Level:

(1) 6; or

(2) if the conduct was theft of mail, apply 2B1.1 (Larceny, Embezzlement, and Other Forms of Theft);

(3) if the conduct was destruction of mail, apply 2B1.3 (Property Damage or Destruction).

Commentary

Statutory Provision: 18 U.S.C. 1702. For additional statutory provision(s), see Appendix A (Statutory Index).

Background: The statutory provision covered by this guideline is sometimes used to prosecute offenses more accurately described as theft or destruction of mail. In such cases, 2B1.1 (Larceny, Embezzlement, and Other Forms of Theft) or 2B1.3 (Property Damage or Destruction) is to be applied.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1990 (see Appendix C, amendment 313).

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4. PEONAGE, INVOLUNTARY SERVITUDE, AND SLAVE TRADE

2H4.1. Peonage, Involuntary Servitude, and Slave Trade

(a) Base Offense Level (Apply the greater):

(1) 15; or

(2) 2 plus the offense level applicable to any underlying offense.

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. 1581-1588.

Application Note:

1. "2 plus the offense level applicable to the underlying offense" is explained in the Commentary to 2H1.1.

Background: This section covers statutes that prohibit peonage, involuntary servitude, and slave trade. For purposes of deterrence and just punishment, the minimum base offense level is 15. However, these offenses frequently involve other serious offenses. In such cases, the offense level will be increased under 2H4.1(a)(2).

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987.

United States Sentencing Commission