1995 CH2PTK

1995 Guidelines Manual

Chapter Two - PART K - OFFENSES INVOLVING PUBLIC SAFETY

1.EXPLOSIVES AND ARSON

2K1.1.Failure to Report Theft of Explosive Materials; Improper Storage of Explosive Materials

(a)Base Offense Level: 6

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. 842(j), (k), 844(b). For additional statutory provision(s), see Appendix A (Statutory Index).

Background: The above-referenced provisions are misdemeanors. The maximum term of imprisonment authorized by statute is one year.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 404); November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendment 481).

2K1.2. [Deleted]

Historical Note: Section 2K1.2 (Improper Storage of Explosive Materials), effective November 1, 1987, amended effective November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 404), was deleted by consolidation with 2K1.1 effective November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendment 481).

2K1.3.Unlawful Receipt, Possession, or Transportation of Explosive Materials; Prohibited Transactions Involving Explosive Materials

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

(1)24, if the defendant had at least two prior felony convictions of either a crime of violence or a controlled substance offense; or

(2)20, if the defendant had one prior felony conviction of either a crime of violence or a controlled substance offense; or

(3)16, if the defendant is a prohibited person; or knowingly distributed explosive materials to a prohibited person; or

(4)12, otherwise.

(b)Specific Offense Characteristics

(1)If the offense involved twenty-five pounds or more of explosive materials, increase as follows:

Weight of Explosive Material Increase in Level
(A)At least 25 but less than 100 lbs. add 1
(B)At least 100 but less than 250 lbs. add 2
(C)At least 250 but less than 500 lbs. add 3
(D)At least 500 but less than 1000 lbs. add 4
(E)1000 lbs. or more add 5.

(2)If the offense involved any explosive material that the defendant knew or had reason to believe was stolen, increase by 2 levels.

Provided, that the cumulative offense level determined above shall not exceed level 29.

(3)If the defendant used or possessed any explosive material in connection with another felony offense; or possessed or transferred any explosive material with knowledge, intent, or reason to believe that it would be used or possessed in connection with another felony offense, increase by 4 levels. If the resulting offense level is less than level 18, increase to level 18.

(c)Cross Reference

(1)If the defendant used or possessed any explosive material in connection with the commission or attempted commission of another offense, or possessed or transferred any explosive material with knowledge or intent that it would be used or possessed in connection with another offense, apply --

(A)2X1.1 (Attempt, Solicitation, or Conspiracy) in respect to that other offense if the resulting offense level is greater than that determined above; or

(B)if death resulted, the most analogous offense guideline from Chapter Two, Part A, Subpart 1 (Homicide), if the resulting offense level is greater than that determined above.

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. 842(a)-(e), (h), (i), 844(d), (g), 1716; 26 U.S.C. 5685.

Application Notes:

1."Explosive material(s)" include explosives, blasting agents, and detonators. See 18 U.S.C. 841(c). "Explosives" is defined at 18 U.S.C. 844(j). A destructive device, defined in the Commentary to 1B1.1 (Application Instructions), may contain explosive materials. Where the conduct charged in the count of which the defendant was convicted establishes that the offense involved a destructive device, apply 2K2.1 (Unlawful Receipt, Possession, or Transportation of Firearms or Ammunition; Prohibited Transactions Involving Firearms or Ammunition) if the resulting offense level is greater.

2."Crime of violence," "controlled substance offense," and "prior felony conviction(s)," as used in subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2), are defined at 4B1.2 (Definitions of Terms Used in Section 4B1.1), subsections (1) and (2), and Application Note 3 of the Commentary, respectively. For purposes of determining the number of such convictions under subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2), count any such prior conviction that receives any points under 4A1.1 (Criminal History Category).

3."Prohibited person," as used in subsection (a)(3), means anyone who: (i) is under indictment for, or has been convicted of, a "crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year," as defined at 18 U.S.C. 841(l); (ii) is a fugitive from justice; (iii) is an unlawful user of, or is addicted to, any controlled substance; or (iv) has been adjudicated as a mental defective or involuntarily committed to a mental institution.

4."Felony offense," as used in subsection (b)(3), means any offense (federal, state, or local) punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, whether or not a criminal charge was brought, or conviction obtained.

5.For purposes of calculating the weight of explosive materials under subsection (b)(1), include only the weight of the actual explosive material and the weight of packaging material that is necessary for the use or detonation of the explosives. Exclude the weight of any other shipping or packaging materials. For example, the paper and fuse on a stick of dynamite would be included; the box that the dynamite was shipped in would not be included.

6.For purposes of calculating the weight of explosive materials under subsection (b)(1), count only those explosive materials that were unlawfully sought to be obtained, unlawfully possessed, or unlawfully distributed, including any explosive material that a defendant attempted to obtain by making a false statement.

7.If the defendant is convicted under 18 U.S.C. 842(h) (offense involving stolen explosive materials), and is convicted of no other offenses subject to this guideline, do not apply the adjustment in subsection (b)(2) because the base offense level itself takes such conduct into account.

8.Under subsection (c)(1), the offense level for the underlying offense (which may be a federal, state, or local offense) is to be determined under 2X1.1 (Attempt, Solicitation, or Conspiracy) or, if death results, under the most analogous guideline from Chapter Two, Part A, Subpart 1 (Homicide).

9.Prior felony conviction(s) resulting in an increased base offense level under subsection (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) are also counted for purposes of determining criminal history points pursuant to Chapter Four, Part A (Criminal History).

10.An upward departure may be warranted in any of the following circumstances: (1) the quantity of explosive materials significantly exceeded 1000 pounds; (2) the explosive materials were of a nature more volatile or dangerous than dynamite or conventional powder explosives (e.g., plastic explosives); (3) the defendant knowingly distributed explosive materials to a person under twenty-one years of age; or (4) the offense posed a substantial risk of death or bodily injury to multiple individuals.

11.As used in subsections (b)(3) and (c)(1), "another felony offense" and "another offense" refer to offenses other than explosives or firearms possession or trafficking offenses. However, where the defendant used or possessed a firearm or explosive to facilitate another firearms or explosives offense (e.g., the defendant used or possessed a firearm to protect the delivery of an unlawful shipment of explosives), an upward departure under 5K2.6 (Weapons and Dangerous Instrumentalities) may be warranted.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 183); November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 373); November 1, 1992 (see, Appendix C, amendment 471); November 1, 1993 (see, Appendix C, amendment 478); November 1, 1995 (see Appendix C, amendment 534).

2K1.4.Arson; Property Damage by Use of Explosives

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

(1)24, if the offense (A) created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to any person other than a participant in the offense, and that risk was created knowingly; or (B) involved the destruction or attempted destruction of a dwelling;

(2)20, if the offense (A) created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to any person other than a participant in the offense; (B) involved the destruction or attempted destruction of a structure other than a dwelling; or (C) endangered a dwelling, or a structure other than a dwelling;

(3)2 plus the offense level from 2F1.1 (Fraud and Deceit) if the offense was committed in connection with a scheme to defraud; or

(4)2 plus the offense level from 2B1.3 (Property Damage or Destruction).

(b)Specific Offense Characteristic

(1)If the offense was committed to conceal another offense, increase by 2 levels.

(c)Cross Reference

(1)If death resulted, or the offense was intended to cause death or serious bodily injury, apply the most analogous guideline from Chapter Two, Part A (Offenses Against the Person) if the resulting offense level is greater than that determined above.

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. 32(a), (b), 33, 81, 844(f), (h) (only in the case of an offense committed prior to November 18, 1988), (i), 1153, 1855, 2275. For additional statutory provision(s), see Appendix A (Statutory Index).

Application Notes:

1.If bodily injury resulted, an upward departure may be warranted. See Chapter Five, Part K (Departures).

2.Creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury includes creating that risk to fire fighters and other emergency and law enforcement personnel who respond to or investigate an offense.

3."Explosives," as used in the title of this guideline, includes any explosive, explosive material, or destructive device.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendments 182, 184, and 185); November 1, 1990 (see Appendix C, amendment 330); November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 404).

2K1.5.Possessing Dangerous Weapons or Materials While Boarding or Aboard an Aircraft

(a)Base Offense Level: 9

(b)Specific Offense Characteristics

If more than one applies, use the greatest:

(1)If the offense was committed willfully and without regard for the safety of human life, or with reckless disregard for the safety of human life, increase by 15 levels.

(2)If the defendant was prohibited by another federal law from possessing the weapon or material, increase by 2 levels.

(3)If the defendant's possession of the weapon or material would have been lawful but for 49 U.S.C. 46505 and he acted with mere negligence, decrease by 3 levels.

(c)Cross Reference

(1)If the defendant used or possessed the weapon or material in committing or attempting another offense, apply the guideline for such other offense, or 2X1.1 (Attempt, Solicitation, or Conspiracy), as appropriate, if the resulting offense level is greater than that determined above.

Commentary

Statutory Provision: 49 U.S.C. 46505 (formerly 49 U.S.C. 1472(l)).

Background: Except under the circumstances specified in 49 U.S.C. 46505(c), the offense covered by this section is a misdemeanor for which the maximum term of imprisonment authorized by statute is one year. An enhancement is provided where the defendant was a person prohibited by federal law from possession of the weapon or material. A decrease is provided in a case of mere negligence where the defendant was otherwise authorized to possess the weapon or material.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendments 182, 186, 187, and 303); November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 404); November 1, 1992 (see Appendix C, amendment 443); November 1, 1995 (see Appendix C, amendment 534).

2K1.6.Licensee Recordkeeping Violations Involving Explosive Materials

(a)Base Offense Level: 6

(b)Cross Reference

(1)If a recordkeeping offense reflected an effort to conceal a substantive explosive materials offense, apply 2K1.3 (Unlawful Receipt, Possession, or Transportation of Explosives Materials; Prohibited Transactions Involving Explosive Materials).

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. 842(f), (g).

Background: The above-referenced provisions are recordkeeping offenses applicable only to "licensees," who are defined at 18 U.S.C. 841(m).

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 373). A former 2K1.6 (Shipping, Transporting, or Receiving Explosives with Felonious Intent or Knowledge; Using or Carrying Explosives in Certain Crimes), effective November 1, 1987, amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 303) and November 1, 1990 (see Appendix C, amendment 331), was deleted by consolidation with 2K1.3 effective November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 373).

2K1.7. [Deleted]

Historical Note: Section 2K1.7 (Use of Fire or Explosives to Commit a Federal Felony), effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 188), amended effective November 1, 1990 (see Appendix C, amendment 332), was deleted by consolidation with 2K2.4 effective November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendment 481).

* * * * *

2.FIREARMS

2K2.1.Unlawful Receipt, Possession, or Transportation of Firearms or Ammunition; Prohibited Transactions Involving Firearms or Ammunition

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

(1)26, if the offense involved a firearm described in 26 U.S.C. 5845(a) or 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(30), and the defendant had at least two prior felony convictions of either a crime of violence or a controlled substance offense; or

(2)24, if the defendant had at least two prior felony convictions of either a crime of violence or a controlled substance offense; or

(3)22, if the offense involved a firearm described in 26 U.S.C. 5845(a) or 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(30), and the defendant had one prior conviction of either a crime of violence or controlled substance offense; or

(4)20, if the defendant --

(A)had one prior felony conviction of either a crime of violence or a controlled substance offense; or

(B)is a prohibited person, and the offense involved a firearm described in 26 U.S.C. 5845(a) or 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(30); or

(5)18, if the offense involved a firearm described in 26 U.S.C. 5845(a) or 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(30); or

(6)14, if the defendant is a prohibited person; or

(7)12, except as provided below; or

(8)6, if the defendant is convicted under 18 U.S.C. 922(c), (e), (f), (m), (s), (t), or (x)(1).

(b)Specific Offense Characteristics

(1)If the offense involved three or more firearms, increase as follows:

Number of Firearms Increase in Level

(A) 3-4add 1

(B) 5-7add 2

(C) 8-12add 3

(D) 13-24add 4

(E) 25-49add 5

(F) 50 or moreadd 6.

(2)If the defendant, other than a defendant subject to subsection (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), or (a)(5), possessed all ammunition and firearms solely for lawful sporting purposes or collection, and did not unlawfully discharge or otherwise unlawfully use such firearms or ammunition, decrease the offense level determined above to level 6.

(3)If the offense involved a destructive device, increase by 2 levels.

(4)If any firearm was stolen, or had an altered or obliterated serial number, increase by 2 levels.

Provided, that the cumulative offense level determined above shall not exceed level 29.

(5)If the defendant used or possessed any firearm or ammunition in connection with another felony offense; or possessed or transferred any firearm or ammunition with knowledge, intent, or reason to believe that it would be used or possessed in connection with another felony offense, increase by 4 levels. If the resulting offense level is less than level 18, increase to level 18.

(6)If a recordkeeping offense reflected an effort to conceal a substantive offense involving firearms or ammunition, increase to the offense level for the substantive offense.

(c)Cross Reference

(1)If the defendant used or possessed any firearm or ammunition in connection with the commission or attempted commission of another offense, or possessed or transferred a firearm or ammunition with knowledge or intent that it would be used or possessed in connection with another offense, apply --

(A)2X1.1 (Attempt, Solicitation, or Conspiracy) in respect to that other offense, if the resulting offense level is greater than that determined above; or

(B)if death resulted, the most analogous offense guideline from Chapter Two, Part A, Subpart 1 (Homicide), if the resulting offense level is greater than that determined above.

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. 922(a)-(p), (r)-(w), (x)(1), 924(a), (b), (e), (f), (g), (h), (j)-(n); 26 U.S.C. 5861(a)-(l). For additional statutory provisions, see Appendix A (Statutory Index).

Application Notes:

1."Firearm" includes (i) any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; (ii) the frame or receiver of any such weapon; (iii) any firearm muffler or silencer; or (iv) any destructive device. See 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3).

2."Ammunition" includes ammunition or cartridge cases, primer, bullets, or propellent powder designed for use in any firearm. See 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(17)(A).

3.A "firearm described in 26 U.S.C. 5845(a)" includes: (i) a shotgun having a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length; a weapon made from a shotgun if such weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length; a rifle having a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length; or a weapon made from a rifle if such weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length; (ii) a machinegun; (iii) a silencer; (iv) a destructive device; and (v) certain unusual weapons defined in 26 U.S.C. 5845(e) (that are not conventional, unaltered handguns, rifles, or shotguns). For a more detailed definition, refer to 26 U.S.C. 5845.

A "firearm described in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(30)" (pertaining to semiautomatic assault weapons) does not include a weapon exempted under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 922(v)(3).

4."Destructive device" is a type of firearm listed in 26 U.S.C. 5845(a), and includes any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas -- (i) bomb, (ii) grenade, (iii) rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, (iv) missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, (v) mine, or (vi) device similar to any of the devices described in the preceding clauses; any type of weapon which will, or which may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, and which has any barrel with a bore of more than one-half inch in diameter; or any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device into any destructive device listed above. For a more detailed definition, refer to 26 U.S.C. 5845(f).

5."Crime of violence," "controlled substance offense," and "prior felony conviction(s)," are defined in 4B1.2 (Definitions of Terms Used in Section 4B1.1), subsections (1) and (2), and Application Note 3 of the Commentary, respectively. For purposes of determining the number of such convictions under subsections (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), and (a)(4)(A), count any such prior conviction that receives any points under 4A1.1 (Criminal History Category).

6."Prohibited person," as used in subsections (a)(4)(B) and (a)(6), means anyone who: (i) is under indictment for, or has been convicted of, a "crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year," as defined by 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(20); (ii) is a fugitive from justice; (iii) is an unlawful user of, or is addicted to, any controlled substance; (iv) has been adjudicated as a mental defective or involuntarily committed to a mental institution; (v) being an alien, is illegally or unlawfully in the United States; or (vi) is subject to a court order that restrains such person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner of such person or child of such intimate partner or person, or engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the partner or child as defined in 18 U.S.C. 922(d)(8).

7. "Felony offense," as used in subsection (b)(5), means any offense (federal, state, or local) punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, whether or not a criminal charge was brought, or conviction obtained.

8.Subsection (a)(7) includes the interstate transportation or interstate distribution of firearms, which is frequently committed in violation of state, local, or other federal law restricting the possession of firearms, or for some other underlying unlawful purpose. In the unusual case in which it is established that neither avoidance of state, local, or other federal firearms law, nor any other underlying unlawful purpose was involved, a reduction in the base offense level to no lower than level 6 may be warranted to reflect the less serious nature of the violation.

9.For purposes of calculating the number of firearms under subsection (b)(1), count only those firearms that were unlawfully sought to be obtained, unlawfully possessed, or unlawfully distributed, including any firearm that a defendant obtained or attempted to obtain by making a false statement to a licensed dealer.

10.Under subsection (b)(2), "lawful sporting purposes or collection" as determined by the surrounding circumstances, provides for a reduction to an offense level of 6. Relevant surrounding circumstances include the number and type of firearms, the amount and type of ammunition, the location and circumstances of possession and actual use, the nature of the defendant's criminal history (e.g., prior convictions for offenses involving firearms), and the extent to which possession was restricted by local law. Note that where the base offense level is determined under subsections (a)(1) - (a)(5), subsection (b)(2) is not applicable.

11.A defendant whose offense involves a destructive device receives both the base offense level from the subsection applicable to a firearm listed in 26 U.S.C. 5845(a) (e.g., subsection (a)(1), (a)(3), (a)(4)(B), or (a)(5)), and a two-level enhancement under subsection (b)(3). Such devices pose a considerably greater risk to the public welfare than other National Firearms Act weapons.

12.If the only offense to which 2K2.1 applies is 18 U.S.C. 922(i), (j), or (u), 18 U.S.C. 924(j) or (k), or 26 U.S.C. 5861(g) or (h) (offenses involving a stolen firearm or stolen ammunition) and the base offense level is determined under subsection (a)(7), do not apply the adjustment in subsection (b)(4) unless the offense involved a firearm with an altered or obliterated serial number. This is because the base offense level takes into account that the firearm or ammunition was stolen.

Similarly, if the only offense to which 2K2.1 applies is 18 U.S.C. 922(k) (offenses involving an altered or obliterated serial number) and the base offense level is determined under subsection (a)(7), do not apply the adjustment in subsection (b)(4) unless the offense involved a stolen firearm or stolen ammunition. This is because the base offense level takes into account that the firearm had an altered or obliterated serial number.

13.Under subsection (b)(6), if a record-keeping offense was committed to conceal a substantive firearms or ammunition offense, the offense level is increased to the offense level for the substantive firearms or ammunition offense (e.g., if the defendant falsifies a record to conceal the sale of a firearm to a prohibited person, the offense level is increased to the offense level applicable to the sale of a firearm to a prohibited person).

14.Under subsection (c)(1), the offense level for the underlying offense (which may be a federal, state, or local offense) is to be determined under 2X1.1 (Attempt, Solicitation, or Conspiracy) or, if death results, under the most analogous guideline from Chapter Two, Part A, Subpart 1 (Homicide).

15.Prior felony conviction(s) resulting in an increased base offense level under subsection (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4)(A), (a)(4)(B), or (a)(6) are also counted for purposes of determining criminal history points pursuant to Chapter Four, Part A (Criminal History).

16.An upward departure may be warranted in any of the following circumstances: (1) the number of firearms significantly exceeded fifty; (2) the offense involved multiple National Firearms Act weapons (e.g., machineguns, destructive devices), military type assault rifles, non-detectable ("plastic") firearms (defined at 18 U.S.C. 922(p)); (3) the offense involved large quantities of armor-piercing ammunition (defined at 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(17)(B)); or (4) the offense posed a substantial risk of death or bodily injury to multiple individuals.

17.A defendant who is subject to an enhanced sentence under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 924(e) is an Armed Career Criminal. See 4B1.4.

18.As used in subsections (b)(5) and (c)(1), "another felony offense" and "another offense" refer to offenses other than explosives or firearms possession or trafficking offenses. However, where the defendant used or possessed a firearm or explosive to facilitate another firearms or explosives offense (e.g., the defendant used or possessed a firearm to protect the delivery of an unlawful shipment of explosives), an upward departure under 5K2.6 (Weapons and Dangerous Instrumentalities) may be warranted.

19.The enhancement under subsection (b)(4) for a stolen firearm or a firearm with an altered or obliterated serial number applies whether or not the defendant knew or had reason to believe that the firearm was stolen or had an altered or obliterated serial number.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 189); November 1, 1990 (see Appendix C, amendment 333); November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 374); November 1, 1992 (see Appendix C, amendment 471); November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendment 478); November 1, 1995 (see Appendix C, amendment 522).

2K2.2. [Deleted]

Historical Note: Section 2K2.2 (Unlawful Trafficking and Other Prohibited Transactions Involving Firearms), effective November 1, 1987, amended effective January 15, 1988 (see Appendix C, amendment 34), November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 189), and November 1, 1990 (see Appendix C, amendment 333), was deleted by consolidation with 2K2.1 effective November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 374).

2K2.3. [Deleted]

Historical Note: Section 2K2.3 (Receiving, Transporting, Shipping or Transferring a Firearm or Ammunition With Intent to Commit Another Offense, or With Knowledge that It Will Be Used in Committing Another Offense), effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 189), was deleted by consolidation with 2K2.1 effective November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 374). A former 2K2.3 (Prohibited Transactions in or Shipment of Firearms and Other Weapons), effective November 1, 1987, was deleted by consolidation with 2K2.2 effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 189).

2K2.4.Use of Firearm, Armor-Piercing Ammunition, or Explosive During or in Relation to Certain Crimes

(a)If the defendant, whether or not convicted of another crime, was convicted under 18 U.S.C. 844(h), 924(c), or 929(a), the term of imprisonment is that required by statute.

(b)Special Instructions for Fines

(1)Where there is a federal conviction for the underlying offense, the fine guideline shall be the fine guideline that would have been applicable had there only been a conviction for the underlying offense. This guideline shall be used as a consolidated fine guideline for both the underlying offense and the conviction underlying this section.

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. 844(h), 924(c), 929(a).

Application Notes:

1.In each case, the statute requires a term of imprisonment imposed under this section to run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment.

2.Where a sentence under this section is imposed in conjunction with a sentence for an underlying offense, any specific offense characteristic for the possession, use, or discharge of an explosive or firearm (e.g., 2B3.1(b)(2)(A)-(F) (Robbery)) is not to be applied in respect to the guideline for the underlying offense.

In a few cases, the offense level for the underlying offense determined under the preceding paragraph may result in a guideline range that, when combined with the mandatory consecutive sentence under 18 U.S.C. 844(h), 924(c), or 929(a), produces a total maximum penalty that is less than the maximum of the guideline range that would have resulted had there not been a count of conviction under 18 U.S.C. 844(h), 924(c), or 929(a) (i.e., the guideline range that would have resulted if the enhancements for possession, use, or discharge of a firearm had been applied). In such a case, an upward departure may be warranted so that the conviction under 18 U.S.C. 844(h), 924(c), or 929(a) does not result in a decrease in the total punishment. An upward departure under this paragraph shall not exceed the maximum of the guideline range that would have resulted had there not been a count of conviction under 18 U.S.C. 844(h), 924(c), or 929(a).

3.Imposition of a term of supervised release is governed by the provisions of 5D1.1 (Imposition of a Term of Supervised Release).

4.Subsection (b) sets forth special provisions concerning the imposition of fines. Where there is also a conviction for the underlying offense, a consolidated fine guideline is determined by the offense level that would have applied to the underlying offense absent a conviction under 18 U.S.C. 844(h), 924(c), or 929(a). This is required because the offense level for the underlying offense may be reduced when there is also a conviction under 18 U.S.C. 844(h), 924(c), or 929(a) in that any specific offense characteristic for possession, use, or discharge of a firearm is not applied (see Application Note 2). The Commission has not established a fine guideline range for the unusual case in which there is no conviction for the underlying offense, although a fine is authorized under 18 U.S.C. 3571.

Background: 18 U.S.C. 844(h), 924(c), and 929(a) provide mandatory minimum penalties for the conduct proscribed. To avoid double counting, when a sentence under this section is imposed in conjunction with a sentence for an underlying offense, any specific offense characteristic for explosive or firearm discharge, use, or possession is not applied in respect to such underlying offense.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 190); November 1, 1990 (see Appendix C, amendment 332); November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 405); November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendments 481 and 489).

2K2.5.Possession of Firearm or Dangerous Weapon in Federal Facility; Possession or Discharge of Firearm in School Zone

(a)Base Offense Level: 6

(b)Specific Offense Characteristic

(1)If --

(A)the defendant unlawfully possessed or caused any firearm or dangerous weapon to be present in a federal court facility; or

(B)the defendant unlawfully possessed or caused any firearm to be present in a school zone,

increase by 2 levels.

(c)Cross Reference

(1)If the defendant used or possessed any firearm or dangerous weapon in connection with the commission or attempted commission of another offense, or possessed or transferred a firearm or dangerous weapon with knowledge or intent that it would be used or possessed in connection with another offense, apply --

(A)2X1.1 (Attempt, Solicitation, or Conspiracy) in respect to that other offense if the resulting offense level is greater than that determined above; or

(B)if death resulted, the most analogous offense guideline from Chapter Two, Part A, Subpart 1 (Homicide), if the resulting offense level is greater than that determined above.

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. 922(q), 930.

Application Notes:

1."Dangerous weapon" and "firearm" are defined in the Commentary to 1B1.1 (Application Instructions).

2."Federal court facility" includes the courtroom; judges' chambers; witness rooms; jury deliberation rooms; attorney conference rooms; prisoner holding cells; offices and parking facilities of the court clerks, the United States attorney, and the United States marshal; probation and parole offices; and adjoining corridors and parking facilities of any court of the United States. See 18 U.S.C. 930(f)(3).

3."School zone" is defined at 18 U.S.C. 922(q). A sentence of imprisonment under 18 U.S.C. 922(q) must run consecutively to any sentence of imprisonment imposed for any other offense. In order to comply with the statute, when the guideline range is based on the underlying offense, and the defendant is convicted both of the underlying offense and 18 U.S.C. 922(q), the court should apportion the sentence between the count for the underlying offense and the count under 18 U.S.C. 922(q). For example, if the guideline range is 30-37 months and the court determines "total punishment" of 36 months is appropriate, a sentence of 30 months for the underlying offense, plus 6 months under 18 U.S.C. 922(q) would satisfy this requirement.

4.Where the firearm was brandished, discharged, or otherwise used, in a federal facility, federal court facility, or school zone, and the cross reference from subsection (c)(1) does not apply, an upward departure may be warranted.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 191). Amended effective November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 374).

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3.MAILING INJURIOUS ARTICLES

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendment 481).

2K3.1. [Deleted]

Historical Note: Section 2K3.1 (Unlawfully Transporting Hazardous Materials in Commerce), effective November 1, 1987, was deleted by consolidation with 2Q1.2 effective November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendment 481).

2K3.2.Feloniously Mailing Injurious Articles

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

(1)If the offense was committed with intent (A) to kill or injure any person, or (B) to injure the mails or other property, apply 2X1.1 (Attempt, Solicitation, or Conspiracy) in respect to the intended offense; or

(2)If death resulted, apply the most analogous offense guideline from Chapter Two, Part A, Subpart 1 (Homicide).

Commentary

Statutory Provision: 18 U.S.C. 1716 (felony provisions only).

Background: This guideline applies only to the felony provisions of 18 U.S.C. 1716. The Commission has not promulgated a guideline for the misdemeanor provisions of this statute.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1990 (see Appendix C, amendment 334).


United States Sentencing Commission