Departures and Variances

Departures and Variances

(July 2023) This primer discusses guideline provisions and case law addressing some of the most commonly applied grounds for departure from a defendant’s guideline range. It also addresses issues relating to variances outside the guideline range. Although the primer identifies some of the key cases and concepts related to sentencing departures and variances, it is not a comprehensive compilation of authority nor intended to be a substitute for independent research and analysis of primary sources.