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The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (USSG) calculate a sentencing range in two steps. First, determine the Total Offense Level (1–43 scale): start with the base offense level for the crime, add enhancements (weapon use, victim count, leadership role), and subtract for acceptance of responsibility (typically -2 or -3 points). Second, determine the Criminal History Category (I–VI) based on prior convictions and their recency. Intersect Total Offense Level and Criminal History Category on the Sentencing Table to find the guideline range in months. Judges must calculate the range but have discretion to sentence outside it for documented reasons under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a). Results are estimates only — not legal advice.

Mandatory minimum sentences are set by statute and override the sentencing guidelines when they apply. Courts cannot sentence below the mandatory minimum even if the guidelines would recommend less. Common mandatory minimums: drug trafficking — 5 years for 5+ grams of methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841); 10 years for 50+ grams; firearm use during a drug trafficking crime or crime of violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) — 5 years consecutive (first offense), 25 years for a second; child pornography distribution — 5-year minimum. The First Step Act (2018) expanded the 'safety valve' exception, allowing certain low-level drug offenders to be sentenced below the mandatory minimum.

Under USSG § 5B1.1, probation is available (without imprisonment) for offense levels 1–8 in Zone A and Zone B of the Sentencing Table. Zone A (levels 1–8, Criminal History I–III) allows straight probation. Zone B allows probation with a condition of imprisonment (work release or intermittent confinement) for offense levels 6–10 depending on criminal history. Above Zone B, some form of imprisonment is generally required. Most federal felonies involve offense levels above 10, which puts them in Zones C or D where imprisonment terms apply. Misdemeanor cases and regulatory violations more commonly result in probation at the federal level.

Federal prisoners earn good time credit for satisfactory behavior under 18 U.S.C. § 3624(b). The First Step Act (2018) clarified that inmates earn 54 days per year of their sentence imposed — not per year served. In practice, this means most federal inmates serve approximately 85% of their sentence, not the full term. Inmates who complete the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) can earn an additional 12 months off their sentence. Time served in pre-trial detention counts toward the sentence. Good time credit does not apply to probation or supervised release violations.

A departure is a sentence outside the guideline range authorized by the guidelines themselves — for example, USSG § 5K1.1 (substantial assistance to the government) or USSG § 5H1.4 (extraordinary physical impairment). A variance is a sentence outside the guideline range based on the court's own analysis of the 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) factors (nature of the offense, defendant's history, deterrence, public protection). Both result in a below-guidelines sentence. Substantial assistance (cooperating with prosecutors) is the most common path to a significant downward departure and requires the government to file a motion.