Massachusetts Criminal Sentencing Guidelines Calculator
Massachusetts 3rd Degree Felony range is 0 months-5 years with fines $0-$25,000 For 2026 planning, the Massachusetts criminal sentencing guidelines page starts with that Massachusetts data point before adding your facts.
Massachusetts uses indeterminate sentencing, with 1st Degree Felony at 10 years-100 years and 2nd Degree Felony at 0 months-20 years. The calculator uses M.G.L. c. 279and source-verified ranges — it's an estimate, and MFL is not a law firm.
Massachusetts — at a glance
- Core number: Massachusetts 3rd Degree Felony range is 0 months-5 years with fines $0-$25,000
- Authority: M.G.L. c. 279
- Local layer: 14 county inputs can affect timing and filing logistics.
- Decision point: 8 alternative sentencing options are listed in the source data
Important: This tool provides educational estimates only — not legal advice. Made For Law is not a law firm and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, county, or local government agency or court system. Calculator results are based on statutory formulas and publicly available fee schedules — not AI. Supporting content is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Results may not reflect recent legislative changes or your specific circumstances. Do not rely solely on these estimates — always verify with official sources and consult a licensed attorney before making legal or financial decisions. Full disclaimer
Run the Criminal Sentencing Calculator for Massachusetts
The calculator below is pre-loaded with Massachusetts (MA) rules. Your inputs stay in your browser — no account required.
Key Takeaways for Massachusetts
- Sentencing framework. Massachusetts is coded as indeterminate under M.G.L. c. 279.
- Felony examples. 1st Degree Felony: 10 years-100 years, fine $0-$50,000; 2nd Degree Felony: 0 months-20 years, fine $0-$50,000; 3rd Degree Felony: 0 months-5 years, fine $0-$25,000.
- Mandatory minimums. 5 source offenses are marked mandatory-minimum, including 1st Degree Felony.
- Source. M.G.L. c. 279.
Massachusetts sentencing framework
Massachusetts is marked as a indeterminate state, and the primary citation is M.G.L. c. 279. That framework controls whether a felony sentencing calculator should focus on a statutory range, a guideline grid, or parole eligibility.
Felony classes and levels in Massachusetts
The source data lists 1st Degree Felony at 10 years-100 years, 2nd Degree Felony at 0 months-20 years, and 3rd Degree Felony at 0 months-5 years. Fines range from $0-$25,000 for 3rd Degree Felony up to $0-$50,000 for 1st Degree Felony.
Sentencing range examples in Massachusetts
A Class A Misdemeanor is 0 months-30 months with $0-$2,000 in fines, while drug trafficking is coded at 3 years-20 years with $2,500-$1,000,000in fines. Those are different risk bands, so don't compare charges by label alone.
Mandatory minimums and time-served rules
The MA source marks 5 offenses with mandatory-minimum flags; DUI - 2nd Offense is 1 months-30 months with $600-$10,000 and notes: Minimum 30 days; license suspended 2 years. This page doesn't add a truth-in-sentencing percentage unless the state source lists one.
Massachusetts's sentencing statute citations
The calculator source cites 1 authority record: Massachusetts General Laws - Sentencing (M.G.L. c. 279). Re-check 2026-03-30 updates before using any MA range in court.
State-specific estimate overview
Massachusetts cost and deadline signals is the right starting point because statewide law sets the baseline, while the facts of your criminal case determine the actual risk band. Use the calculator before you compare attorney quotes, court options, or settlement choices.
Factors that affect the Massachusetts estimate usually comes down to three inputs: the amount at stake, the deadline or statutory rule, and whether the matter can be resolved before a contested filing. The calculator keeps those inputs separate so the result is easier to challenge.
Neighboring state comparison
| State | Comparison signal | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts 3rd Degree Felony range is 0 months-5 years with fines $0-$25,000 | Current page data |
| New York | SCPA §§ 2307, 2110; 62 county inputs tracked | Massachusetts compared with nearby states; State data file |
| Connecticut | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-107; statewide county inputs tracked | Massachusetts compared with nearby states; State data file |
| New Hampshire | RSA § 553:6; 10 county inputs tracked | Massachusetts compared with nearby states; State data file |
County-level cost factors
County variation matters in Massachusetts because clerk practices, hearing calendars, and local filing steps can change the time cost even when the statewide rule is fixed.
- Middlesex County: 1,632,002 residents, county seat in Cambridge.
- Worcester County: 862,111 residents, county seat in Worcester.
- Essex County: 809,829 residents, county seat in Salem.
- Suffolk County: 797,936 residents, county seat in Boston.
- Norfolk County: 725,981 residents, county seat in Dedham.
Next steps before you decide
- Run the calculator with your current numbers and save the 2026 result.
- Compare the result with documents, notices, invoices, or deadlines already in hand.
- Use the estimate to prepare a focused consultation or filing plan before the next deadline.
Common state questions
What is the main Massachusetts number in this Criminal Sentencing Calculator?
Massachusetts 3rd Degree Felony range is 0 months-5 years with fines $0-$25,000 The calculator uses that point as the first Massachusetts signal before it layers in user-entered facts.
Does the Massachusetts Massachusetts criminal sentencing guidelines replace a lawyer?
No. It is a planning tool for comparing numbers, deadlines, and risk signals. Confirm M.G.L. c. 279 with an official source or a licensed professional.
Why do county details matter in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has 14 county-level filing offices, court calendars, and local practices. Those local steps can change timing even when state law is the same.
What should I gather before using the Criminal Sentencing Calculator?
Gather the dates, amounts, documents, and court notices tied to your situation. The calculator is more useful when those inputs are specific rather than estimated.
What is the next step after the Massachusetts estimate?
8 alternative sentencing options are listed in the source data Use the result to decide whether to organize records, request a consultation, or file the next court or agency step.
Compare your inputs
Start with the free calculator, then confirm the next legal step with the ABA state-by-state lawyer directory.
Ready to see the numbers for your Massachusetts situation?
Run the calculator above — it's free, no email required.
Try the calculator — freeSources cited inline. Last verified May 1, 2026. Statutes change — confirm with the official state bar before filing.