Legal Definitions - Sentencing Table

The Sentencing Table is a standardized chart used by federal judges in the United States to determine a recommended range of punishment for individuals convicted of federal crimes. This table is a core component of the federal sentencing guidelines, helping courts calculate a fair sentence by considering two primary factors: the seriousness of the crime committed (known as the "offense level") and the defendant's past criminal record (known as the "criminal history category"). By cross-referencing these two factors on the table, judges can identify a specific range of months for imprisonment, ensuring greater consistency and fairness in federal sentencing.

Here are some examples of how the Sentencing Table is applied:

• Example 1: Drug Trafficking

  A person is convicted of distributing a large quantity of illegal drugs across state lines. They have one prior conviction for a minor shoplifting offense from several years ago. When determining the sentence, the federal judge would consult the Sentencing Table. The drug distribution offense would correspond to a high "offense level" due to its severity and the quantity of drugs involved. The single prior shoplifting conviction, being minor and distant, would place the defendant in a relatively low "criminal history category." By finding the intersection of these two points on the table, the judge would identify the recommended sentencing range for imprisonment, balancing the serious nature of the current crime with a limited prior record.

• Example 2: Large-Scale Embezzlement by a First-Time Offender

  An accountant, with no prior criminal record, is found guilty of embezzling a substantial sum of money from their employer over several years. In this case, the judge would use the Sentencing Table. The significant amount of money embezzled would result in a high "offense level," reflecting the gravity of the financial crime. However, because the accountant has no previous convictions, their "criminal history category" would be at the lowest level. The intersection on the table would then provide the recommended sentencing range, balancing the serious nature of the current crime with the absence of a prior criminal past.

• Example 3: Repeat Violent Offender

  A defendant with multiple previous federal convictions for violent assaults is now convicted of another serious physical assault that occurred on federal property. When determining the sentence, the federal court would refer to the Sentencing Table. The new assault conviction would establish a specific "offense level." Crucially, the defendant's extensive history of similar violent crimes would place them in a very high "criminal history category." The Sentencing Table would then show a significantly higher recommended sentencing range, reflecting both the seriousness of the current offense and the defendant's pattern of repeat violent behavior.