Legal Guides

In-depth research guides published by the Sentencing Guidelines Research Desk.

• Understanding the Federal Sentencing Guidelines — what the guidelines are, how a range is calculated, and their advisory status after United States v. Booker.
• Statutes of Limitation in Federal Criminal Cases — the five-year default in 18 U.S.C. § 3282 and how timing relates to federal sentencing.
• Choosing an Attorney in a Federal Case — an informational guide to the factors considered when selecting counsel; this site does not offer representation or referrals.
• Navigating Federal Criminal Charges: Understanding the Federal Court Process — Understanding the complexities and consequences of federal criminal charges.
• Federal vs State Prosecutors: Understanding the Differences for Criminal Cases — Exploring key differences between federal and state prosecutors in criminal cases, impacting defense strategies and outcomes.
• Congress Passes Bill Decriminalizing Marijuana at Federal Level — The House of Representatives has approved a bill that decriminalizes marijuana federally.
• Strategies for Defending Against Healthcare Fraud Charges — Key strategies healthcare professionals can use to defend against fraud allegations.
• Understanding the Timeline in Federal Corruption Investigations — Federal corruption investigations can start long before agents knock on your door, making quick action crucial.
• Understanding Medical Device Fraud Defense in California — An overview of medical device fraud and how federal prosecutors approach these cases.
• Navigating Federal Criminal Trials: How a Federal Criminal Trial Unfolds — An overview of how federal criminal trials proceed in complex cases involving conspiracy, drug trafficking, and money laundering.
• Navigating Federal Sentencing Mitigation: How Mitigating Factors Shape Sentences — An overview of key strategies used to mitigate harsh sentences through highlighting mitigating factors.

The desk’s primary research guides on the guidelines themselves:

• How Federal Sentencing Works: Guidelines, 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a), and the Safety Valve
• Overview of Federal Sentencing Guidelines
• The Role of U.S.S.G. § 2B1.1
• The Loss Table in U.S.S.G. § 2B1.1: How It Works
• Sentences Reported in Recent Appellate Opinions