Source: http://www.ussc.gov/guidelines/2015-guidelines-manual/archive/2014-chapter-2-d
Timestamp: 2016-09-27 19:00:38
Document Index: 612598945

Matched Legal Cases: ['§3', '§3', '§3', '§3', '§5', '§3', '§2', '§1', '§3', '§1', '§4', '§5', '§ 2246', '§ 994', '§5', '§ 3553', '§5', '§ 860', '§ 865', '§ 860', '§ 865', '§ 860', '§ 865', '§ 860', '§ 865', '§ 841', '§2', '§ 841', '§1', '§ 6928', '§ 1319', '§ 9603', '§ 5124', '§5', '§5', '§5', '§5', '§2', '§2']

2014 Chapter 2 D | United States Sentencing Commission
2014 Chapter 2 D
(5) If (A) the offense involved the importation of amphetamine or methamphet-amine or the manufacture of amphetamine or methamphetamine from listed chemicals that the defendant knew were imported unlawfully, and (B) the defendant is not subject to an adjustment under §3B1.2 (Mitigating Role), increase by 2 levels.
(ii) the offense involved the manufacture of amphetamine or meth-amphetamine and the offense created a substantial risk of harm to (I) human life other than a life described in subdivision (D); or (II) the environment,
(14) If (A) the offense involved the cultivation of marihuana on state or federal land or while trespassing on tribal or private land; and (B) the defendant receives an adjustment under §3B1.1 (Aggravating Role), increase by 2 levels.
(15) If the defendant receives an adjustment under §3B1.1 (Aggravating Role) and the offense involved 1 or more of the following factors:
(16) If the defendant receives the 4-level ("minimal participant") reduction in §3B1.2(a) and the offense involved all of the following factors:
(17) If the defendant meets the criteria set forth in subdivisions (1)-(5) of subsection (a) of §5C1.2 (Limitation on Applicability of Statutory Minimum Sentences in Certain Cases), decrease by 2 levels.
• 90 KG or more of Heroin;
• 36 KG or more of Fentanyl;
• 5,625,000 units or more of Flunitrazepam.
• At least 12 KG but less than 36 KG of Fentanyl;
• At least 1,875,000 units but less than 5,625,000 units of Flunitrazepam.
• At least 10 KG but less than 30 KG of Heroin;
• At least 4 KG but less than 12 KG of Fentanyl;
• At least 625,000 but less than 1,875,000 units of Flunitrazepam.
• At least 3 KG but less than 10 KG of Heroin;
• At least 1.2 KG but less than 4 KG of Fentanyl;
• At least 187,500 but less than 625,000 units of Flunitrazepam.
• At least 1 KG but less than 3 KG of Heroin;
• At least 400 G but less than 1.2 KG of Fentanyl;
• 1,000,000 units or more of Schedule III Hydrocodone;
• At least 62,500 but less than 187,500 units of Flunitrazepam.
• At least 700 G but less than 1 KG of Heroin;
• At least 280 G but less than 400 G of Fentanyl;
• At least 700,000 but less than 1,000,000 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;
• At least 43,750 but less than 62,500 units of Flunitrazepam.
• At least 400 G but less than 700 G of Heroin;
• At least 160 G but less than 280 G of Fentanyl;
• At least 400,000 but less than 700,000 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;
• At least 25,000 but less than 43,750 units of Flunitrazepam.
• At least 100 G but less than 400 G of Heroin;
• At least 40 G but less than 160 G of Fentanyl;
• At least 100,000 but less than 400,000 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;
• At least 6,250 but less than 25,000 units of Flunitrazepam.
• At least 80 G but less than 100 G of Heroin;
• At least 32 G but less than 40 G of Fentanyl;
• At least 80,000 but less than 100,000 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;
• At least 5,000 but less than 6,250 units of Flunitrazepam.
• At least 60 G but less than 80 G of Heroin;
• At least 24 G but less than 32 G of Fentanyl;
• At least 60,000 but less than 80,000 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;
• 60,000 units or more of Schedule III substances (except Ketamine
or Hydrocodone);
• At least 3,750 but less than 5,000 units of Flunitrazepam.
• At least 40 G but less than 60 G of Heroin;
• At least 16 G but less than 24 G of Fentanyl;
• At least 40,000 but less than 60,000 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;
• At least 40,000 but less than 60,000 units of Schedule III substances (except
Ketamine or Hydrocodone);
• At least 2,500 but less than 3,750 units of Flunitrazepam.
• At least 20 G but less than 40 G of Heroin;
• At least 8 G but less than 16 G of Fentanyl;
• At least 20,000 but less than 40,000 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;
• At least 20,000 but less than 40,000 units of Schedule III substances (except
• At least 1,250 but less than 2,500 units of Flunitrazepam.
• At least 10 G but less than 20 G of Heroin;
• At least 4 G but less than 8 G of Fentanyl;
• At least 10,000 but less than 20,000 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;
• At least 10,000 but less than 20,000 units of Schedule III substances (except
• At least 625 but less than 1,250 units of Flunitrazepam.
• Less than 10 G of Heroin;
• Less than 4 G of Fentanyl;
• At least 5,000 but less than 10,000 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;
• At least 5,000 but less than 10,000 units of Schedule III substances (except
• 80,000 units or more of Schedule IV substances (except Flunitrazepam).
• At least 2.5 KG but less than 5 KG of Marihuana;
• At least 2,500 but less than 5,000 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;
• At least 2,500 but less than 5,000 units of Schedule III substances (except
• At least 40,000 but less than 80,000 units of Schedule IV substances (except
Flunitrazepam).
• At least 1 KG but less than 2.5 KG of Marihuana;
• At least 1,000 but less than 2,500 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;
• At least 1,000 but less than 2,500 units of Schedule III substances (except
• At least 16,000 but less than 40,000 units of Schedule IV substances (except
Flunitrazepam);
• 160,000 units or more of Schedule V substances.
• Less than 1 KG of Marihuana;
• Less than 1,000 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;
• Less than 1,000 units of Schedule III substances (except
• Less than 16,000 units of Schedule IV substances (except
• Less than 160,000 units of Schedule V substances.
(B) The terms "PCP (actual)", "Amphetamine (actual)", and "Methamphetamine (actual)" refer to the weight of the controlled substance, itself, contained in the mixture or substance. For example, a mixture weighing 10 grams containing PCP at 50% purity contains 5 grams of PCP (actual). In the case of a mixture or substance containing PCP, amphetamine, or methamphet-amine, use the offense level determined by the entire weight of the mixture or substance, or the offense level determined by the weight of the PCP (actual), amphetamine (actual), or methamphetamine (actual), whichever is greater.
(F) In the case of Schedule I or II Depressants (except gamma-hydroxybutyric acid), Schedule III substances, Schedule IV substances, and Schedule V substances, one "unit" means one pill, capsule, or tablet. If the substance (except gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) is in liquid form, one "unit" means 0.5 milliliters. For an anabolic steroid that is not in a pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid form (e.g., patch, topical cream, aerosol), the court shall determine the base offense level using a reasonable estimate of the quantity of anabolic steroid involved in the offense. In making a reasonable estimate, the court shall consider that each 25 milligrams of an anabolic steroid is one "unit".
(See also Application Note 6.) For example, in the Drug Equivalency Tables set forth in this Note, 1 gram of a substance containing oxymorphone, a Schedule I opiate, converts to an equivalent quantity of 5 kilograms of marihuana. In a case involving 100 grams of oxymorphone, the equivalent quantity of marihuana would be 500 kilograms, which corresponds to a base offense level of 26 in the Drug Quantity Table.
(B) Combining Differing Controlled Substances.—The Drug Equivalency Tables also provide a means for combining differing controlled substances to obtain a single offense level. In each case, convert each of the drugs to its marihuana equivalent, add the quantities, and look up the total in the Drug Quantity Table to obtain the combined offense level.
For certain types of controlled substances, the marihuana equivalencies in the Drug Equivalency Tables are "capped" at specified amounts (e.g., the combined equivalent weight of all Schedule V controlled substances shall not exceed 2.49 kilograms of marihuana). Where there are controlled substances from more than one schedule (e.g., a quantity of a Schedule IV substance and a quantity of a Schedule V substance), determine the marihuana equivalency for each schedule separately (subject to the cap, if any, applicable to that schedule). Then add the marihuana equivalencies to determine the combined marihuana equivalency (subject to the cap, if any, applicable to the combined amounts).
(i) The defendant is convicted of selling 70 grams of a substance containing PCP (Level 20) and 250 milligrams of a substance containing LSD (Level 16). The PCP converts to 70 kilograms of marihuana; the LSD converts to 25 kilograms of marihuana. The total is therefore equivalent to 95 kilograms of marihuana, for which the Drug Quantity Table provides an offense level of 22.
(ii) The defendant is convicted of selling 500 grams of marihuana (Level 6) and 10,000 units of diazepam (Level 6). The diazepam, a Schedule IV drug, is equivalent to 625 grams of marihuana. The total, 1.125 kilograms of marihuana, has an offense level of 8 in the Drug Quantity Table.
(iii) The defendant is convicted of selling 80 grams of cocaine (Level 14) and 2 grams of cocaine base (Level 12). The cocaine is equivalent to 16 kilograms of marihuana, and the cocaine base is equivalent to 7.142 kilograms of marihuana. The total is therefore equivalent to 23.142 kilograms of marihuana, which has an offense level of 16 in the Drug Quantity Table.
(iv) The defendant is convicted of selling 76,000 units of a Schedule III substance, 200,000 units of a Schedule IV substance, and 600,000 units of a Schedule V substance. The marihuana equivalency for the Schedule III substance is 76 kilograms of marihuana (below the cap of 79.99 kilograms of marihuana set forth as the maximum equivalent weight for Schedule III substances). The marihuana equivalency for the Schedule IV substance is subject to a cap of 9.99 kilograms of marihuana set forth as the maximum equivalent weight for Schedule IV substances (without the cap it would have been 12.5 kilograms). The marihuana equivalency for the Schedule V substance is subject to the cap of 2.49 kilograms of marihuana set forth as the maximum equivalent weight for Schedule V substances (without the cap it would have been 3.75 kilograms). The combined equivalent weight, determined by adding together the above amounts, is subject to the cap of 79.99 kilograms of marihuana set forth as the maximum combined equivalent weight for Schedule III, IV, and V substances. Without the cap, the combined equivalent weight would have been 88.48 (76 + 9.99 + 2.49) kilograms.
1 gm of Methylphenidate (Ritalin) =
1 gm Cocaine Base ("Crack") =
1 gm of N-Benzylpiperazine =
1 gm of Dimethyltryptamine/DM =
***Provided, that the combined equivalent weight of all Schedule III substances (except ketamine and hydrocodone), Schedule IV substances (except fluni¬trazepam), and Schedule V substances shall not exceed 79.99 kilograms of marihuana.
****Provided, that the combined equivalent weight of all Schedule III substances (except ketamine), Schedule IV substances (except flunitrazepam), and Schedule V substances shall not exceed 2,999.99 kilograms of marihuana.
*****Provided, that the combined equivalent weight of all Schedule IV (except flunitrazepam) and V substances shall not exceed 9.99 kilograms of marihuana.
******Provided, that the combined equivalent weight of Schedule V substances shall not exceed 2.49 kilograms of marihuana.
15. Application of Subsection (b)(9).—For purposes of subsection (b)(9), "athlete" means an individual who participates in an athletic activity conducted by (A) an intercollegiate athletic association or interscholastic athletic association; (B) a professional athletic association; or (C) an amateur athletic organization.
16. Application of Subsection (b)(11).—Subsection (b)(11) does not apply if the purpose of the bribery was to obstruct or impede the investigation, prosecution, or sentencing of the defendant. Such conduct is covered by §3C1.1 (Obstructing or Impeding the Administration of Justice) and, if applicable, §2D1.1(b)(15)(D).
(II) The manner in which hazardous or toxic substances were disposed, and the likelihood of release into the environment of hazardous or toxic substances..
19. Application of Subsection (b)(14).—Subsection (b)(14) applies to offenses that involve the cultivation of marihuana on state or federal land or while trespassing on tribal or private land. Such offenses interfere with the ability of others to safely access and use the area and also pose or risk a range of other harms, such as harms to the environment.
The enhancements in subsection (b)(13)(A) and (b)(14) may be applied cumulatively (added together), as is generally the case when two or more specific offense characteristics each apply. See §1B1.1 (Application Instructions), Application Note 4(A).
20. Application of Subsection (b)(15).—
(A) Distributing to a Specified Individual or Involving Such an Individual in the Offense (Subsection (b)(15)(B)).—If the defendant distributes a controlled substance to an individual or involves an individual in the offense, as specified in subsection (b)(15)(B), the individual is not a "vulnerable victim" for purposes of §3A1.1(b).
(B) Directly Involved in the Importation of a Controlled Substance (Subsection (b)(15)(C)).—Sub¬section (b)(15)(C) applies if the defendant is accountable for the importation of a controlled substance under subsection (a)(1)(A) of §1B1.3 (Relevant Conduct (Factors that Determine the Guideline Range)), i.e., the defendant committed, aided, abetted, counseled, commanded, induced, procured, or willfully caused the importation of a controlled substance.
If subsection (b)(3) or (b)(5) applies, do not apply subsection (b)(15)(C).
(C) Pattern of Criminal Conduct Engaged in as a Livelihood (Subsection (b)(15)(E)).—For purposes of subsection (b)(15)(E), "pattern of criminal conduct" and "engaged in as a livelihood" have the meaning given such terms in §4B1.3 (Criminal Livelihood).
21. Applicability of Subsection (b)(17).—The applicability of subsection (b)(17) shall be determined without regard to whether the defendant was convicted of an offense that subjects the defendant to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment. Section §5C1.2(b), which provides a minimum offense level of level 17, is not pertinent to the determination of whether subsection (b)(17) applies.
(A) Definition.—For purposes of this guideline, "sexual offense" means a "sexual act" or "sexual contact" as those terms are defined in 18 U.S.C. § 2246(2) and (3), respectively
24. Cases Involving Mandatory Minimum Penalties.—Where a mandatory (statutory) minimum sentence applies, this mandatory minimum sentence may be "waived" and a lower sentence imposed (including a downward departure), as provided in 28 U.S.C. § 994(n), by reason of a defendant's "substantial assistance in the investigation or prosecution of another person who has committed an offense." See §5K1.1 (Substantial Assistance to Authorities). In addition, 18 U.S.C. § 3553(f) provides an exception to the applicability of mandatory minimum sentences in certain cases. See §5C1.2 (Limitation on Applicability of Statutory Minimum Sentences in Certain Cases).
25. Imposition of Consecutive Sentence for 21 U.S.C. § 860a or § 865.—Sections 860a and 865 of title 21, United States Code, require the imposition of a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of not more than 20 years and 15 years, respectively. In order to comply with the relevant statute, the court should determine the appropriate "total punishment" and divide the sentence on the judgment form between the sentence attributable to the underlying drug offense and the sentence attributable to 21 U.S.C. § 860a or § 865, specifying the number of months to be served consecutively for the conviction under 21 U.S.C. § 860a or § 865. For example, if the applicable adjusted guideline range is 151-188 months and the court determines a "total punishment" of 151 months is appropriate, a sentence of 130 months for the underlying offense plus 21 months for the conduct covered by 21 U.S.C. § 860a or § 865 would achieve the "total punishment" in a manner that satisfies the statutory requirement of a consecutive sentence.
26. Cases Involving "Small Amount of Marihuana for No Remuneration".—Distribution of "a small amount of marihuana for no remuneration", 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(4), is treated as simple possession, to which §2D2.1 applies.
(A) Downward Departure Based on Drug Quantity in Certain Reverse Sting Operations.—If, in a reverse sting (an operation in which a government agent sells or negotiates to sell a controlled substance to a defendant), the court finds that the government agent set a price for the controlled substance that was substantially below the market value of the controlled substance, thereby leading to the defendant's purchase of a significantly greater quantity of the controlled substance than his available resources would have allowed him to purchase except for the artificially low price set by the government agent, a downward departure may be warranted.
(C) Upward Departure Based on Unusually High Purity.—Trafficking in controlled substances, compounds, or mixtures of unusually high purity may warrant an upward departure, except in the case of PCP, amphetamine, methamphetamine, or oxycodone for which the guideline itself provides for the consideration of purity (see the footnote to the Drug Quantity Table). The purity of the controlled substance, particularly in the case of heroin, may be relevant in the sentencing process because it is probative of the defendant's role or position in the chain of distribution. Since controlled substances are often diluted and combined with other substances as they pass down the chain of distribution, the fact that a defendant is in possession of unusually pure narcotics may indicate a prominent role in the criminal enterprise and proximity to the source of the drugs. As large quantities are normally associated with high purities, this factor is particularly relevant where smaller quantities are involved.
Background: Offenses under 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 and 960 receive identical punishment based upon the quantity of the controlled substance involved, the defendant's criminal history, and whether death or serious bodily injury resulted from the offense.
Subsection (b)(15) implements the directive to the Commission in section 6(3) of Public Law 111–220.
Subsection (b)(16) implements the directive to the Commission in section 7(2) of Public Law 111–220.
Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective January 15, 1988 (see Appendix C, amendments 19, 20, and 21); November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendments 123-134, 302, and 303); November 1, 1990 (see Appendix C, amendment 318); November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendments 369-371 and 394-396); November 1, 1992 (see Appendix C, amendments 446 and 447); November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendments 479, 484-488, and 499); September 23, 1994 (see Appendix C, amendment 509); November 1, 1994 (see Appendix C, amendment 505); November 1, 1995 (see Appendix C, amendments 514-518); November 1, 1997 (see Appendix C, amendments 555 and 556); November 1, 2000 (see Appendix C, amendments 594 and 605); December 16, 2000 (see Appendix C, amendment 608); May 1, 2001 (see Appendix C, amendments 609-611); November 1, 2001 (see Appendix C, amendments 620-625); November 1, 2002 (see Appendix C, amendment 640); November 1, 2003 (see Appendix C, amendment 657); November 1, 2004 (see Appendix C, amendments 667, 668, and 674); November 1, 2005 (see Appendix C, amendment 679); March 27, 2006 (see Appendix C, amendment 681); November 1, 2006 (see Appendix C, amendments 684 and 688); November 1, 2007 (see Appendix C, amendments 705, 706, and 711); May 1, 2008 (see Appendix C, amendment 715); November 1, 2009 (see Appendix C, amendments 727 and 728); November 1, 2010 (see Appendix C, amendments 746 and 748); November 1, 2011 (see Appendix C, amendments 750, 751, and 760); November 1, 2012 (see Appendix C, amendments 762 and 770); November 1, 2013 (see Appendix C, amendment 777); November 1, 2014 (see Appendix C, amendments 782 and 783).
Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective January 15, 1988 (see Appendix C, amendment 22); November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 135); November 1, 1990 (see Appendix C, amendment 319); November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 421); November 1, 1992 (see Appendix C, amendment 447); November 1, 2000 (see Appendix C, amendment 591); November 1, 2014 (see Appendix C, amendment 782).
9 KG or more of Ephedrine;
At least 3 KG but less than 9 KG of Ephedrine;
Less than 1 G of Ephedrine;
At least 714 G but less than 2.1 KG of Red Phosphorus, White Phosphorus, or Hypophosphorous Acid.List II Chemicals
Less than 4 G of Red Phosphorus, White Phosphorus, or Hypophosphorous Acid;List II Chemicals
Example: he defendant was in possession of five kilograms of ephedrine and 300 grams of hydriodic acid. Ephedrine and hydriodic acid typically are used together in the same manufacturing process to manufacture methamphetamine. The base offense level for each chemical is calculated separately and the chemical with the higher base offense level is used. Five kilograms of ephedrine result in a base offense level of level 36; 300 grams of hydriodic acid result in a base offense level of level 24. In this case, the base offense level would be level 36.
4. Application of Subsection (b)(3).—Subsection (b)(3) applies if the conduct for which the defendant is accountable under §1B1.3 (Relevant Conduct) involved any discharge, emission, release, transportation, treatment, storage, or disposal violation covered by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6928(d), the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1319(c), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9603(b), and 49 U.S.C. § 5124 (relating to violations of laws and regulations enforced by the Department of Transportation with respect to the transportation of hazardous material). In some cases, the enhancement under subsection (b)(3) may not adequately account for the seriousness of the environmental harm or other threat to public health or safety (including the health or safety of law enforcement and cleanup personnel). In such cases, an upward departure may be warranted. Additionally, any costs of environmen¬tal cleanup and harm to persons or property should be considered by the court in determining the amount of restitution under §5E1.1 (Restitution) and in fashioning appropriate conditions of supervision under §§5B1.3 (Conditions of Probation) and 5D1.3 (Conditions of Supervised Release).
7. Applicability of Subsection (b)(6).—he applicability of subsection (b)(6) shall be determined without regard to the offense of conviction. If subsection (b)(6) applies, §5C1.2(b) does not apply. See §5C1.2(b)(2)(requiring a minimum offense level of level 17 if the "statutorily required minimum sentence is at least five years").
Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 371). Amended effective November 1, 1992 (see Appendix C, amendment 447); November 1, 1995 (see Appendix C, amendment 519); May 1, 1997 (see Appendix C, amendment 541); November 1, 1997 (see Appendix C, amendment 557); November 1, 2000 (see Appendix C, amendments 605 and 606); May 1, 2001 (see Appendix C, amendment 611); November 1, 2001 (see Appendix C, amendment 625); November 1, 2002 (see Appendix C, amendment 646); November 1, 2003 (see Appendix C, amendment 661); November 1, 2004 (see Appendix C, amendments 667 and 668); November 1, 2005 (see Appendix C, amendment 679); November 1, 2007 (see Appendix C, amendments 705 and 707); November 1, 2010 (see Appendix C, amendments 745 and 746); November 1, 2012 (see Appendix C, amendments 763 and 770); November 1, 2014 (see Appendix C, amendment 782).
(1) The offense level from §2D1.1 (Unlawful Manufacturing, Importing, Exporting, or Trafficking (Including Possession with Intent to Commit These Offenses); Attempt or Conspiracy) applicable to the underlying offense, except that §2D1.1(a)(5)(A), (a)(5)(B), and (b)(17) shall not apply.
Historical Note: Effective November 1, 2007 (see Appendix C, amendment 700). Amended effective November 1, 2010 (see Appendix C, amendments 746 and 748); November 1, 2011 (see Appendix C, amendment 750); November 1, 2014 (see Appendix C, amendment 783).