Source: http://www.ussc.gov/guidelines/2015-guidelines-manual/archive/2005-chap2-2
Timestamp: 2016-08-28 20:40:27
Document Index: 380883276

Matched Legal Cases: ['§2', '§ 841', '§ 960', '§3', '§3', '§1', '§5', '§ 841', '§1', '§ 1308', '§ 1308', '§1', '§ 6928', '§ 1319', '§ 9603', '§ 5124', '§5', '§5', '§ 853', '§5', '§ 2246', '§ 841', '§2', '§ 841', '§5', '§2', '§ 859', '§2', '§2', '§2', '§2', '§2', '§ 848', '§ 848', '§4', '§ 848', '§ 848', '§ 848', '§5', '§2', '§ 843', '§2', '§2', '§2', '§2', '§2', '§2', '§2', '§2', '§ 863', '§ 857', '§2', '§2', '§2', '§3', '§ 856', '§2', '§ 841', '§2', '§ 858', '§2', '§3', '§1', '§2', '§ 841', '§1', '§1', '§2', '§2', '§2', '§3', '§2', '§2', '§ 841', '§1', '§ 6928', '§ 1319', '§ 5124', '§5', '§5', '§ 230', '§2', '§1', '§ 843', '§\n230', '§2', '§2', '§2', '§ 841', '§2', '§2', '§2', '§ 843', '§2', '§ 342', '§2', '§ 842', '§2', '§ 842', '§2', '§2', '§2', '§2']

2005 CHAP2-2 | United States Sentencing Commission
2005 CHAP2-2
PART D - OFFENSES INVOLVING DRUGS1. UNLAWFUL MANUFACTURING, IMPORTING, EXPORTING, TRAFFICKING, OR POSSESSION;
CONTINUING CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE§2D1.1. Unlawful Manufacturing,
Commit These Offenses); Attempt or Conspiracy (a) Base Offense Level (Apply the greatest):
(1) 43, if the defendant is convicted
under 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(A), (b)(1)(B), or (b)(1)(C), or 21
§ 960(b)(1), (b)(2), or (b)(3), and the offense of conviction establishes
that death or serious bodily injury resulted from the use of the substance
and that the defendant committed the offense after one or more prior convictions
for a similar offense; or
(2) 38, if the defendant is convicted
that death or serious bodily injury resulted from the use of the substance;
or (3) the offense level specified in the Drug Quantity Table set forth in
subsection (c), except that if (A) the defendant receives an adjustment under §3B1.2
(Mitigating Role); and (B) the base offense level under subsection (c) is
(i) level 32, decrease by 2 levels;
(ii) level 34 or level 36,
decrease by 3 levels; or (iii) level 38,
(1) If a dangerous weapon (including a firearm) was possessed, increase
(2) If the defendant unlawfully imported or exported a controlled substance
under circumstances in which (A) an aircraft other than a regularly scheduled
commercial air carrier was used to import or export the controlled substance,
or (B) the defendant acted as a pilot, copilot, captain, navigator, flight
officer, or any other operation officer aboard any craft or vessel carrying
a controlled substance, increase by 2 levels.
If the resulting offense level is less than level 26,
(3) If the object of the offense was the distribution of a controlled substance
in a prison, correctional facility, or detention facility, increase by 2 levels.
(4) If (A) the offense involved the importation of amphetamine or methamphetamine
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
(5) If the defendant, or a person for whose conduct the defendant is accountable
under §1B1.3 (Relevant Conduct), distributed a controlled substance
through mass-marketing by means of an interactive computer service, increase
(6) (Apply the greater):
(A) If the offense involved (i) an unlawful discharge, emission, or release
into the environment of a hazardous or toxic substance; or (ii) the unlawful
transportation, treatment, storage, or disposal of a hazardous waste, increase
(B) If the offense (i) involved the manufacture of amphetamine or methamphetamine;
and (ii) created a substantial risk of harm to (I) human life other than
a life described in subdivision (C); or (II) the environment, increase
by 3 levels. If the resulting offense
level is less than level 27, increase
to level 27.
(C) If the offense (i) involved the manufacture of amphetamine or methamphetamine;
and (ii) created a substantial risk of harm to the life of a minor or an
incompetent, increase by 6 levels.
If the resulting offense level is less than level 30,
increase to level 30. (7) 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.
[Subsection (c) (Drug Quantity Table) is set forth on the following pages.] Controlled
● 30 KG or more of Heroin (or the equivalent
amount of other Schedule I or II Opiates);
● 150 KG or more of Cocaine (or the equivalent amount of other Schedule
I or II Stimulants);
of Heroin (or the equivalent amount of other Schedule I or II Opiates);
● At least 50 KG but less than 150 KG of Cocaine (or the equivalent
amount of other Schedule I or II Stimulants);
Heroin (or the equivalent amount of other Schedule I or II Opiates);
● At least 15 KG but less than 50 KG of Cocaine (or the equivalent
● At least 5 KG but less than 15 KG of Cocaine (or the equivalent
50 G but less than 150 G of Amphetamine (actual); ● At least 10 G but less than 30 G of LSD (or the equivalent amount
● At least 3.5 KG but less than 5 KG of Cocaine (or the equivalent
35 G but less than 50 G of Amphetamine (actual); ● At least 7 G but less than 10 G of LSD (or the equivalent amount
● At least 2 KG but less than 3.5 KG of Cocaine (or the equivalent
● At least 500 G but less than 2 KG of Cocaine (or the equivalent
● At least 400 G but less than 500 G of Cocaine (or the equivalent
● At least 300 G but less than 400 G of Cocaine (or the equivalent
● At least 200 G but less than 300 G of Cocaine (or the equivalent
● At least 100 G but less than 200 G of Cocaine (or the equivalent
● At least 200 MG but less than 400 MG of LSD (or the equivalent
● At least 50 G but less than 100 G of Cocaine (or the equivalent
MG but less than 1 G of Amphetamine (actual); ● At least 100 MG but less than 200 MG of LSD (or the equivalent
● At least 25 G but less than 50 G of Cocaine (or the equivalent
● At least 50 MG but less than 100 MG of LSD (or the equivalent amount
● Less than 5 G of Heroin (or the equivalent
amount of other Schedule I or II Opiates); ● Less than 25 G of Cocaine (or the equivalent amount of other Schedule
acid), Schedule III substances (except anabolic steroids), Schedule IV substances,
means 0.5 ml.(G) In the case of anabolic steroids, one "unit" means a 10 cc vial of an
injectable steroid or fifty tablets. All vials of injectable steroids are to
be converted on the basis of their volume to the equivalent number of 10 cc
vials (e.g., one 50 cc vial is to be counted as five 10 cc vials).(H) In the case of LSD on a carrier medium (e.g., a sheet of blotter
of the Drug Quantity Table.(I) Hashish, for the purposes of this guideline, means a resinous substance
of plant material (such as cystolith fibers).(J) Hashish oil, for the purposes of this guideline, means a preparation of
relevant where smaller quantities are involved. 10. The Commission has used the sentences provided in, and equivalences
derived from, the statute (21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)), as the primary basis
for the guideline sentences. The statute, however, provides direction only
for the more common controlled substances, i.e., heroin, cocaine,
PCP, methamphetamine, fentanyl, LSD and marihuana. The Drug Equivalency Tables
set forth below provide conversion factors for other substances, which the
Drug Quantity Table refers to as "equivalents" of these drugs. For example,
one gram of a substance containing oxymorphone, a Schedule I opiate, is to
be treated as the equivalent of five kilograms of marihuana in applying the
Drug Quantity Table. 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
the combined equivalent weight of all Schedule V controlled substances shall
not exceed 999 grams 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).
Note: Because of the statutory
equivalences, the ratios in the Drug Equivalency Tables do not necessarily
reflect dosages based on pharmacological equivalents. Examples: a. The defendant is convicted of selling 70 grams of a substance containing
PCP (Level 22) and 250 milligrams of a substance containing LSD (Level
18). 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
b. The defendant is convicted of selling 500 grams of marihuana (Level 8)
and five kilograms of diazepam (Level 8). 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 10 in the Drug Quantity Table.
c. The defendant is convicted of selling 80 grams of cocaine (Level 16) and
five kilograms of marihuana (Level 14). The cocaine is equivalent to 16 kilograms
of marihuana. The total is therefore equivalent to 21 kilograms of marihuana,
which has an offense level of 18 in the Drug Quantity Table.
d. The defendant is convicted of selling 56,000 units of a Schedule III
substance, 100,000 units of a Schedule IV substance, and 200,000 units of
a Schedule V substance. The marihuana equivalency for the Schedule III substance
is 56 kilograms of marihuana (below the cap of 59.99 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 4.99 kilograms of marihuana set forth as the maximum equivalent weight
for Schedule IV substances (without the cap it would have been 6.25 kilograms).
The marihuana equivalency for the Schedule V substance is subject to the
cap of 999 grams of marihuana set forth as the maximum equivalent weight
for Schedule V substances (without the cap it would have been 1.25 kilograms).
The combined equivalent weight, determined by adding together the above amounts,
is subject to the cap of 59.99 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 61.99 (56 + 4.99
+ .999) kilograms.
and/or Psilocybin(Dry) = 1 gm of
11. If the number of doses, pills, or capsules but not the weight of the controlled
substance is known, multiply the number of doses, pills, or capsules by the
typical weight per dose in the table below to estimate the total weight of
the controlled substance (e.g.,
100 doses of Mescaline at 500 mg per dose = 50 gms of mescaline). The
Typical Weight Per Unit Table, prepared from information provided by the Drug
Enforcement Administration, displays the typical weight per dose, pill, or
capsule for certain controlled substances. Do not use this table if any more
75 mg *For controlled substances marked with an asterisk, the weight per unit shown
is the weight of the actual controlled substance, and not generally the weight
of the mixture or substance containing the controlled substance. Therefore, use
of this table provides a very conservative estimate of the total weight.
12. Types and quantities of drugs not specified in the count of conviction
may be considered in determining the offense level. See §1B1.3(a)(2)
(Relevant Conduct). Where there is no drug seizure or the amount seized does
not reflect the scale of the offense, the court shall approximate the quantity
of the controlled substance. In making this determination, the court may consider,
for example, the price generally obtained for the controlled substance, financial
or other records, similar transactions in controlled substances by the defendant,
and the size or capability of any laboratory involved.
If the offense involved both a substantive drug offense and an attempt or
conspiracy (e.g., sale of five
grams of heroin and an attempt to sell an additional ten grams of heroin),
the total quantity involved shall be aggregated to determine the scale of the
offense. In an offense involving an agreement to sell a controlled substance, the
agreed-upon quantity of the controlled substance shall be used to determine
the offense level unless the sale is completed and the amount delivered more
accurately reflects the scale of the offense. For example, a defendant agrees
to sell 500 grams of cocaine, the transaction is completed by the delivery
of the controlled substance - actually 480 grams of cocaine, and no
further delivery is scheduled. In this example, the amount delivered more
accurately reflects the scale of the offense. In contrast, in a reverse sting,
the agreed-upon quantity of the controlled substance would more accurately
reflect the scale of the offense because the amount actually delivered is
controlled by the government, not by the defendant. If, however, the defendant
establishes that the defendant did not intend to provide or purchase, or
was not reasonably capable of providing or purchasing, the agreed-upon quantity
of the controlled substance, the court shall exclude from the offense level
determination the amount of controlled substance that the defendant establishes
that the defendant did not intend to provide or purchase or was not reasonably
capable of providing or purchasing.
13. Certain pharmaceutical preparations are classified as Schedule III,
IV, or V controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Administration under
21 C.F.R. § 1308.13-15 even though they contain a small amount of a Schedule
I or II controlled substance. For example, Tylenol 3 is classified as a Schedule
III controlled substance even though it contains a small amount of codeine,
a Schedule II opiate. For the purposes of the guidelines, the classification
of the controlled substance under 21 C.F.R. § 1308.13-15 is the appropriate
14. 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. 15. LSD on a blotter paper carrier medium typically is marked so that
the number of doses ("hits") per sheet readily can be determined.
When this is not the case, it is to be presumed that each 1/4 inch by 1/4
inch section of the blotter paper is equal to one dose.
In the case of liquid LSD (LSD that has not been placed onto a carrier medium),
using the weight of the LSD alone to calculate the offense level may not adequately
reflect the seriousness of the offense. In such a case, an upward departure
16. In an extraordinary case, an upward departure above offense level
38 on the basis of drug quantity may be warranted. For example, an upward
departure may be warranted where the quantity is at least ten times the minimum
quantity required for level 38. Similarly, in the case of a controlled substance
for which the maximum offense level is less than level 38, an upward departure
may be warranted if the drug quantity substantially exceeds the quantity for
the highest offense level established for that particular controlled substance.
having leaves and a readily observable root formation (e.g.,
a marihuana cutting having roots, a rootball, or root hairs is a marihuana
18. If the offense involved importation of amphetamine or methamphetamine,
and an adjustment from subsection (b)(2) applies, do not apply subsection (b)(4).
19. Hazardous or Toxic Substances.—Subsection (b)(6)(A) 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); or 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)(6)(A) may not account adequately
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, in determining
the amount of restitution under §5E1.1 (Restitution) and in fashioning
appropriate conditions of probation and supervision under §§5B1.3
(Conditions of Probation) and 5D1.3 (Conditions of Supervised Release), respectively,
any costs of environmental cleanup and harm to individuals or property shall
be considered by the court in cases involving the manufacture of amphetamine
or methamphetamine and should be considered by the court in cases involving
the manufacture of a controlled substance other than amphetamine or methamphetamine. See 21
U.S.C. § 853(q) (mandatory restitution for cleanup costs relating to the
20. Substantial Risk of Harm Associated with the Manufacture of Amphetamine
and Methamphetamine.—
(A) Factors to Consider.—In
determining, for purposes of subsection (b)(6)(B) or (C), whether the offense
created a substantial risk of harm to human life or the environment, the
(i) The quantity of any chemicals or hazardous or toxic substances found at
the laboratory, and the manner in which the chemicals or substances were stored. (ii) The manner in which hazardous or toxic substances were disposed, and
the likelihood of release into the environment of hazardous or toxic substances.
(iv) The location of the laboratory (e.g.,
whether the laboratory is located in a residential neighborhood or a remote
area), and the number of human lives placed at substantial risk of harm.
purposes of subsection (b)(6)(C):
of the individual’s self or property because of a mental or physical
illness or disability, mental retardation, or senility. "Minor" has the meaning given that term in Application Note 1 of
21. Applicability of Subsection (b)(7).—The applicability of subsection
(b)(7) 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.
§5C1.2(b), which provides a minimum offense level of level 17, is not
pertinent to the determination of whether subsection (b)(7) applies.
22. Application of Subsection (b)(5).—For purposes of subsection (b)(5), "mass-marketing
by means of an interactive computer service" means the solicitation, by
means of an interactive computer service, of a large number of persons to induce
those persons to purchase a controlled substance. For example, subsection (b)(5)
would apply to a defendant who operated a web site to promote the sale of Gamma-hydroxybutyric
Acid (GHB) but would not apply to coconspirators who use an interactive computer
service only to communicate with one another in furtherance of the offense. "Interactive
computer service", for purposes of subsection (b)(5) and this note, has
the meaning given that term in section 230(e)(2) of the Communications Act
of 1934 (47 U.S.C.
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. (B) Upward Departure Provision.—If
the defendant committed a sexual offense against more than one individual,
an upward departure would be warranted. 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. The base offense levels in §2D1.1 are either provided directly by
the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 or are proportional to the levels established
by statute, and apply to all unlawful trafficking. Levels 32 and 26 in the
Drug Quantity Table are the distinctions provided by the Anti-Drug Abuse
Act; however, further refinement of drug amounts is essential to provide
a logical sentencing structure for drug offenses. To determine these finer
distinctions, the Commission consulted numerous experts and practitioners,
including authorities at the Drug Enforcement Administration, chemists, attorneys,
probation officers, and members of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task
Forces, who also advocate the necessity of these distinctions. Where necessary,
this scheme has been modified in response to specific congressional directives
to the Commission.The base offense levels at levels 26 and 32 establish guideline ranges with
a lower limit as close to the statutory minimum as possible; e.g.,
level 32 ranges from 121 to 151 months, where the statutory minimum is
ten years or 120 months. For marihuana plants, the Commission has adopted an equivalency of 100 grams
per plant, or the actual weight of the usable marihuana, whichever is greater.
The decision to treat each plant as equal to 100 grams is premised on the fact
that the average yield from a mature marihuana plant equals 100 grams of marihuana.
In controlled substance offenses, an attempt is assigned the same offense level
as the object of the attempt. Consequently, the Commission adopted the policy
that each plant is to be treated as the equivalent of an attempt to produce
100 grams of marihuana, except where the actual weight of the usable marihuana
is greater.Specific Offense Characteristic (b)(2) is derived from Section 6453 of the
Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988.Frequently, a term of supervised release to follow imprisonment is required
by statute for offenses covered by this guideline. Guidelines for the imposition,
duration, and conditions of supervised release are set forth in Chapter Five,
Part D (Supervised Release).Because the weights of LSD carrier media vary widely and typically far exceed
the weight of the controlled substance itself, the Commission has determined
that basing offense levels on the entire weight of the LSD and carrier medium
would produce unwarranted disparity among offenses involving the same quantity
of actual LSD (but different carrier weights), as well as sentences disproportionate
to those for other, more dangerous controlled substances, such as PCP. Consequently, in cases involving LSD contained in a carrier medium, the Commission
has established a weight per dose of 0.4 milligram for purposes of determining
the base offense level.The dosage weight of LSD selected exceeds the Drug Enforcement Administration’s
standard dosage unit for LSD of 0.05 milligram (i.e.,
the quantity of actual LSD per dose) in order to assign some weight to the
carrier medium. Because LSD typically is marketed and consumed orally on a
carrier medium, the inclusion of some weight attributable to the carrier medium
recognizes (A) that offense levels for most other controlled substances are
based upon the weight of the mixture containing the controlled substance without
regard to purity, and (B) the decision in Chapman
v. United States, 111 S.Ct. 1919 (1991) (holding that the term "mixture
or substance" in 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1) includes the carrier
medium in which LSD is absorbed). At the same time, the weight per dose selected
is less than the weight per dose that would equate the offense level for LSD
on a carrier medium with that for the same number of doses of PCP, a controlled
substance that comparative assessments indicate is more likely to induce violent
acts and ancillary crime than is LSD. (Treating LSD on a carrier medium as
weighing 0.5 milligram per dose would produce offense levels equivalent to
those for PCP.) Thus, the approach decided upon by the Commission will harmonize
offense levels for LSD offenses with those for other controlled substances
and avoid an undue influence of varied carrier weight on the applicable offense
level. Nonetheless, this approach does not override the applicability of "mixture
or substance" for the purpose of applying any mandatory minimum sentence
(see Chapman; §5G1.1(b)). Subsection (b)(6)(A) implements the instruction to the Commission in section
303 of Public Law 103–237.Subsections (b)(6)(B) and (C) implement, in a broader form, the instruction
to the Commission in section 102 of Public Law 106–310.Historical Note: Effective
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).§2D1.2. Drug Offenses Occurring Near Protected Locations or Involving
(3) 26, if the offense involved a person
less than eighteen years of age; or
CommentaryStatutory Provisions: 21 U.S.C. §§ 859
(formerly 21 U.S.C. §
the total amount of heroin involved in the offense).Background: This section implements
the direction to the Commission in Section 6454 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act
of 1988.Historical Note: Effective
C, amendment 591).§2D1.3. [Deleted]Historical Note: Section 2D1.3
(Distributing Controlled Substances to Individuals Younger than Twenty-One
Years, to Pregnant Women, or Within 1000 Feet of a School or College), effective
C, amendment 23), was deleted by consolidation with
§2D1.2 effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix
C, amendment 135).§2D1.4. [Deleted]Historical Note: Section 2D1.4
(Attempts and Conspiracies), effective November 1, 1987, amended effective
C, amendments 136-138), was deleted by consolidation with the guidelines
applicable to the underlying substantive offenses effective November 1,
1992 (see Appendix C, amendment
447).§2D1.5. Continuing Criminal Enterprise; Attempt or Conspiracy(a) Base Offense Level (Apply the greater):
(1) 4 plus the offense level from §2D1.1
applicable to the underlying offense; or
CommentaryStatutory Provision: 21 U.S.C. § 848.Application Notes:1. Do not apply any adjustment from Chapter Three, Part B (Role in the Offense).2. If as part of the enterprise the defendant sanctioned the use of violence,
or if the number of persons managed by the defendant was extremely large, an
upward departure may be warranted.3. Under 21 U.S.C. § 848, certain conduct for which the defendant has
previously been sentenced may be charged as part of the instant offense to
establish a "continuing series of violations." A sentence resulting from a conviction sustained prior to the last overt act
of the instant offense is to be considered a prior sentence under §4A1.2(a)(1)
and not part of the instant offense.4. Violations of 21 U.S.C. § 848 will be grouped with other
drug offenses for the purpose of applying Chapter Three, Part D (Multiple Counts).Background: Because a conviction
under 21 U.S.C. § 848 establishes that a defendant controlled
and exercised authority over one of the most serious types of ongoing criminal
activity, this guideline provides a minimum base offense level of 38. An adjustment
from Chapter Three, Part B is not authorized because the offense level of this
guideline already reflects an adjustment for role in the offense.Title 21 U.S.C. § 848 provides a 20-year minimum mandatory
penalty for the first conviction, a 30-year minimum mandatory penalty for a
second conviction, and a mandatory life sentence for principal administrators
of extremely large enterprises. If the application of the guidelines results
in a sentence below the minimum sentence required by statute, the statutory
minimum shall be the guideline sentence. See §5G1.1(b).Historical Note: Effective
November 1, 1987. Amended effective October 15, 1988 (see Appendix
C, amendment 66); November 1, 1989 (see Appendix
C, amendment 139); November 1, 1992 (see Appendix
C, amendment 447).§2D1.6. Use of Communication Facility in Committing Drug Offense; Attempt
or Conspiracy(a) Base Offense Level: the offense level applicable to the underlying offense.CommentaryStatutory Provision: 21 U.S.C. § 843(b). Application Note:1. Where the offense level for the underlying offense is to be determined
by reference to §2D1.1, see Application
Note 12 of the Commentary to §2D1.1 for guidance in determining the scale
of the offense. Note that the Drug Quantity Table in §2D1.1 provides a
minimum offense level of 12 where the offense involves heroin (or other Schedule
I or II opiates), cocaine (or other Schedule I or II stimulants), cocaine base,
PCP, methamphetamine, LSD (or other Schedule I or II hallucinogens), fentanyl,
or fentanyl analogue (§2D1.1(c)(14)); and a minimum offense level of 6
otherwise (§2D1.1(c)(17)).Background: This section covers
the use of a communication facility in committing a drug offense. A communication
facility includes any public or private instrument used in the transmission
of writing, signs, signals, pictures, and sound; e.g.,
telephone, wire, radio. Historical Note: Effective
C, amendment 320); November 1, 1992 (see Appendix
C, amendment 447); November 1, 1994 (see Appendix
C, amendment 505).§2D1.7. Unlawful Sale or Transportation of Drug Paraphernalia; Attempt
or Conspiracy (a) Base Offense Level: 12(b) Cross Reference
(1) If the offense involved a controlled substance, apply §2D1.1 (Unlawful
Manufacturing, Importing, Exporting, or Trafficking) or
§2D2.1 (Unlawful Possession), as appropriate, if the resulting offense
CommentaryStatutory Provision: 21 U.S.C. § 863
(formerly 21 U.S.C. § 857). Application Note:1. The typical case addressed by this guideline involves small-scale trafficking
in drug paraphernalia (generally from a retail establishment that also sells
items that are not unlawful). In a case involving a large-scale dealer, distributor,
or manufacturer, an upward departure may be warranted. Conversely, where the
offense was not committed for pecuniary gain (e.g.,
transportation for the defendant’s personal use), a downward departure
may be warranted.Historical Note: Effective
C, amendment 397); November 1, 1992 (see Appendix
C, amendment 447).§2D1.8. Renting or Managing a Drug Establishment; Attempt or Conspiracy (a) Base Offense Level:
(1) The offense level from §2D1.1 applicable to the underlying controlled
substance offense, except as provided below.
(2) If the defendant had no participation in the underlying controlled substance
offense other than allowing use of the premises, the offense level shall be 4 levels
less than the offense level from §2D1.1 applicable to the underlying
controlled substance offense, but not greater than level 26. (b) Special Instruction
(1) If the offense level is determined under subsection (a)(2), do not apply
an adjustment under §3B1.2 (Mitigating Role).
CommentaryStatutory Provision: 21 U.S.C. § 856. Application Note:1. Subsection (a)(2) does not apply unless the defendant had no participation
in the underlying controlled substance offense other than allowing use of the
premises. For example, subsection (a)(2) would not apply to a defendant who
possessed a dangerous weapon in connection with the offense, a defendant who
guarded the cache of controlled substances, a defendant who arranged for the
use of the premises for the purpose of facilitating a drug transaction, a defendant
who allowed the use of more than one premises, a defendant who made telephone
calls to facilitate the underlying controlled substance offense, or a defendant
who otherwise assisted in the commission of the underlying controlled substance
offense. Furthermore, subsection (a)(2) does not apply unless the defendant
initially leased, rented, purchased, or otherwise acquired a possessory interest
in the premises for a legitimate purpose. Finally, subsection (a)(2) does not
apply if the defendant had previously allowed any premises to be used as a
drug establishment without regard to whether such prior misconduct resulted
in a conviction. Background: This section covers the offense of knowingly opening, maintaining,
managing, or controlling any building, room, or enclosure for the purpose of
manufacturing, distributing, storing, or using a controlled substance contrary
to law (e.g.,
a "crack house"). Historical Note: Effective
C, amendment 394); November 1, 1992 (see Appendix
C, amendments 447 and 448); November 1, 2002 (see Appendix
C, amendment 640).§2D1.9. Placing or Maintaining Dangerous Devices on Federal Property
to Protect the Unlawful Production of Controlled Substances; Attempt or Conspiracy (a) Base Offense Level: 23CommentaryStatutory Provision: 21 U.S.C. § 841(d)(1).Background: This section covers
the offense of assembling, placing, or causing to be placed, or maintaining
C, amendment 646).§2D1.10. Endangering Human Life While Illegally Manufacturing a Controlled
Substance; Attempt or Conspiracy (a) Base Offense Level (Apply the greater): (1) 3 plus the offense level from
the Drug Quantity Table in
(A) If the offense involved the manufacture of amphetamine or methamphetamine,
increase by 3 levels. If the resulting
offense level is less than level 27,
increase to level 27.
and (ii) created a substantial risk of harm to the life of a minor or an incompetent,
increase by 6 levels. If the resulting
offense level is less than level 30,
increase to level 30. Commentary Statutory Provision: 21 U.S.C. § 858.Application Note:1. Substantial Risk of Harm Associated with the Manufacture of Amphetamine
(A) Factors to Consider.— In
determining, for purposes of subsection (b)(1)(B), whether the offense created
a substantial risk of harm to the life of a minor or an incompetent, the court
the laboratory, and the manner in which the chemicals or substances were stored.
(ii) The manner in which hazardous or toxic substances were disposed, and
area), and the number of human lives placed at substantial risk of harm. (B) Definitions.—For
purposes of subsection (b)(1)(B):
Background: Subsection (b)(1)
implements the instruction to the Commission in section 102 of Public Law 106–310.Historical Note: Effective
C, amendment 140). Amended effective November 1, 1992 (see Appendix
C, amendment 447); December 16, 2000 (see Appendix
C, amendment 608); November 1, 2001 (see Appendix
C, amendment 620).§2D1.11. Unlawfully Distributing, Importing, Exporting or Possessing
a Listed Chemical; Attempt or Conspiracy(a) Base Offense Level: The offense level from the Chemical Quantity Table
set forth in subsection (d) or (e), as appropriate, except that if (A) the
defendant receives an adjustment under §3B1.2 (Mitigating Role); and (B)
the base offense level under subsection (e) is (i) level 32,
decrease by 2 levels; (ii) level 34 or
level 36, decrease by 3 levels;
or (iii) level 38, decrease by 4 levels.(b) Specific Offense Characteristics
decrease by 3 levels, unless the defendant knew
or believed that the listed chemical was to be used to manufacture a controlled
(3) If the offense involved (A) an unlawful discharge, emission, or release
into the environment of a hazardous or toxic substance; or (B) the unlawful
(4) If the defendant, or a person for whose conduct the defendant is accountable
under §1B1.3 (Relevant Conduct), distributed a listed chemical through
mass-marketing by means of an interactive computer service, increase by 2 levels.
(1) If the offense involved unlawfully manufacturing a controlled substance,
or attempting to manufacture a controlled substance unlawfully, apply §2D1.1
(Unlawful Manufacturing, Importing, Exporting, Trafficking) if the resulting
______________*Notes: (A) Except as provided in Note (B), to calculate the base offense level in
an offense that involves two or more chemicals, use the quantity of the single
chemical that results in the greatest offense level, regardless of whether
the chemicals are set forth in different tables or in different categories
(i.e., list I or list II) under
subsection (d) or (e) of this guideline, as appropriate.(B) To calculate the base offense level in an offense that involves two or
more chemicals each of which is set forth in the Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine,
and Phenylpropanolamine Quantity Table, (i) aggregate the quantities of all
such chemicals, and (ii) determine the base offense level corresponding to
the aggregate quantity.(C) In a case involving ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine
tablets, use the weight of the ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine
contained in the tablets, not the weight of the entire tablets, in calculating
the base offense level.CommentaryStatutory Provisions: 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(c)(1),
(2), (f)(1), 960(d)(1), (2), (3), (4).Application Notes:1. "Firearm" and "dangerous weapon" are defined in the
Commentary to §1B1.1 (Application Instructions). The adjustment in subsection
(b)(1) should be applied if the weapon was present, unless it is improbable
that the weapon was connected with the offense. 2. "Offense involved unlawfully manufacturing a controlled substance
or attempting to manufacture a controlled substance unlawfully," as used
in subsection (c)(1), means that the defendant, or a person for whose conduct
the defendant is accountable under §1B1.3 (Relevant Conduct), completed
the actions sufficient to constitute the offense of unlawfully manufacturing
a controlled substance or attempting to manufacture a controlled substance
unlawfully.3. In certain cases, the defendant will be convicted of an offense involving
a listed chemical covered under this guideline, and a related offense involving
an immediate precursor or other controlled substance covered under §2D1.1
(Unlawfully Manufacturing, Importing, Exporting, or Trafficking). For example,
P2P (an immediate precursor) and methylamine (a listed chemical) are used together
to produce methamphetamine. Determine the offense level under each guideline
separately. The offense level for methylamine is determined by using §2D1.11.
The offense level for P2P is determined by using §2D1.1 (P2P is listed
in the Drug Equivalency Table under Cocaine and Other Schedule I and II Stimulants
(and their immediate precursors)). Under the grouping rules of §3D1.2(b),
the counts will be grouped together. Note that in determining the scale of
the offense under §2D1.1, the quantity of both the controlled substance
and listed chemical should be considered (see Application
Note 12 in the Commentary to §2D1.1).4. Cases Involving Multiple Chemicals.—
(A) Determining the Base Offense
Level for Two or More Chemicals.—Except as provided in subdivision
(B), if the offense involves two or more chemicals, use the quantity of the
single chemical that results in the greatest offense level, regardless of
whether the chemicals are set forth in different tables or in different categories
(i.e., list I or list II)
under this guideline. Example: The 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
38; 300 grams of hydriodic acid result in a base offense level of level 26.
In this case, the base offense level would be level 38.
(B) Determining the Base Offense
Level for Offenses involving Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, or Phenylpropanolamine.—If
the offense involves two or more chemicals each of which is set forth in
the Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, and Phenylpropanolamine Quantity Table, (i)
aggregate the quantities of all such chemicals, and (ii) determine the base
offense level corresponding to the aggregate quantity.
Example: The defendant was
in possession of 80 grams of ephedrine and 50 grams of phenylpropanolamine,
an aggregate quantity of 130 grams of such chemicals. The base offense level
(C) Upward Departure.—In
a case involving two or more chemicals used to manufacture different controlled
substances, or to manufacture one controlled substance by different manufacturing
processes, an upward departure may be warranted if the offense level does
not adequately address the seriousness of the offense. 5. Convictions under 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(c)(2) and (f)(1), and 960(d)(2),
(d)(3), and (d)(4) do not require that the defendant have knowledge or an actual
belief that the listed chemical was to be used to manufacture a controlled
substance unlawfully. In a case in which the defendant possessed or distributed
the listed chemical without such knowledge or belief, a 3-level reduction is
provided to reflect that the defendant is less culpable than one who possessed
or distributed listed chemicals knowing or believing that they would be used
to manufacture a controlled substance unlawfully.6. 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), or the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5124,
9603(b). 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
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. Application of Subsection (b)(4).—For purposes of subsection (b)(4), "mass-marketing
those persons to purchase a controlled substance. For example, subsection (b)(4)
would apply to a defendant who operated a web site to promote the sale of Gamma-butyrolactone
(GBL) but would not apply to coconspirators who use an interactive computer
computer service", for purposes of subsection (b)(4) and this note, has
§ 230(f)(2)).Background: Offenses covered
by this guideline involve list I chemicals (including ephedrine, pseudoephedrine,
and pheylpropanolamine) and list II chemicals. List I chemicals are important
to the manufacture of a controlled substance and usually become part of the
final product. For example, ephedrine reacts with other chemicals to form methamphetamine.
The amount of ephedrine directly affects the amount of methamphetamine produced.
List II chemicals are generally used as solvents, catalysts, and reagents. Historical Note: Effective
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).§2D1.12. Unlawful Possession, Manufacture, Distribution, Transportation,
Exportation, or Importation of Prohibited Flask, Equipment, Chemical, Product,
or Material; Attempt or Conspiracy(a) Base Offense Level (Apply the greater):
(1) 12, if the defendant intended to
manufacture a controlled substance or knew or believed the prohibited flask,
equipment, chemical, product, or material was to be used to manufacture a controlled
(2) 9, if the defendant had reasonable
cause to believe the prohibited flask, equipment, chemical, product, or material
was to be used to manufacture a controlled substance.
(1) If the defendant (A) intended to manufacture methamphetamine, or (B) knew,
believed, or had reasonable cause to believe that prohibited flask, equipment,
chemical, product, or material was to be used to manufacture methamphetamine,
(2) If the offense involved (A) an unlawful discharge, emission, or release
(3) If the defendant, or a person for whose conduct the defendant is accountable
under §1B1.3 (Relevant Conduct), distributed any prohibited flask, equipment,
chemical, product, or material through mass-marketing by means of an interactive
(4) If the offense involved stealing anhydrous ammonia or transporting stolen
anhydrous ammonia, increase by 6 levels.
(Unlawful Manufacturing, Importing, Exporting, or Trafficking) if the resulting
CommentaryStatutory Provisions: 21 U.S.C. §§ 843(a)(6),
(7), 864.Application Notes:1. If the offense involved the large-scale manufacture, distribution, transportation,
exportation, or importation of prohibited flasks, equipment, chemicals, products,
or material, an upward departure may be warranted.2. "Offense involved unlawfully manufacturing a controlled substance
unlawfully.3. Subsection (b)(2) applies if the conduct for which the defendant is accountable
9603(b). In some cases, the enhancement under subsection (b)(2) may not adequately
(Conditions of Probation) and 5D1.3 (Conditions of Supervised Release).4. Application of Subsection (b)(3).—For purposes of subsection (b)(3), "mass-marketing
those persons to purchase a controlled substance. For example, subsection (b)(3)
would apply to a defendant who operated a web site to promote the sale of prohibited
flasks but would not apply to coconspirators who use an interactive computer
service only to communicate with one another in furtherance of the offense. "Interactive computer service", for purposes of subsection (b)(3)
and this note, has the meaning given that term in section 230(e)(2) of the
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. §
230(f)(2)).Historical Note: Effective
C, amendment 520); November 1, 1997 (see Appendix
C, amendment 558); November 1, 2000 (see Appendix
C, amendment 626); November 1, 2004 (see Appendix
C, amendment 667).§2D1.13. Structuring Chemical Transactions or Creating a Chemical Mixture
to Evade Reporting or Recordkeeping Requirements; Presenting False or Fraudulent
Identification to Obtain a Listed Chemical; Attempt or Conspiracy(a) Base Offense Level (Apply the greatest): (1)The offense level from §2D1.11 (Unlawfully Distributing, Importing,
Exporting, or Possessing a Listed Chemical) if the defendant knew or believed
that the chemical was to be used to manufacture a controlled substance unlawfully;
or (2) The offense level from §2D1.11 (Unlawfully Distributing, Importing,
Exporting or Possessing a Listed Chemical) reduced by 3 levels
if the defendant had reason to believe that the chemical was to be used to
manufacture a controlled substance unlawfully; or
CommentaryStatutory Provisions: 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(c)(3),
(f)(1), 843(a)(4)(B), (a)(8).Application Note:1. "The offense level from §2D1.11" includes the base offense
(Interpretation of References to Other Offense Guidelines).Historical Note: Effective
C, amendment 646).* * * * *2. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION§2D2.1. Unlawful Possession; Attempt or Conspiracy (a) Base Offense Level:
(1) 8, if the substance is heroin or
any Schedule I or II opiate, an analogue of these, or cocaine base; or (2) 6, if the substance is cocaine,
A (Statutory Index).Application Note:1. The typical case addressed by this guideline involves possession of a controlled
substance by the defendant for the defendant’s own consumption. Where
the circumstances establish intended consumption by a person other than the
defendant, an upward departure may be warranted.Background: Mandatory (statutory)
C, amendments 556 and 558).§2D2.2. Acquiring a Controlled Substance by Forgery, Fraud, Deception,
or Subterfuge; Attempt or Conspiracy (a) Base Offense Level: 8CommentaryStatutory Provision: 21 U.S.C. § 843(a)(3). Historical Note: Effective
C, amendment 447).§2D2.3. Operating or Directing the Operation of a Common Carrier Under
the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs(a) Base Offense Level (Apply the greatest):
(2) 21, if serious bodily injury resulted;
(1) If the defendant is convicted of a single count involving the death or
serious bodily injury of more than one person, apply Chapter Three, Part D
(Multiple Counts) as if the defendant had been convicted of a separate count
for each such victim.
CommentaryStatutory Provision: 18 U.S.C. § 342.Background: This section implements
the direction to the Commission in Section 6482 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act
of 1988. Offenses covered by this guideline may vary widely with regard to
harm and risk of harm. The offense levels assume that the offense involved
the operation of a common carrier carrying a number of passengers, e.g.,
a bus. If no or only a few passengers were placed at risk, a downward departure
may be warranted. If the offense resulted in the death or serious bodily injury
of a large number of persons, such that the resulting offense level under subsection
(b) would not adequately reflect the seriousness of the offense, an upward
departure may be warranted.Historical Note: Effective
C, amendment 25); November 1, 1989 (see Appendix
C, amendment 141).* * * * *3. REGULATORY VIOLATIONS§2D3.1. Regulatory Offenses Involving Registration Numbers; Unlawful
Advertising Relating to Schedule I Substances; Attempt or Conspiracy (a) Base Offense Level: 6CommentaryStatutory Provisions: 21 U.S.C. §§ 842(a)(1),
843(a)(1), (2). For additional statutory provision(s), see Appendix
A (Statutory Index).Historical Note: Effective
C, amendment 534).§2D3.2. Regulatory Offenses Involving Controlled Substances or Listed
Chemicals; Attempt or Conspiracy(a) Base Offense Level: 4CommentaryStatutory Provisions: 21 U.S.C. §§ 842(a)(2),
(9), (10), (b), 954, 961. For additional statutory provision(s), see Appendix
C, amendment 447); November 1, 1993 (see Appendix
C, amendment 481); November 1, 1995 (see Appendix
C, amendment 534).§2D3.3. [Deleted]Historical Note: Section 2D3.3
(Illegal Use of Registration Number to Distribute or Dispense a Controlled
Substance to Another Registrant or Authorized Person; Attempt or Conspiracy),
effective November 1, 1987, amended effective November 1, 1991 (see Appendix
C, amendment 421) and November 1, 1992 (see Appendix
C, amendment 447), was deleted by consolidation with
§2D3.2 effective November 1, 1993 (see Appendix
C, amendment 481).§2D3.4. [Deleted]Historical Note: Section 2D3.4
(Illegal Transfer or Transshipment of a Controlled Substance; Attempt or Conspiracy),
effective November 1, 1987, amended effective November 1, 1990 (see Appendix
C, amendment 359) and November 1, 1992 (see Appendix
C, amendment 481).§2D3.5. [Deleted]Historical Note: Section 2D3.5
(Violation of Recordkeeping or Reporting Requirements for Listed Chemicals
and Certain Machines; Attempt or Conspiracy), effective November 1, 1991 (see Appendix
C, amendment 371), amended effective November 1, 1992 (see Appendix