Other Grounds for Departure - Departures - Determining the Sentence

defendant for related conduct.

Historical Note:: Effective November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 420). Amended effective November 1, 2004 (see Appendix C, amendment 674).

§5K2.17. High-Capacity, Semiautomatic Firearms (Policy Statement)

If the defendant possessed a high-capacity, semiautomatic firearm in connection with a crime of violence or controlled substance offense, an upward departure may be warranted. A "high-capacity, semiautomatic firearm" means a semiautomatic firearm that has a magazine capacity of more than ten cartridges. The extent of any increase should depend upon the degree to which the nature of the weapon increased the likelihood of death or injury in the circumstances of the particular case.

Commentary

Application Note:

1. "Crime of violence" and "controlled substance offense" are defined in §4B1.2 (Definitions of Terms Used in Section 4B1.1).

Historical Note:: Effective November 1, 1995 (see Appendix C, amendment 531).

§5K2.18. Violent Street Gangs (Policy Statement)

If the defendant is subject to an enhanced sentence under 18 U.S.C. § 521 (pertaining to criminal street gangs), an upward departure may be warranted. The purpose of this departure provision is to enhance the sentences of defendants who participate in groups, clubs, organizations, or associations that use violence to further their ends. It is to be noted that there may be cases in which 18 U.S.C. § 521 applies, but no violence is established. In such cases, it is expected that the guidelines will account adequately for the conduct and, consequently, this departure provision would not apply.

Historical Note:: Effective November 1, 1995 (see Appendix C, amendment 532).

§5K2.19. Post-Sentencing Rehabilitative Efforts (Policy Statement)

Post-sentencing rehabilitative efforts, even if exceptional, undertaken by a defendant after imposition of a term of imprisonment for the instant offense are not an appropriate basis for a downward departure when resentencing the defendant for that offense. (Such efforts may provide a basis for early termination of supervised release under 18 U.S.C. § 3583(e)(1).)

Commentary

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Last reviewed October 2024