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Federal sentencing · Guideline estimate

Federal Target Letter Exposure Calculator.

Sentencing exposure after a federal target letter

18 U.S.C. § 371 / underlying offense USSG §2X1.1 Stat max: Varies by charge
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The briefing · FEDERAL TARGET LETTER EXPOSURE

Guideline calculator · 18 U.S.C. § 371 / underlying offense USSG §2X1.1
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Collateral consequence factors
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Estimate only. Not legal advice. Actual sentencing depends on departures, variances, and case-specific facts.

How this charge is sentenced.

A target letter means you are likely facing indictment. Conspiracy and substantive charges determine the guideline range.

What moves the number.

Early counsel can affect whether you are charged at all and what loss amounts are attributed.

Federal judges sentence under the advisory guidelines, but the guideline range is where every case starts. Loss amounts get contested, roles get litigated, and cooperation agreements move the final number. If you are facing federal target letter exposure, the consultation is free - and the earlier counsel starts, the more levers exist.

Facing federal target letter exposure?

The number is not final until sentencing.

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Understanding the loss table.

Federal fraud sentencing under USSG §2B1.1 starts at base offense level 7 (or 6 for some embezzlement counts). The loss table adds up to 30 levels depending on the amount prosecutors prove by a preponderance at sentencing - often higher than what was charged in the indictment.

Loss amount Offense level increase (§2B1.1)
$6,500 or less+0
$6,500 - $15,000+2
$15,000 - $40,000+4
$40,000 - $95,000+6
$95,000 - $150,000+8
$150,000 - $250,000+10
$250,000 - $550,000+12
$550,000 - $1.5M+14
$1.5M - $3.5M+16
$3.5M - $9.5M+18
$9.5M - $25M+20
$25M - $65M+22
$65M - $150M+24
$150M - $250M+26
$250M - $550M+28
Over $550M+30

Why the guideline range is only a starting point.

After United States v. Booker, federal judges must consider the guideline range but may impose a sentence above or below it based on 18 U.S.C. §3553(a). Downward departures, substantial assistance motions under §5K1.1, and compassionate release petitions can all move the final number - but only if counsel builds the record early.

General information, not legal advice. Your facts decide everything. Skip reading - just call →

FROM THE RECORD · S.D.N.Y. & BEYOND

Acquitted.

$26M money laundering

Dismissed.

RICO · 10-year minimum faced

Six months.

$12M Ponzi · years asked

All results →

How federal sentencing unfolds.

The full process →
01 · Charge Indictment or plea Prosecutors publish a loss figure or drug quantity. That number is the opening bid - not the final word.
02 · PSR Presentence report Probation calculates offense level and criminal history. Defense counsel objects to every disputed enhancement.
03 · Sentencing Guideline range + variance The judge starts with the guideline range, then considers §3553(a) factors. Mitigation built early moves the final number.

FAQ · FEDERAL TARGET LETTER EXPOSURE

01 How does the Federal Target Letter Exposure sentencing calculator work?
Enter your criminal history category, the loss amount or drug quantity prosecutors attribute to you, and any role or acceptance adjustments. The tool applies the USSG sentencing table and offense-specific guidelines to estimate your advisory range in months.
02 Is the statutory maximum the sentence I will receive for Federal Target Letter Exposure?
Almost never. The statutory maximum is a ceiling. Most federal sentences are driven by the guideline range, which is calculated from offense level and criminal history - not the maximum printed in the statute.
03 What loss amount does the government use at sentencing?
Prosecutors typically argue for intended loss, not just actual loss - meaning you can be sentenced based on money that was never successfully taken. Every dollar in the loss calculation can push you across a guideline cliff.
04 Can my guideline range go below a mandatory minimum?
Only in limited circumstances such as substantial assistance under §5K1.1 or, in some drug cases, safety valve under 18 U.S.C. §3553(f). Your attorney must qualify you for those provisions.
05 What collateral consequences follow a Federal Target Letter Exposure conviction?
A federal fraud sentence rarely ends at release. Restitution orders, forfeiture, and a permanent felony record follow most federal target letter exposure convictions. Common examples include: Restitution and forfeiture - courts order repayment to victims and may seize accounts, real estate, and business interests tied to the scheme. Professional licenses - attorneys, CPAs, brokers, healthcare providers, and contractors often face bar, FINRA, or state board discipline after a felony conviction. Employment and security clearances - federal fraud convictions trigger automatic disqualification from many financial, government, and defense-sector roles. Collateral consequences often outlast the guideline range. Negotiating charge selection, loss amounts, and restitution structure early can limit what follows a conviction.
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FROM THE RECORD

Acquittal

$26M money laundering

Dismissed

RICO · 10-year mandatory minimum

6 months

$12M Ponzi · prosecutors asked for years

Related calculators · General Federal Offenses

Federal Conspiracy Sentencing Calculator
18 U.S.C. § 371
False Statements Sentencing Calculator
18 U.S.C. § 1001
Obstruction of Justice Sentencing Calculator
18 U.S.C. § 1503 / § 1512
Bribery Sentencing Calculator
18 U.S.C. § 201
Safety Valve Eligibility Calculator
18 U.S.C. § 3553(f)
Federal Cooperation (5K1.1) Sentencing Calculator
18 U.S.C. § 3553(e) / USSG §5K1.1
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