924(c) Firearms Mandatory Minimum Calculator.

How this charge is sentenced.

A §924(c) conviction carries mandatory consecutive prison time that must be served in addition to any underlying sentence.

What moves the number.

First count: 5-year minimum; second count: 25-year minimum if on or after Nov 1, 1989.

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 924(c) firearms mandatory minimum, the consultation is free - and the earlier counsel starts, the more levers exist.

Firearms enhancements.

Under USSG §2K2.1, the number of firearms, whether they were stolen, and whether serial numbers were obliterated each add offense levels. A separate §924(c) count carries mandatory consecutive time that stacks on top of any underlying sentence.

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.