Starting level and typical ranges
These ranges use the starting level alone, before any adjustments, for someone with no criminal record unless the column says otherwise. Most real cases add levels.
| Starting point | Level | Trial | Guilty plea | Plea + zero-point | Category IV, plea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Was it done with intent to injure the United States or to aid a foreign nation: No | 6 | 0–6 months | 0–6 months | 0–6 months | 2–8 months |
| Was it done with intent to injure the United States or to aid a foreign nation: Yes | 30 | 97–121 months | 70–87 months | 57–71 months | 100–125 months |
Important details
- The calculator does not apply mandatory minimum sentences set by statute for this offense. If the statute of conviction requires one and it is higher than the range shown, the minimum controls; check the statute or ask a lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the base offense level for atomic energy regulatory violations?
The guideline for atomic energy regulatory violations is §2M6.2 of the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Before any adjustments, its starting level depends on the facts: from level 6 to level 30. The table on this page lists each starting point.
What is the guideline range for atomic energy regulatory violations with no criminal history points and a guilty plea?
Using the first starting point in the table on this page (level 6) alone, a person with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 0–6 months, including the 2-level zero-point reduction. Adjustments such as role in the offense or obstruction can change the level, and the judge can sentence outside the range.
Is probation possible for atomic energy regulatory violations?
The guidelines allow it at the first starting point in the table: with a guilty plea and the zero-point reduction the range begins at 0 months (Zone A), so prison is not required, unless the offense is a Class A or B felony or the statute rules probation out (§5B1.1(b)). Added facts can raise the range out of Zone A.
Is the calculator accurate for atomic energy regulatory violations?
It follows §2M6.2 of the Guidelines Manual effective November 1, 2025. It passed 5 review rounds, each comparing every number, rule and label with the manual text, and its last round found nothing to correct. Those reviews were done with AI tools, not by lawyers, and it has not yet been reviewed by an attorney, so mistakes are possible. The guidelines are advisory, and a lawyer who knows the case can tell you what actually applies.
Related offenses
- TreasonBetrayed the United States by waging war on it or helping its enemiesVerified
- Sabotage of War MaterialSabotaged war supplies, bases or utilities, or made them defectiveVerified
- Sabotage of National Defense MaterialSabotaged national defense supplies, sites or utilitiesVerified
- EspionageGathered or passed defense secrets to help a foreign governmentVerified
- Gathering National Defense InformationGathered national defense secretsVerified
- Leaking Classified InformationLeaked, passed on or wrongly received classified informationVerified
- Losing National Defense InformationLost national defense information through gross carelessnessVerified
- Tampering with Atomic Energy DataTampered with secret atomic energy dataVerified