Starting level and typical ranges
The starting level for this offense depends on another offense: level from the drug quantity table in §2D1.1 for the drugs involved. Use the “Sold, moved or made drugs” calculator (§2D1.1) to find the level for the type and amount of drugs. Enter only the level from the quantity table, without other increases. This guideline adds 3 levels, and the result is never lower than 20. Use the calculator above and enter that level when asked.
What changes the sentence
Each of these facts moves the offense level under §2D1.10. Adjustments that apply to every offense, such as role in the offense, obstruction, a guilty plea and criminal history, come after these.
| Fact | Effect | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Did the offense involve making amphetamine or methamphetamine: Yes | +3, at least level 27 | §2D1.10(b)(1) |
| Did the offense involve making amphetamine or methamphetamine: Yes, and it created a substantial risk of harm to the life of a minor (under 18) or an incompetent person | +6, at least level 30 | §2D1.10(b)(1) |
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
Is the calculator accurate for endangering life while making drugs?
It follows §2D1.10 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
- Listed Chemical OffensesHad, sold, imported or exported chemicals used to make drugsVerified
- Drug Manufacturing EquipmentHad, made, sold or shipped equipment or supplies for making drugsVerified
- Structuring Chemical TransactionsEvaded chemical reporting rules or used fake ID to buy chemicalsVerified
- Narco-TerrorismTrafficked drugs to fund or support terrorismVerified
- Simple Drug PossessionHad illegal drugs for personal useVerified
- Obtaining Drugs by FraudGot drugs by fraud, forgery or lyingVerified
- Operating a Common Carrier Under the InfluenceRan a bus, train, plane or ship while drunk or on drugsVerified
- Drug Registration Number OffensesMisused a drug registration number, or illegally advertised drugsVerified