SentenceCalc

Illegal Arms Exports Sentence Calculator

This page covers cases where a person exported weapons or military gear without the required license. Federal sentences for illegal arms exports are calculated under §2M5.2 of the Sentencing Guidelines, which sets a starting offense level from 14 to 26 depending on the kind of offense, then adds levels for the facts of the case. At the first starting point in the table below (level 26) alone, someone with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 37–46 months under the guidelines.

Verified Checked against the manual text in at least five AI-assisted review rounds. Not yet reviewed by an attorney. Guidelines Manual effective November 1, 2025Updated October 4, 2026

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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 pointLevelTrialGuilty pleaPlea + zero-pointCategory IV, plea
What was exported: Anything beyond the small-arms case below, such as military equipment or services, fully automatic weapons, more than 2 guns, or more than 500 rounds2663–78 months46–57 months37–46 months70–87 months
What was exported: Only a small amount of ordinary small arms or ammunition1415–21 months10–16 months6–12 months21–27 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 illegal arms exports?

The guideline for illegal arms exports is §2M5.2 of the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Before any adjustments, its starting level depends on the facts: from level 14 to level 26. The table on this page lists each starting point.

What is the guideline range for illegal arms exports with no criminal history points and a guilty plea?

Using the first starting point in the table on this page (level 26) alone, a person with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 37–46 months (3 years, 1 month to 3 years, 10 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 illegal arms exports?

Not under the guidelines. Even at the first starting point in the table with a guilty plea and the zero-point reduction the range is in Zone D, where the minimum must be served in prison, though a judge may vary below it.

Is the calculator accurate for illegal arms exports?

It follows §2M5.2 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.