Starting level and typical ranges
These ranges use the starting level alone, before any of the facts listed below, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Did the person also commit the crime that produced the money: No, or the level for that crime cannot practically be worked out | 8 | 0–6 months | 0–6 months | 0–6 months | 6–12 months |
What changes the sentence
Each of these facts moves the offense level under §2S1.1. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Value of laundered funds: more than $6,500, rising in steps | +2 to +30 | §2S1.1(a)(2) |
| Did the person know or believe the money came from, or was meant to promote, certain serious crimes: Yes | +6 | §2S1.1(b)(1) |
| Which law was the conviction under: 18 U.S.C. §1957 | +1 | §2S1.1(b)(2), (b)(3) |
| Which law was the conviction under: 18 U.S.C. §1956, not sophisticated | +2 | §2S1.1(b)(2), (b)(3) |
| Which law was the conviction under: 18 U.S.C. §1956, and the laundering was sophisticated | +4 | §2S1.1(b)(2), (b)(3) |
| Which law was the conviction under, and was laundering the person's business: Convicted under 18 U.S.C. §1957 | +1 | §2S1.1(b)(2), (b)(3) |
| Which law was the conviction under, and was laundering the person's business: Convicted under 18 U.S.C. §1956, not sophisticated | +2 | §2S1.1(b)(2), (b)(3) |
| Which law was the conviction under, and was laundering the person's business: Convicted under 18 U.S.C. §1956, and the laundering was sophisticated | +4 | §2S1.1(b)(2), (b)(3) |
| Which law was the conviction under, and was laundering the person's business: Was in the business of laundering funds | +4 | §2S1.1(b)(2), (b)(3) |
Important details
- When the starting point comes from the underlying crime, role and similar adjustments are based on the laundering itself, not on the underlying crime (§2S1.1, note 2(C)).
- A laundering count and a count for the crime that produced the money are grouped together (§2S1.1, note 6).
- 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 money laundering?
The guideline for money laundering is §2S1.1 of the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Its starting level is 8, before any adjustments. In some cases the starting level is taken from another offense instead; the calculator asks when that applies.
What is the guideline range for money laundering with no criminal history points and a guilty plea?
Using the starting level alone, a person with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 0–6 months, including the 2-level zero-point reduction. The facts listed under “What changes the sentence” can add levels, and the judge can sentence outside the range.
Is probation possible for money laundering?
The guidelines allow it at the starting level: 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 money laundering?
It follows §2S1.1 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.