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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antitrust agreement among competitors, the starting point | 12 | 10–16 months | 6–12 months | 0–6 months | 15–21 months |
What changes the sentence
Each of these facts moves the offense level under §2R1.1. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Did it involve an agreement to submit non-competitive bids: Yes | +1 | §2R1.1(b)(1) |
| Volume of commerce: more than $1,000,000, rising in steps | +2 to +16 | §2R1.1(b)(2) |
Important details
- For an individual, the guideline fine range is 1 to 5 percent of the volume of commerce, and not less than $20,000 (§2R1.1(c)(1)).
- The Sentencing Commission intends that alternatives such as community confinement not be used to avoid prison for antitrust offenders (§2R1.1, note 5).
- Where the person only submitted cover bids and so had little or no volume of commerce, the court should consider a sentence near the top of the range (§2R1.1, note 6).
- If the person has prior antitrust convictions, a sentence at the top of the range may be warranted (§2R1.1, note 7).
- 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.
- Calculator limits: Fines for organizations (§2R1.1(d) and Chapter Eight). Individual fine range of 1 to 5 percent of the volume of commerce (§2R1.1(c)(1)) is described in a note but not calculated.
Frequently asked questions
What is the base offense level for price fixing and bid rigging?
The guideline for price fixing and bid rigging is §2R1.1 of the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Its starting level is 12, before any adjustments.
What is the guideline range for price fixing and bid rigging 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 price fixing and bid rigging?
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 price fixing and bid rigging?
It follows §2R1.1 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.