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FEDERAL FINES AND SENTENCING LAWS

TITLE 18 - CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

PART II - CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

CHAPTER 227 - SENTENCES

SUBCHAPTER A - GENERAL PROVISIONS

§ 3551. Authorized sentences

Except as otherwise specifically provided, a defendant who has been found guilty of an offense described in any Federal statute, including sections 13 and 1153 of this title, other than an Act of Congress applicable exclusively in the District of Columbia or the Uniform Code of Military Justice, shall be sentenced in accordance with the provisions of this chapter so as to achieve the purposes set forth in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of section 3553(a)(2) to the extent that they are applicable in light of all the circumstances of the case.

An individual found guilty of an offense shall be sentenced, in accordance with the provisions of section 3553, to -

A sentence to pay a fine may be imposed in addition to any other sentence. A sanction authorized by section 3554, 3555, or 3556 may be imposed in addition to the sentence required by this subsection.

An organization found guilty of an offense shall be sentenced, in accordance with the provisions of section 3553, to -

(Added Pub. L. 98-473, title II, Sec. 212(a)(2), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1988; amended Pub. L. 101-647, title XVI, Sec. 1602, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4843.)

§ 3553. Imposition of a sentence

The court shall impose a sentence sufficient, but not greater than necessary, to comply with the purposes set forth in paragraph (2) of this subsection. The court, in determining the particular sentence to be imposed, shall consider -

The court shall impose a sentence of the kind, and within the range, referred to in subsection (a)(4) unless the court finds that there exists an aggravating or mitigating circumstance of a kind, or to a degree, not adequately taken into consideration by the Sentencing Commission in formulating the guidelines that should result in a sentence different from that described. In determining whether a circumstance was adequately taken into consideration, the court shall consider only the sentencing guidelines, policy statements, and official commentary of the Sentencing Commission. In the absence of an applicable sentencing guideline, the court shall impose an appropriate sentence, having due regard for the purposes set forth in subsection (a)(2). In the absence of an applicable sentencing guideline in the case of an offense other than a petty offense, the court shall also have due regard for the relationship of the sentence imposed to sentences prescribed by guidelines applicable to similar offenses and offenders, and to the applicable policy statements of the Sentencing Commission.

The court, at the time of sentencing, shall state in open court the reasons for its imposition of the particular sentence, and, if the sentence -

If the court does not order restitution, or orders only partial restitution, the court shall include in the statement the reason therefor. The court shall provide a transcription or other appropriate public record of the court's statement of reasons to the Probation System, and, if the sentence includes a term of imprisonment, to the Bureau of Prisons.

Prior to imposing an order of notice pursuant to section 3555, the court shall give notice to the defendant and the Government that it is considering imposing such an order. Upon motion of the defendant or the Government, or on its own motion, the court shall -

Upon motion of the defendant or the Government, or on its own motion, the court may in its discretion employ any additional procedures that it concludes will not unduly complicate or prolong the sentencing process.

Upon motion of the Government, the court shall have the authority to impose a sentence below a level established by statute as minimum sentence so as to reflect a defendant's substantial assistance in the investigation or prosecution of another person who has committed an offense. Such sentence shall be imposed in accordance with the guidelines and policy statements issued by the Sentencing Commission pursuant to section 994 of title 28, United States Code.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in the case of an offense under section 401, 404, or 406 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 841, 844, 846) or section 1010 or 1013 of the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (21 U.S.C. 961, (FOOTNOTE 1) 963), the court shall impose a sentence pursuant to guidelines promulgated by the United States Sentencing Commission under section 994 of title 28 without regard to any statutory minimum sentence, if the court finds at sentencing, after the Government has been afforded the opportunity to make a recommendation, that - (FOOTNOTE 1) So in original. Probably should be ''960,''.

(Added Pub. L. 98-473, title II, Sec. 212(a)(2), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1989; amended Pub. L. 99-570, title I, Sec. 1007(a), Oct. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 3207-7; Pub. L. 99-646, Sec. 8(a), 9(a), 80(a), 81(a), Nov. 10, 1986, 100 Stat. 3593, 3619; Pub. L. 100-182, Sec. 3, 16(a), 17, Dec. 7, 1987, 101 Stat. 1266, 1269, 1270; Pub. L. 100-690, title VII, Sec. 7102, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4416; Pub. L. 103-322, title VIII, Sec. 80001(a), title XXVIII, Sec. 280001, Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 1985, 2095.)

§ 3554. Order of criminal forfeiture

The court, in imposing a sentence on a defendant who has been found guilty of an offense described in section 1962 of this title or in title II or III of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 shall order, in addition to the sentence that is imposed pursuant to the provisions of section 3551, that the defendant forfeit property to the United States in accordance with the provisions of section 1963 of this title or section 413 of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse and Control Act of 1970.

(Added Pub. L. 98-473, title II, Sec. 212(a)(2), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1990.)

§ 3555. Order of notice to victims

The court, in imposing a sentence on a defendant who has been found guilty of an offense involving fraud or other intentionally deceptive practices, may order, in addition to the sentence that is imposed pursuant to the provisions of section 3551, that the defendant give reasonable notice and explanation of the conviction, in such form as the court may approve, to the victims of the offense. The notice may be ordered to be given by mail, by advertising in designated areas or through designated media, or by other appropriate means. In determining whether to require the defendant to give such notice, the court shall consider the factors set forth in section 3553(a) to the extent that they are applicable and shall consider the cost involved in giving the notice as it relates to the loss caused by the offense, and shall not require the defendant to bear the costs of notice in excess of $20,000.

(Added Pub. L. 98-473, title II, Sec. 212(a)(2), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1991.)

§ 3556. Order of restitution

The court, in imposing a sentence on a defendant who has been found guilty of an offense may order restitution in accordance with sections 3663 and 3664.

(Added Pub. L. 98-473, title II, Sec. 212(a)(2), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1991; amended Pub. L. 99-646, Sec. 20(b), Nov. 10, 1986, 100 Stat. 3596.)

§ 3559. Sentencing classification of offenses

An offense that is not specifically classified by a letter grade in the section defining it, is classified if the maximum term of imprisonment authorized is -

Except as provided in subsection (c), an offense classified under subsection (a) carries all the incidents assigned to the applicable letter designation, except that the maximum term of imprisonment is the term authorized by the law describing the offense.

(Added Pub. L. 98-473, title II, Sec. 212(a)(2), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1991; amended Pub. L. 100-185, Sec. 5, Dec. 11, 1987, 101 Stat. 1279.)


SUBCHAPTER B - PROBATION

§ 3561. Sentence of probation

A defendant who has been found guilty of an offense may be sentenced to a term of probation unless -

The authorized terms of probation are -

(Added Pub. L. 98-473, title II, Sec. 212(a)(2), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1992; amended Pub. L. 99-646, Sec. 10(a), Nov. 10, 1986, 100 Stat. 3593; Pub. L. 100-182, Sec. 7, Dec. 7, 1987, 101 Stat. 1267.)

§ 3562. Imposition of a sentence of probation

The court, in determining whether to impose a term of probation, and, if a term of probation is to be imposed, in determining the length of the term and the conditions of probation, shall consider the factors set forth in section 3553(a) to the extent that they are applicable.

Notwithstanding the fact that a sentence of probation can subsequently be -

(Added Pub. L. 98-473, title II, Sec. 212(a)(2), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1992; amended Pub. L. 101-647, title XXXV, Sec. 3583, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4930.)

§ 3563. Conditions of probation

The court shall provide, as an explicit condition of a sentence of probation -

If the court has imposed and ordered execution of a fine and placed the defendant on probation, payment of the fine or adherence to the court-established installment schedule shall be a condition of the probation.

The court may provide, as further conditions of a sentence of probation, to the extent that such conditions are reasonably related to the factors set forth in section 3553(a)(1) and (a)(2) and to the extent that such conditions involve only such deprivations of liberty or property as are reasonably necessary for the purposes indicated in section 3553(a)(2), that the defendant -

The court may modify, reduce, or enlarge the conditions of a sentence of probation at any time prior to the expiration or termination of the term of probation, pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure relating to the modification of probation and the provisions applicable to the initial setting of the conditions of probation.

The court shall direct that the probation officer provide the defendant with a written statement that sets forth all the conditions to which the sentence is subject, and that is sufficiently clear and specific to serve as a guide for the defendant's conduct and for such supervision as is required.

(Added Pub. L. 98-473, title II, Sec. 212(a)(2), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1993; amended Pub. L. 99-646, Sec. 11(a), 12(a), Nov. 10, 1986, 100 Stat. 3594; Pub. L. 100-182, Sec. 10, 18, Dec. 7, 1987, 101 Stat. 1267, 1270.)


SUBCHAPTER C - FINES

§ 3571. Sentence of fine

A defendant who has been found guilty of an offense may be sentenced to pay a fine.

Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, an individual who has been found guilty of an offense may be fined not more than the greatest of -

Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, an organization that has been found guilty of an offense may be fined not more than the greatest of -

If any person derives pecuniary gain from the offense, or if the offense results in pecuniary loss to a person other than the defendant, the defendant may be fined not more than the greater of twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss, unless imposition of a fine under this subsection would unduly complicate or prolong the sentencing process.

If a law setting forth an offense specifies no fine or a fine that is lower than the fine otherwise applicable under this section and such law, by specific reference, exempts the offense from the applicability of the fine otherwise applicable under this section, the defendant may not be fined more than the amount specified in the law setting forth the offense.

(Added Pub. L. 98-473, title II, Sec. 212(a)(2), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1995; amended Pub. L. 100-185, Sec. 6, Dec. 11, 1987, 101 Stat. 1280.)

§ 3572. Imposition of a sentence of fine and related matters

In determining whether to impose a fine, and the amount, time for payment, and method of payment of a fine, the court shall consider, in addition to the factors set forth in section 3553(a) -

If, as a result of a conviction, the defendant has the obligation to make restitution to a victim of the offense, the court shall impose a fine or other monetary penalty only to the extent that such fine or penalty will not impair the ability of the defendant to make restitution.

Notwithstanding the fact that a sentence to pay a fine can subsequently be -

a judgment that includes such a sentence is a final judgment for all other purposes.

A person sentenced to pay a fine or other monetary penalty shall make such payment immediately, unless, in the interest of justice, the court provides for payment on a date certain or in installments. If the court provides for payment in installments, the installments shall be in equal monthly payments over the period provided by the court, unless the court establishes another schedule. If the judgment permits other than immediate payment, the period provided for shall not exceed five years, excluding any period served by the defendant as imprisonment for the offense.

At the time a defendant is sentenced to pay a fine, the court may not impose an alternative sentence to be carried out if the fine is not paid.

If a sentence includes a fine, special assessment, or other monetary obligation (including interest) with respect to an organization, each individual authorized to make disbursements for the organization has a duty to pay the obligation from assets of the organization. If such an obligation is imposed on a director, officer, shareholder, employee, or agent of an organization, payments may not be made, directly or indirectly, from assets of the organization, unless the court finds that such payment is expressly permissible under applicable State law.

If a sentence imposing a fine is stayed, the court shall, absent exceptional circumstances (as determined by the court) -

A fine is delinquent if a payment is more than 30 days late.

A fine is in default if a payment is delinquent for more than 90 days. When a fine is in default, the entire amount of the fine is due within 30 days after notification of the default, notwithstanding any installment schedule.

(Added Pub. L. 98-473, title II, Sec. 212(a)(2), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1995; amended Pub. L. 100-185, Sec. 7, Dec. 11, 1987, 101 Stat. 1280.)


SUBCHAPTER D - IMPRISONMENT

§ 3581. Sentence of imprisonment

A defendant who has been found guilty of an offense may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment.

The authorized terms of imprisonment are -

(Added Pub. L. 98-473, title II, Sec. 212(a)(2), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1998.)

§ 3582. Imposition of a sentence of imprisonment

The court, in determining whether to impose a term of imprisonment, and, if a term of imprisonment is to be imposed, in determining the length of the term, shall consider the factors set forth in section 3553(a) to the extent that they are applicable, recognizing that imprisonment is not an appropriate means of promoting correction and rehabilitation. In determining whether to make a recommendation concerning the type of prison facility appropriate for the defendant, the court shall consider any pertinent policy statements issued by the Sentencing Commission pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 994(a)(2).

Notwithstanding the fact that a sentence to imprisonment can subsequently be -

a judgment of conviction that includes such a sentence constitutes a final judgment for all other purposes.

The court may not modify a term of imprisonment once it has been imposed except that -

The court, in imposing a sentence to a term of imprisonment upon a defendant convicted of a felony set forth in chapter 95 (racketeering) or 96 (racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations) of this title or in the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), or at any time thereafter upon motion by the Director of the Bureau of Prisons or a United States attorney, may include as a part of the sentence an order that requires that the defendant not associate or communicate with a specified person, other than his attorney, upon a showing of probable cause to believe that association or communication with such person is for the purpose of enabling the defendant to control, manage, direct, finance, or otherwise participate in an illegal enterprise.

(Added Pub. L. 98-473, title II, Sec. 212(a)(2), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1998.)

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