The function assists in estimating a potential sentence range for federal crimes within the United States legal system. It uses offense characteristics, criminal history, and other relevant factors as defined by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines to produce a preliminary assessment. An example would be entering information regarding a drug trafficking offense and a defendant’s prior convictions to arrive at a guideline range measured in months of imprisonment.
Such calculations contribute to transparency and consistency in sentencing. Developed in response to concerns about sentencing disparity, the guidelines aim to reduce unwarranted variations in punishment for similar crimes. The use of these tools, while not determinative, offers insight into the likely range of sentences a court might impose, thus aiding both defense and prosecution in case preparation and negotiation. These resources can also inform policy discussions regarding criminal justice reform.
