SentenceCalc

Conspiracy or Solicitation to Commit Murder Sentence Calculator

This page covers cases where a person plotted with others to kill someone, or asked someone to do it. Federal sentences for conspiracy or solicitation to commit murder are calculated under §2A1.5 of the Sentencing Guidelines, which starts at offense level 33 and adds levels for the facts of the case. At the starting level alone, someone with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 97–121 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 of the facts listed below, for someone with no criminal record unless the column says otherwise. Most real cases add levels.

Starting pointLevelTrialGuilty pleaPlea + zero-pointCategory IV, plea
Conspiracy or solicitation to commit murder, the starting point33135–168 months97–121 monthsn/a135–168 months

The 2-level zero-point reduction is generally not available for this kind of offense, because it usually involves violence, a credible threat or a weapon (§4C1.1(a)(3), (a)(7)).

What changes the sentence

Each of these facts moves the offense level under §2A1.5. Adjustments that apply to every offense, such as role in the offense, obstruction, a guilty plea and criminal history, come after these.

FactEffectRule
Was money, or anything else with monetary value, offered or received for carrying out the murder: Yes+4§2A1.5(b)(1)

Important details

  • If a victim died, the first-degree murder guideline applies instead (§2A1.5(c)(1)).
  • If the offense led to an attempted murder or an assault with intent to commit murder, the attempted murder guideline applies instead (§2A1.5(c)(2)).
  • This guideline already covers conspiracy and solicitation, so the usual 3-level reduction for those does not apply.
  • 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 conspiracy or solicitation to commit murder?

The guideline for conspiracy or solicitation to commit murder is §2A1.5 of the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Its starting level is 33, before any adjustments.

What is the guideline range for conspiracy or solicitation to commit murder 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 97–121 months (8 years, 1 month to 10 years, 1 month). The facts listed under “What changes the sentence” can add levels, and the judge can sentence outside the range.

Is probation possible for conspiracy or solicitation to commit murder?

Not under the guidelines. Even at the starting level with a guilty plea 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 conspiracy or solicitation to commit murder?

It follows §2A1.5 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.