SentenceCalc

First-Degree Murder Sentence Calculator

This page covers cases where a person killed someone in a planned killing, or during a serious felony. Federal sentences for first-degree murder are calculated under §2A1.1 of the Sentencing Guidelines, which starts at offense level 43 and adds levels for the facts of the case. At the starting level alone, someone with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 292–365 months under the guidelines. But a conviction for first-degree murder under 18 U.S.C. §1111 carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison, and a plea reduction does not change that.

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 adjustments, for someone with no criminal record unless the column says otherwise. Most real cases add levels.

Starting pointLevelTrialGuilty pleaPlea + zero-pointCategory IV, plea
First-degree murder, the starting point43life292–365 monthsn/a360 months to life

The 2-level zero-point reduction is not available for this kind of offense (§4C1.1).

Important details

  • First-degree murder under 18 U.S.C. §1111 requires life in prison (or a death sentence). The calculator does not apply this mandatory sentence, so a range shown below life, for example after a guilty plea reduction, does not change what the statute requires.
  • Level 43 is the top of the sentencing table. It means life in prison in every criminal history category.
  • For a planned killing, the manual says life in prison is the appropriate sentence when a death sentence is not imposed (§2A1.1, note 2).
  • If the law requires a life sentence, a shorter term is possible only if the government files a motion based on the person's substantial help (18 U.S.C. §3553(e)).
  • Some murder statutes allow a death sentence. This guideline applies when a death sentence is not imposed (§2A1.1, note 3).
  • This guideline also applies when another guideline points to it because someone died, such as a kidnapping in which death occurs (§2A4.1(c)(1)).
  • Attempted murder is covered by §2A2.1, and conspiracy or solicitation to commit murder by §2A1.5, so the usual 3-level attempt reduction is not used here.

Frequently asked questions

What is the base offense level for first-degree murder?

The guideline for first-degree murder is §2A1.1 of the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Its starting level is 43, before any adjustments.

What is the guideline range for first-degree 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 292–365 months (24 years, 4 months to 30 years, 5 months). But a conviction for first-degree murder under 18 U.S.C. §1111 carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison, and a plea reduction does not change that. Adjustments such as role in the offense or obstruction can change the level, and the judge can sentence outside the range, but not below a mandatory minimum that applies.

Is probation possible for first-degree 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. A judge may vary below the range, but not below a mandatory minimum that applies.

Is the calculator accurate for first-degree murder?

It follows §2A1.1 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.