SentenceCalc

Loansharking Sentence Calculator

This page covers cases where a person made or collected loans using threats or violence. Federal sentences for loansharking are calculated under §2E2.1 of the Sentencing Guidelines, which starts at offense level 20 and adds levels for the facts of the case. At the starting level alone, someone with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 18–24 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
Loansharking, the starting point2033–41 months24–30 months18–24 months37–46 months

What changes the sentence

Each of these facts moves the offense level under §2E2.1. Adjustments that apply to every offense, such as role in the offense, obstruction, a guilty plea and criminal history, come after these.

FactEffectRule
Was there a weapon: A dangerous weapon was brandished or possessed+3§2E2.1(b)(1)
Was there a weapon: A dangerous weapon was used to make a specific threat or to touch a victim+4§2E2.1(b)(1)
Was there a weapon: A gun was fired+5§2E2.1(b)(1)
Was any victim hurt: Bodily injury+2§2E2.1(b)(2)
Was any victim hurt: Between bodily injury and serious bodily injury+3§2E2.1(b)(2)
Was any victim hurt: Serious bodily injury+4§2E2.1(b)(2)
Was any victim hurt: Between serious and permanent or life-threatening injury+5§2E2.1(b)(2)
Was any victim hurt: Permanent or life-threatening injury+6§2E2.1(b)(2)
Was anyone taken away or held: Someone was physically restrained+2§2E2.1(b)(3)
Was anyone taken away or held: Someone was abducted+4§2E2.1(b)(3)

Important details

  • If a victim was killed in circumstances that amount to murder, the first-degree murder guideline applies instead (§2E2.1(c)(1)).
  • The amount of money involved does not change the level (§2E2.1, background).
  • The increases are read the same way as the matching increases in the extortion guideline (§2E2.1, note 2; §2B3.2).
  • 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 loansharking?

The guideline for loansharking is §2E2.1 of the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Its starting level is 20, before any adjustments.

What is the guideline range for loansharking 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 18–24 months (1 year, 6 months to 2 years), 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 loansharking?

Not under the guidelines. Even at the starting level with a guilty plea and the zero-point reduction 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 loansharking?

It follows §2E2.1 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.