SentenceCalc

Mailing Dangerous Articles Sentence Calculator

This page covers cases where a person mailed something dangerous meaning to hurt someone or damage property. Federal sentences for mailing dangerous articles are calculated under §2K3.2 of the Sentencing Guidelines. Answer the questions below to see the range for a specific case.

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

The starting level for this offense depends on another offense: offense level for the crime the person meant to commit. This guideline has no level of its own. It uses the level for the intended crime, such as attempted murder, assault or property destruction, worked out under the attempt guideline (§2X1.1). That level already includes any 3-level attempt reduction. If someone died, use the level from the most similar homicide guideline if it is greater. Use the calculator above and enter that level when asked.

Important details

  • If someone died, the most similar homicide guideline applies when it gives the greater level (§2K3.2(a)(2)).
  • This guideline covers only the felony parts of 18 U.S.C. §1716. There is no guideline for the misdemeanor parts.
  • 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.
  • Calculator limits: The level comes entirely from another guideline through §2X1.1 or the homicide guidelines. Look up that offense and enter its level.

Frequently asked questions

Is the calculator accurate for mailing dangerous articles?

It follows §2K3.2 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.