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 point | Level | Trial | Guilty plea | Plea + zero-point | Category IV, plea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odometer tampering with one vehicle, the starting point | 6 | 0–6 months | 0–6 months | 0–6 months | 2–8 months |
Important details
- If more than one vehicle was involved, the fraud guideline (§2B1.1) applies instead (§2N3.1(b)(1)).
- 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 odometer fraud?
The guideline for odometer fraud is §2N3.1 of the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Its starting level is 6, before any adjustments.
What is the guideline range for odometer fraud 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 0–6 months, including the 2-level zero-point reduction. Adjustments such as role in the offense or obstruction can change the level, and the judge can sentence outside the range.
Is probation possible for odometer fraud?
The guidelines allow it at the starting level: with a guilty plea and the zero-point reduction the range begins at 0 months (Zone A), so prison is not required, unless the offense is a Class A or B felony or the statute rules probation out (§5B1.1(b)). Added facts can raise the range out of Zone A.
Is the calculator accurate for odometer fraud?
It follows §2N3.1 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.
Related offenses
- Product Tampering Risking InjuryTampered with a product in a way that put people at riskVerified
- Threatened or Falsely Claimed TamperingThreatened product tampering or falsely claimed it happenedVerified
- Tampering to Injure a BusinessTampered with a product to hurt a businessVerified
- Food, Drug and Device Safety ViolationsBroke food, drug, medical device, cosmetic or farm product safety lawsVerified