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 point | Level | Trial | Guilty plea | Plea + zero-point | Category IV, plea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A weapon other than a firearm or destructive device, something usable as a weapon or to escape, ammunition, LSD, PCP, methamphetamine or a narcotic drug | 13 | 12–18 months | 8–14 months | 4–10 months | 18–24 months |
| A firearm or destructive device | 23 | 46–57 months | 33–41 months | 27–33 months | 51–63 months |
| Alcohol, money, a mobile phone or similar device, or another controlled substance | 6 | 0–6 months | 0–6 months | 0–6 months | 2–8 months |
| Any other object that threatened the order, discipline or security of the prison or someone's life, health or safety | 4 | 0–6 months | 0–6 months | 0–6 months | 0–6 months |
What changes the sentence
Each of these facts moves the offense level under §2P1.2. Adjustments that apply to every offense, such as role in the offense, obstruction, a guilty plea and criminal history, come after these.
| Fact | Effect | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Was the person a law enforcement or correctional officer or employee, or a Department of Justice employee, at the time: Yes | +2 | §2P1.2(b)(1) |
Important details
- If the aim was to distribute a controlled substance, the drug trafficking guideline (§2D1.1) applies instead. For a conviction under 18 U.S.C. §1791(a)(1) punishable under §1791(b)(1), the level is then at least 26 (§2P1.2(c)(1)).
- By law, a sentence for an inmate under 18 U.S.C. §1791 runs after the sentence the inmate is already serving, not at the same time.
- 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: Cross reference to the drug trafficking guideline with its floor of level 26 (§2P1.2(c)(1)).
Frequently asked questions
What is the base offense level for prison contraband?
The guideline for prison contraband is §2P1.2 of the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Before any adjustments, its starting level depends on the facts: from level 4 to level 23. The table on this page lists each starting point.
What is the guideline range for prison contraband with no criminal history points and a guilty plea?
Using the first starting point in the table on this page (level 13) alone, a person with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 4–10 months, 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 prison contraband?
Possibly, with conditions. At the first starting point in the table with a guilty plea and the zero-point reduction the range is in Zone B, which allows probation with home detention, community confinement or intermittent confinement, unless the offense is a Class A or B felony or the statute rules probation out (§5B1.1(b)).
Is the calculator accurate for prison contraband?
It follows §2P1.2 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.