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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sabotage of war material, the starting point | 32 | 121–151 months | 87–108 months | 70–87 months | 121–151 months |
Important details
- Damage to a nuclear facility (42 U.S.C. §2284) falls here only if the person was convicted of acting with intent to injure the United States or aid a foreign nation. Otherwise §2M2.3 applies (§2M2.1, note 1).
- For a pipeline offense under 49 U.S.C. §60123(b) that involved, or was meant to promote, a federal crime of terrorism, the 3-level reduction for an attempt or conspiracy does not apply (§2X1.1(d)(1)(A)).
- 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 sabotage of war material?
The guideline for sabotage of war material is §2M2.1 of the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Its starting level is 32, before any adjustments.
What is the guideline range for sabotage of war material 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 70–87 months (5 years, 10 months to 7 years, 3 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 sabotage of war material?
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 sabotage of war material?
It follows §2M2.1 of the Guidelines Manual effective November 1, 2025. It passed 6 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
- Sabotage of National Defense MaterialSabotaged national defense supplies, sites or utilitiesVerified
- EspionageGathered or passed defense secrets to help a foreign governmentVerified
- Gathering National Defense InformationGathered national defense secretsVerified
- Leaking Classified InformationLeaked, passed on or wrongly received classified informationVerified
- Losing National Defense InformationLost national defense information through gross carelessnessVerified
- Tampering with Atomic Energy DataTampered with secret atomic energy dataVerified
- Revealing a Covert AgentRevealed the identity of an undercover intelligence agentVerified
- Draft EvasionDid not register for the draft or dodged military serviceVerified