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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structuring, failing to file or falsifying a cash report, bulk cash smuggling, or another offense not listed below | 6 | 0–6 months | 0–6 months | 0–6 months | 2–8 months |
| Convicted under 31 U.S.C. §5318 or §5318A | 8 | 0–6 months | 0–6 months | 0–6 months | 6–12 months |
What changes the sentence
Each of these facts moves the offense level under §2S1.3. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Value of the funds: more than $6,500, rising in steps | +2 to +30 | §2S1.3(a)(2) |
| Which of these fits the case: The money was tied to crime, or it was bulk cash smuggling | +2 | §2S1.3(b)(1)–(b)(3) |
| Which of these fits the case: Convicted under the cash reporting laws, and committed while breaking another federal law or as part of a pattern of unlawful activity over $100,000 in 12 months | +2 | §2S1.3(b)(1)–(b)(3) |
| Which of these fits the case: Both of the two situations above | +4 | §2S1.3(b)(1)–(b)(3) |
| Which of these fits the case: The money was entirely lawful, and neither increase above applies | at most level 6 | §2S1.3(b)(1)–(b)(3) |
| Was the money tied to crime, or was it bulk cash smuggling: Yes | +2 | §2S1.3(b)(1) |
| Convicted under the federal cash reporting laws, with another violation or a pattern: Yes, committed while breaking another federal law, or as part of a pattern of unlawful activity over $100,000 in 12 months | +2 | §2S1.3(b)(2) |
Important details
- If the offense was committed to violate the tax laws, the most fitting tax guideline applies if it gives a higher level (§2S1.3(c)(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 structuring and bulk cash smuggling?
The guideline for structuring and bulk cash smuggling is §2S1.3 of the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Before any adjustments, its starting level depends on the facts: from level 6 to level 8. The table on this page lists each starting point.
What is the guideline range for structuring and bulk cash smuggling with no criminal history points and a guilty plea?
Using the first starting point in the table on this page (level 6) alone, a person with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 0–6 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 structuring and bulk cash smuggling?
The guidelines allow it at the first starting point in the table: 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 structuring and bulk cash smuggling?
It follows §2S1.3 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.