SentenceCalc

Aggravated Assault Sentence Calculator

This page covers cases where a person seriously assaulted someone. Federal sentences for aggravated assault are calculated under §2A2.2 of the Sentencing Guidelines, which starts at offense level 14 and adds levels for the facts of the case. At the starting level alone, someone with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 10–16 months under the guidelines.

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

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 pointLevelTrialGuilty pleaPlea + zero-pointCategory IV, plea
Aggravated assault, the starting point1415–21 months10–16 monthsn/a21–27 months

The 2-level zero-point reduction is generally not available for this kind of offense, because it usually involves violence, a credible threat or a weapon (§4C1.1(a)(3), (a)(7)).

What changes the sentence

Each of these facts moves the offense level under §2A2.2. Adjustments that apply to every offense, such as role in the offense, obstruction, a guilty plea and criminal history, come after these.

FactEffectRule
Did the assault involve more than minimal planning: Yes+2§2A2.2(b)(1)
Was there a dangerous weapon: A weapon was shown, or its use was threatened+3§2A2.2(b)(2)
Was there a dangerous weapon: A weapon was used in some other way+4§2A2.2(b)(2)
Was there a dangerous weapon: A gun was fired+5§2A2.2(b)(2)
How badly was the victim hurt: Bodily injury+3§2A2.2(b)(3)
How badly was the victim hurt: Between bodily injury and serious bodily injury+4§2A2.2(b)(3)
How badly was the victim hurt: Serious bodily injury+5§2A2.2(b)(3)
How badly was the victim hurt: Between serious and permanent or life-threatening injury+6§2A2.2(b)(3)
How badly was the victim hurt: Permanent or life-threatening bodily injury+7§2A2.2(b)(3)
Did it involve strangling or suffocating, or trying to, a spouse, intimate partner or dating partner: Yes+3§2A2.2(b)(4)
The assault was motivated by a payment or offer of money or something else of value+2§2A2.2(b)(5)
The offense violated a court protection order+2§2A2.2(b)(6)
Convicted under 18 U.S.C. §111(b) or §115+2§2A2.2(b)(7)

Important details

  • Assault with intent to commit murder is covered by the attempted murder guideline instead (§2A2.1).
  • This guideline also covers attempted manslaughter and assault with intent to commit manslaughter.
  • Assault with intent to commit criminal sexual abuse is covered by §2A3.1 instead (§2A2.2, background).
  • If the assault counts as aggravated because a dangerous weapon was involved with intent to injure, the weapon increase still applies on top of the starting level, even though it is based on the same conduct (§2A2.2, note 3).
  • 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 aggravated assault?

The guideline for aggravated assault is §2A2.2 of the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Its starting level is 14, before any adjustments.

What is the guideline range for aggravated assault 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 10–16 months (10 months to 1 year, 4 months). The facts listed under “What changes the sentence” can add levels, and the judge can sentence outside the range.

Is probation possible for aggravated assault?

Only in part. At the starting level with a guilty plea the range is in Zone C: at least half of the minimum must be served in prison, and the rest can be home detention or community confinement.

Is the calculator accurate for aggravated assault?

It follows §2A2.2 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.