SentenceCalc

Attempted Murder Sentence Calculator

This page covers cases where a person tried to kill someone. Federal sentences for attempted murder are calculated under §2A2.1 of the Sentencing Guidelines, which sets a starting offense level from 27 to 33 depending on the kind of offense, then adds levels for the facts of the case. At the first starting point in the table below (level 33) alone, someone with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 97–121 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
What kind of murder would it have been: First-degree murder33135–168 months97–121 monthsn/a135–168 months
What kind of murder would it have been: Any other case2770–87 months51–63 monthsn/a77–96 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 §2A2.1. Adjustments that apply to every offense, such as role in the offense, obstruction, a guilty plea and criminal history, come after these.

FactEffectRule
How badly was the victim hurt: Serious bodily injury+2§2A2.1(b)(1)
How badly was the victim hurt: Between serious and permanent or life-threatening injury+3§2A2.1(b)(1)
How badly was the victim hurt: Permanent or life-threatening bodily injury+4§2A2.1(b)(1)
Was money, or anything else with monetary value, offered or received for carrying out the murder: Yes+4§2A2.1(b)(2)

Important details

  • Attempted manslaughter, or assault with intent to commit manslaughter, falls under the aggravated assault guideline instead (§2A2.1, background).
  • This guideline already covers attempts, so the usual 3-level attempt reduction does not apply.
  • 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 attempted murder?

The guideline for attempted murder is §2A2.1 of the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Before any adjustments, its starting level depends on the facts: from level 27 to level 33. The table on this page lists each starting point.

What is the guideline range for attempted murder with no criminal history points and a guilty plea?

Using the first starting point in the table on this page (level 33) alone, a person with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 97–121 months (8 years, 1 month to 10 years, 1 month). The facts listed under “What changes the sentence” can add levels, and the judge can sentence outside the range.

Is probation possible for attempted murder?

Not under the guidelines. Even at the first starting point in the table with a guilty plea 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 attempted murder?

It follows §2A2.1 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.