SentenceCalc

Border Tunnels Sentence Calculator

This page covers cases where a person built, paid for or used a tunnel under the U.S. border. Federal sentences for border tunnel offenses are calculated under §2X7.1 of the Sentencing Guidelines, which sets a starting offense level from 8 to 16 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 16) alone, someone with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 8–14 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 adjustments, for someone with no criminal record unless the column says otherwise. Most real cases add levels.

Starting pointLevelTrialGuilty pleaPlea + zero-pointCategory IV, plea
Which part of the border tunnel law was the conviction under: 18 U.S.C. §555(a)1621–27 months12–18 months8–14 months24–30 months
Which part of the border tunnel law was the conviction under: 18 U.S.C. §555(b)80–6 months0–6 months0–6 months6–12 months

Important details

  • For a §555(c) conviction, the calculator asks for the offense level of the smuggling offense committed through the tunnel (§2X7.1, note 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 border tunnel offenses?

The guideline for border tunnel offenses is §2X7.1 of the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Before any adjustments, its starting level depends on the facts: from level 8 to level 16. The table on this page lists each starting point. In some cases the starting level is taken from another offense instead; the calculator asks when that applies.

What is the guideline range for border tunnel offenses with no criminal history points and a guilty plea?

Using the first starting point in the table on this page (level 16) alone, a person with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 8–14 months (8 months to 1 year, 2 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 border tunnel offenses?

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 border tunnel offenses?

It follows §2X7.1 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.