SentenceCalc

Failure to Register as a Sex Offender (SORNA) Sentence Calculator

This page covers cases where a person did not register or update a sex offender registration. Federal sentences for failure to register as a sex offender (SORNA) are calculated under §2A3.5 of the Sentencing Guidelines, which sets a starting offense level from 12 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 12) alone, someone with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 0–6 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
Which registration tier was the person in: Tier I1210–16 months6–12 months0–6 months15–21 months
Which registration tier was the person in: Tier II1415–21 months10–16 months6–12 months21–27 months
Which registration tier was the person in: Tier III1621–27 months12–18 months8–14 months24–30 months

What changes the sentence

Each of these facts moves the offense level under §2A3.5. Adjustments that apply to every offense, such as role in the offense, obstruction, a guilty plea and criminal history, come after these.

FactEffectRule
What happened while the person was unregistered: Committed a sex offense against an adult+6§2A3.5(b)(1)–(2)
What happened while the person was unregistered: Committed a felony, other than a sex offense, against a minor+6§2A3.5(b)(1)–(2)
What happened while the person was unregistered: Committed a sex offense against a minor+8§2A3.5(b)(1)–(2)
What happened while the person was unregistered: Voluntarily fixed the failure, or tried to register but was blocked by circumstances outside the person's control−3§2A3.5(b)(1)–(2)

Important details

  • A minor here is anyone under 18, including an undercover officer posing as one (§2A3.5, 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 failure to register as a sex offender (SORNA)?

The guideline for failure to register as a sex offender (SORNA) is §2A3.5 of the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Before any adjustments, its starting level depends on the facts: from level 12 to level 16. The table on this page lists each starting point.

What is the guideline range for failure to register as a sex offender (SORNA) with no criminal history points and a guilty plea?

Using the first starting point in the table on this page (level 12) 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 failure to register as a sex offender (SORNA)?

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 failure to register as a sex offender (SORNA)?

It follows §2A3.5 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.