Forced Labor and Involuntary Servitude Sentence Calculator

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
Peonage, involuntary servitude, forced labor, slave trade or child soldier offense	22	41–51 months	30–37 months	24–30 months	46–57 months
Convicted under 18 U.S.C. §1592, or under §1593A based on a violation of §1592	18	27–33 months	18–24 months	12–18 months	30–37 months

What changes the sentence

Each of these facts moves the offense level under §2H4.1. 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
Was any victim seriously hurt: Serious bodily injury	+2	§2H4.1(b)(1)
Was any victim seriously hurt: Permanent or life-threatening bodily injury	+4	§2H4.1(b)(1)
Was a dangerous weapon involved: A dangerous weapon was brandished, or its use was threatened	+2	§2H4.1(b)(2)
Was a dangerous weapon involved: A dangerous weapon was used	+4	§2H4.1(b)(2)
How long was any victim held in forced labor or servitude: More than 30 days but less than 180 days	+1	§2H4.1(b)(3)
How long was any victim held in forced labor or servitude: Between 180 days and one year	+2	§2H4.1(b)(3)
How long was any victim held in forced labor or servitude: More than one year	+3	§2H4.1(b)(3)
Was any other felony committed during or in connection with the offense: Yes	+2	§2H4.1(b)(4)

Important details

“Peonage or involuntary servitude” includes forced labor, slavery, and recruitment or use of a child soldier.
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.
Calculator limits: §2H4.1(b)(4)(B): when another felony was committed, the level can instead be 2 plus the offense level of that other felony (maximum 43), if greater. Only the 2-level increase is computed.

Frequently asked questions

What is the base offense level for forced labor and involuntary servitude?

The guideline for forced labor and involuntary servitude is §2H4.1 of the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Before any adjustments, its starting level depends on the facts: from level 18 to level 22. The table on this page lists each starting point.

What is the guideline range for forced labor and involuntary servitude with no criminal history points and a guilty plea?

Using the first starting point in the table on this page (level 22) alone, a person with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 24–30 months (2 years to 2 years, 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 forced labor and involuntary servitude?

Not under the guidelines. Even at the first starting point in the table with a guilty plea and the zero-point reduction 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 forced labor and involuntary servitude?

It follows §2H4.1 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.