SentenceCalc

Export Control and Sanctions Violations Sentence Calculator

This page covers cases where a person broke export control or sanctions rules. Federal sentences for export control and sanctions violations are calculated under §2M5.1 of the Sentencing Guidelines, which sets a starting offense level from 14 to 26 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 26) alone, someone with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 37–46 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

Calculate it

Change any answer and the sentence updates. Nothing you enter leaves this page.

 See the math

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
What kind of controls were evaded: National security controls, or controls on the spread of nuclear, biological or chemical weapons or materials2663–78 months46–57 months37–46 months70–87 months
What kind of controls were evaded: A financial transaction with a country supporting international terrorism2663–78 months46–57 months37–46 months70–87 months
What kind of controls were evaded: Any other export control1415–21 months10–16 months6–12 months21–27 months

Important details

  • If more than one description fits, the higher level applies (§2M5.1(a)).
  • 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 export control and sanctions violations?

The guideline for export control and sanctions violations is §2M5.1 of the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Before any adjustments, its starting level depends on the facts: from level 14 to level 26. The table on this page lists each starting point.

What is the guideline range for export control and sanctions violations with no criminal history points and a guilty plea?

Using the first starting point in the table on this page (level 26) alone, a person with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 37–46 months (3 years, 1 month to 3 years, 10 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 export control and sanctions violations?

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 export control and sanctions violations?

It follows §2M5.1 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.