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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking or domestic violence, the starting point | 18 | 27–33 months | 18–24 months | n/a | 30–37 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 §2A6.2. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| How many of these aggravating factors were involved: One of them | +2 | §2A6.2(b)(1) |
| How many of these aggravating factors were involved: More than one of them | +4 | §2A6.2(b)(1) |
Important details
- If the offense involved committing another crime, the guideline for that crime from the offenses against the person part applies if it gives a higher level (§2A6.2(c)(1)). For example, the aggravated assault guideline likely applies if the injury was more than bodily injury, or a weapon was used and not just possessed (§2A6.2, note 2).
- Counts of stalking, threatening or harassing the same victim are grouped together. Counts involving different victims are not (§2A6.2, note 4).
- Prior convictions that count toward the pattern factor also count in the criminal history score (§2A6.2, note 3).
- 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 stalking and interstate domestic violence?
The guideline for stalking and interstate domestic violence is §2A6.2 of the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Its starting level is 18, before any adjustments.
What is the guideline range for stalking and interstate domestic violence with no criminal history points and a guilty plea?
Using the starting level alone, a person with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 18–24 months (1 year, 6 months to 2 years). The facts listed under “What changes the sentence” can add levels, and the judge can sentence outside the range.
Is probation possible for stalking and interstate domestic violence?
Not under the guidelines. Even at the starting level 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 stalking and interstate domestic violence?
It follows §2A6.2 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.
Related offenses
- First-Degree MurderKilled someone in a planned killing, or during a serious felonyVerified
- Second-Degree MurderKilled someone on purpose or with extreme recklessness, but unplannedVerified
- Voluntary ManslaughterKilled someone in the heat of the momentVerified
- Involuntary ManslaughterCaused someone's death by reckless or grossly careless conductVerified
- Conspiracy or Solicitation to Commit MurderPlotted with others to kill someone, or asked someone to do itVerified
- Attempted MurderTried to kill someoneVerified
- Aggravated AssaultSeriously assaulted someoneVerified
- AssaultAssaulted someone in a less serious wayVerified