Starting level and typical ranges
The starting level for this offense depends on another offense: offense level of the underlying crime. Work out the level for the violent crime or illegal activity the travel was meant to help. The level here is never lower than 6. Use the calculator above and enter that level when asked.
Important details
- The level is the greater of 6 or the level for the underlying crime or illegal activity (§2E1.2(a)).
- If there was more than one underlying crime, each one is treated as a separate count and the results are combined under the multiple-count rules (§2E1.2, note 1). This calculator takes a single number.
- If the underlying crime was a state crime, the level for the most similar federal crime is used (§2E1.2, note 2).
- 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: Combining several underlying crimes under the multiple-count rules. Comparing Chapter Three adjustments separately for the level-6 path and the underlying-crime path (note 1).
Frequently asked questions
Is the calculator accurate for Travel Act violations?
It follows §2E1.2 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
- Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (VICAR)Committed or threatened violence for a gang or criminal organizationVerified
- Murder for HireHired someone, or agreed to be hired, to kill a personVerified
- LoansharkingMade or collected loans using threats or violenceVerified
- Illegal Gambling and Animal FightingRan illegal gambling, or was involved in dog fighting or cockfightingVerified
- Contraband CigarettesTrafficked untaxed cigarettes or smokeless tobaccoVerified
- Bribery Involving Benefit Plans or UnionsPaid or took a bribe involving a union or employee benefit planVerified
- False Benefit Plan and Union RecordsFalsified or failed to keep benefit plan, union or audit recordsVerified
- RICOTook part in an ongoing criminal organizationVerified