SentenceCalc

Treason Sentence Calculator

This page covers cases where a person betrayed the United States by waging war on it or helping its enemies. Federal sentences for treason are calculated under §2M1.1 of the Sentencing Guidelines, which starts at offense level 43 and adds levels for the facts of the case. At the starting level alone, someone with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 235–293 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 adjustments, for someone with no criminal record unless the column says otherwise. Most real cases add levels.

Starting pointLevelTrialGuilty pleaPlea + zero-pointCategory IV, plea
Did the conduct amount to waging war against the United States: Yes, it was the equivalent of waging war against the United States43life292–365 months235–293 months360 months to life

Important details

  • When the conduct was less than waging war, the court uses the offense level of the most similar offense (§2M1.1(a)(2)). Enter that level above.
  • 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 treason?

The guideline for treason is §2M1.1 of the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Its starting level is 43, before any adjustments. In some cases the starting level is taken from another offense instead; the calculator asks when that applies.

What is the guideline range for treason 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 235–293 months (19 years, 7 months to 24 years, 5 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 treason?

Not under the guidelines. Even at the starting level 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 treason?

It follows §2M1.1 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.