Changes to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines Effective November 1, 2023

On November 1, 2023, (absent Congressional intervention) a set of new Federal Sentencing Guidelines will take effect. Many of these amendments are nuanced and complex. Two of the most discussed changes are in Amendment 821 which eliminates "status points" under §4A1.1, and decreases by two offense levels certain individuals who have zero criminal history score points under §4C1.1. The elimination of "status points" gets rid of the additional two offense-level points an individual may have received for committing the instant offense while while under any criminal justice sentence (such as probation or supervised release). The zero-point offender provision offers a decrease of two offense levels to certain individuals who have no criminal history points. Both of these changes were made retroactive by the Sentencing Commission which means that a large number of individuals may be eligible to ask the courts for relief in reducing their sentences under 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(2). Carmichael Ellis & Brock may be able to assist you or your loved one in advocating for relief pursuant these new changes. We can review your case documents for a small fee, call for a consultation to inquire further.