On October 30, 2018, the Sentencing Commission published its United States Sentencing Commission Quarterly Data Report. The report contains preliminary sentencing data on cases in which the defendant was sentenced during the first three quarters of FY2018. Through figures and tables, the report provides information on sentences relative to the guideline range for offenders in primary offense categories, along with a national comparison of sentence imposed relative to the guideline range by circuit and district.
Almost 14 years after United States v. Booker was decided on January 12, 2005, the Quarterly Data Report confirms the the advisory guidelines remain a heavy anchor in federal sentencing--just over half of all federal defendants are sentenced to within guideline sentences. The report also demonstrates wide geographical sentencing disparities between districts relative to within guideline sentences. For example, one district had 19.6 within guideline sentences while another had 81.7 percent within guideline sentences.
The Training Division provides sentencing resources, training events, and searchable program materials/videos and criminal defense topics to help you argue for the best possible sentence for your client.