This book contains the official guidelines of the federal criminal sentencing polices established by the United States Sentencing Commission. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines are rules that set out a uniform sentencing policy for individuals and organizations convicted of felonies and serious (Class A) misdemeanors in the United States federal courts system. The Guidelines do not apply to less serious misdemeanors.

The Guidelines Manual is effective November 1, 2013- October 31, 2014. The 2013 amendments include some substantive, clarifying, and technical revisions to guidelines, policy statements, and commentary. As an aid to the reader in considering departures under the guidelines, the Guidelines Manual includes a list of departure provisions. The list appears at the back of the book, after the official Statutory Index (Appendix A) and the general index. For this edition, the general index has been redesigned to provide more references for more terms and generally make it easier to read, understand, and use. Appendix B (containing the principal statutory provisions governing sentencing as of May 1, 2013) is set forth in a separate volume. That volume is also enclosed. Appendix C sets forth guideline amendments and the accompanying reasons for amendment. Please take time to read the reasons for amendment when considering the amendments. A new supplement to Appendix C (containing guideline amendments effective November 1, 2012, and November 1, 2013) is included. You should already have Volumes I through III (containing guideline amendments effective November 1, 1987, through November 1, 2011, and the reasons for those amendments).

The Guidelines Manual is effective November 1, 2013- October 31, 2014. The 2013 amendments include some substantive, clarifying, and technical revisions to guidelines, policy statements, and commentary. As an aid to the reader in considering departures under the guidelines, the Guidelines Manual includes a list of departure provisions. The list appears at the back of the book, after the official Statutory Index (Appendix A) and the general index. For this edition, the general index has been redesigned to provide more references for more terms and generally make it easier to read, understand, and use. Appendix B (containing the principal statutory provisions governing sentencing as of May 1, 2013) is set forth in a separate volume. That volume is also enclosed. Appendix C sets forth guideline amendments and the accompanying reasons for amendment. Please take time to read the reasons for amendment when considering the amendments. A new supplement to Appendix C (containing guideline amendments effective November 1, 2012, and November 1, 2013) is included. You should already have Volumes I through III (containing guideline amendments effective November 1, 1987, through November 1, 2011, and the reasons for those amendments).