Sentencing Practice Talk

Episode 42: Weapon Enhancement at §2D1.1

(Published October 14, 2026) In this episode, Commission staff discuss the relevant conduct analysis required for the weapon increase at §2D1.1(b)(1), and how that analysis differs from that required fo

Episode 41: Exploring §5G1.3

(Published June 11, 2026) In this episode, Commission staff break down all things §5G1.3.

Episode 40: Financial Penalties in Sex Offense Cases

(Published May 8, 2026) In this episode, USSC staff review financial penalties and assessments made in sex offense cases, including the difference between mandatory and discretionary restitution, the special assessments for both the Amy Vicky Andy Act and the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, and much more.

Episode 39: Guidelines in the Field Series, Individualized Assessment

(Published April 16, 2026) In what will be a semi-regular feature of Sentencing Practice Talk, this episode is part of the Guidelines in the Field series where we take a deep dive on a topic through the lens of an actual practitioner.

Episode 38: Individualized Assessment

(Published March 16, 2026) USSC staff cover a topic receiving extra attention following the 2025 guideline amendment to supervised release which introduced the term "individualized assessment." Lori and Pete offer guidance on the meaning of this term, review common misconceptions, and cover what is and is not an individualized assessment.

Episode 37: Chapter Three of the Guidelines Manual

(Published February 18, 2026) In this episode, Lori Baker and Peter Madsen focus on Chapter 3 of the Guidelines Manual and, in particular, the interplay between an increase at §3C1.1 for obstruction of justice and a reduction at §3E1.1 for

Episode 36: 2025 Guideline Amendments Miniseries, Part 5 - Circuit Conflicts

(Published November 18, 2025) The 2025 Guideline Amendments Miniseries covers key amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines, effective November 1, 2025. Part five of the series examines the amendment addressing two circuit conflicts.

Episode 36: 2025 Guideline Amendments Miniseries, Part 3 - Firearms

(Published November 18, 2025) The 2025 Guideline Amendments Miniseries covers key amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines, effective November 1, 2025. Part three of the series focuses on the firearm amendment that revises §2K2.1, the primary firearms guideline, to account for offenses involving machinegun conversion devices.

Miniseries:

Episode 36: 2025 Guideline Amendments Miniseries, Part 1 - Supervised Release

(Published November 18, 2025) The 2025 Guideline Amendments Miniseries covers key amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines, effective November 1, 2025. Part one of the series includes a brief overview of the amendment process and provides a detailed review of the amendment relating to supervised release.

Miniseries:

Episode 36: 2025 Guideline Amendments Miniseries, Part 2 - Simplification

(Published November 18, 2025) The 2025 Guideline Amendments Miniseries covers key amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines, effective November 1, 2025. Part two of the series covers the amendment relating to simplification, specifically the removal of departures at step two of the previous three-step sentencing process.

Miniseries:

Episode 35: Illegal Reentry Offenses

(Published September 3, 2025) In this episode, Lori Baker and Peter Madsen talk about immigration offenses relating to unlawfully entering or remaining in the United States. Lori and Pete highlight the important pieces of information needed to effectively apply §2L1.2 and identify existing Commission resources that might be of particular use to practitioners.

Episode 34: Stipulations

(Published July 10, 2025) In this episode, Lori Baker and Peter Madsen discuss a very popular HelpLine topic: stipulations. Lori and Pete break down what the term "stipulation" means, the impact of a plea agreement stipulation on guideline application, and some best practices for including a stipulation under §1B1.2 in a plea agreement.

Episode 33: Relevant Conduct

(Published May 20, 2025) In this episode, Lori Baker and Peter Madsen discuss a frequent issue for callers on HelpLine: relevant conduct. Lori and Peter focus on the rules for assessing jointly undertaken criminal activity, the importance of applying those rules in order, common misconceptions, and much more.

Episode 32: Cross References

(Published April 2, 2025) In this episode, Lori Baker and Peter Madsen walk listeners through cross references: what they are, how to properly apply them, dealing with multi-guideline cross references, various tips and tricks for handling cross references, and much more.

Episode 31: Pseudocounts

(Published March 6, 2025) In this episode, Lori Baker and Peter Madsen talk about pseudocounts, a term of art used in guideline application. Their conversation provides guidance on the meaning of the term and describes the limited times when pseudocounts can be used.

Episode 30: Termination of Supervised Release

(Published February 4, 2025) In this episode, Lori Baker and Peter Madsen discuss the use of supervised release—an area of focus for the Commission this amendment cycle.

Episode 29: Criminal History

(Published January 8, 2025) This episode examines the 2023 amendment to the Guidelines Manual relating to criminal history. Lori and Pete cover this popular HelpLine topic, covering the changes to status points including the move from §4A1.1(d) to §4A1.1(e) and who the changes affect, the creation of a new guideline for zero-point individuals at §4C1.1, and more.

Related Materials:

Episode 28: Firearms

(Published December 4, 2024) This episode takes a deep dive into the 2023 amendments to the primary firearms guideline at §2K2.1. Lori and Pete break down the changes and additions to the Guidelines Manual including new offenses and increased penalties. They answer frequently asked guideline questions about proliferation of firearm switches and auto sears, and more.

Related Materials:

Episode 27: 2024 Guideline Amendments Miniseries, Part 6 - Drugs Amendment and Amendment Addressing Individuals with Zero Points

(Published October 31, 2024) The 2024 Guideline Amendments Miniseries covers six key amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines, effective November 1, 2024.

Episode 27: 2024 Guideline Amendments Miniseries, Part 5 - Youthful Individuals

(Published October 31, 2024) The 2024 Guideline Amendments Miniseries covers six key amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines, effective November 1, 2024. The fifth part in this miniseries covers Amendment 829 and revisions to §5H1.1, which addresses the relevance of age in sentencing.