Supervised Release - Determining the Sentence

PART D - SUPERVISED RELEASE

§5D1.1. Imposition of a Term of Supervised Release

(a) The court shall order a term of supervised release to follow imprisonment when a sentence of imprisonment of more than one year is imposed, or when required by statute.

(b) The court may order a term of supervised release to follow imprisonment in any other case.

Commentary

Application Notes:

1. Under subsection (a), the court is required to impose a term of supervised release to follow imprisonment if a sentence of imprisonment of more than one year is imposed or if a term of supervised release is required by a specific statute. The court may depart from this guideline and not impose a term of supervised release if it determines that supervised release is neither required by statute nor required for any of the following reasons: (1) to protect the public welfare; (2) to enforce a financial condition; (3) to provide drug or alcohol treatment or testing; (4) to assist the reintegration of the defendant into the community; or (5) to accomplish any other sentencing purpose authorized by statute.

2. Under subsection (b), the court may impose a term of supervised release to follow a term of imprisonment of one year or less for any of the reasons set forth in Application Note 1.

Historical Note:: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 302); November 1, 1995 (see Appendix C, amendment 529).

§5D1.2. Term of Supervised Release

(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), if a term of supervised release is ordered, the length of the term shall be:

(1) At least three years but not more than five years for a defendant convicted of a Class A or B felony.

(2) At least two years but not more than three years for a defendant convicted of a Class C or D felony.

(3) One year for a defendant convicted of a Class E felony or a Class A misdemeanor.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a)(1) through (3), the length of the term of supervised release shall be not less than the minimum term of years specified for the offense under subdivisions (a)(1) through (3) and may be up to life, if the

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Last reviewed October 2024