Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts, 21750-21761 [E9-10737]
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Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 88 / Friday, May 8, 2009 / Notices
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 994(a), (o), and (p);
USSC Rule of Practice and Procedure 4.1.
Sentencing Guidelines for United
States Courts
ACTION: Notice of submission to
Congress of amendments to the
sentencing guidelines effective
November 1, 2009.
SUMMARY: Pursuant to its authority
under 28 U.S.C. 994(p), the Commission
has promulgated amendments to the
sentencing guidelines, policy
statements, commentary, and statutory
index. This notice sets forth the
amendments and the reason for each
amendment.
DATES: The Commission has specified
an effective date of November 1, 2009,
for the amendments set forth in this
notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael Courlander, Public Affairs
Officer, 202–502–4590. The
amendments set forth in this notice also
may be accessed through the
Commission’s Web site at https://
www.ussc.gov.
The
United States Sentencing Commission is
an independent agency in the judicial
branch of the United States
Government. The Commission
promulgates sentencing guidelines and
policy statements for federal sentencing
courts pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 994(a). The
Commission also periodically reviews
and revises previously promulgated
guidelines pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 994(o)
and generally submits guideline
amendments to Congress pursuant to 28
U.S.C. 994(p) not later than the first day
of May each year. Absent action of
Congress to the contrary, submitted
amendments become effective by
operation of law on the date specified
by the Commission (generally November
1 of the year in which the amendments
are submitted to Congress).
Notice of proposed amendments was
published in the Federal Register on
January 27, 2009 (see 74 FR 4802). The
Commission held a public hearing on
the proposed amendments in
Washington, DC, on March 17–18, 2009.
On May 1, 2009, the Commission
submitted these amendments to
Congress and specified an effective date
of November 1, 2009.
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The Commentary to § 2B1.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 9(A) by striking the paragraph that
begins ‘‘ ‘Means of identification’ ’’.
The Commentary to § 2B1.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 13 by striking ‘‘(15)’’ and inserting
‘‘(16)’’ each place it appears; by striking
the paragraph that begins ‘‘ ‘Personal
information’ ’’; and by inserting ‘‘(A)’’
before ‘‘(iii)’’ each place it appears.
The Commentary to § 2B1.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 14 by striking ‘‘(b)(16)’’ and
inserting ‘‘(b)(17)’’ each place it appears.
The Commentary to § 2B1.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 19(B) by striking ‘‘(15)’’ and
inserting ‘‘(16)(A)’’.
The Commentary to § 2B1.1 captioned
‘‘Background’’ is amended by inserting
after the paragraph that begins
‘‘Subsection (b)(14)(B)(i)’’ the following:
1. Amendment: Section 2B1.1(b) is
amended by redesignating subdivisions
(15) and (16) as subdivisions (16) and
(17); and by inserting after subdivision
(14) the following:
AGENCY: United States Sentencing
Commission.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
individual whose means of identification was
used unlawfully or without authority.’’.
Ricardo H. Hinojosa,
Acting Chair.
UNITED STATES SENTENCING
COMMISSION
‘‘(15) If (A) the defendant was convicted of
an offense under 18 U.S.C. 1030, and the
offense involved an intent to obtain personal
information, or (B) the offense involved the
unauthorized public dissemination of
personal information, increase by 2 levels.’’.
Section 2B1.1(b) is amended in
subdivision (16), as redesignated by this
amendment, by striking ‘‘(I)’’ after
‘‘involved’’; by striking ‘‘; or (II) an
intent to obtain personal information’’
after ‘‘security’’; and by striking ‘‘(i)’’
after ‘‘(5)(A)’’.
The Commentary to § 2B1.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 1 by inserting after the paragraph
that begins ‘‘ ‘Foreign instrumentality’ ’’
the following:
‘‘ ‘Means of identification’ has the meaning
given that term in 18 U.S.C. 1028(d)(7),
except that such means of identification shall
be of an actual (i.e., not fictitious) individual,
other than the defendant or a person for
whose conduct the defendant is accountable
under § 1B1.3 (Relevant Conduct).’’;
and by inserting after the paragraph that
begins ‘‘ ‘National cemetery’ ’’ the
following:
‘‘ ‘Personal information’ means sensitive or
private information involving an identifiable
individual (including such information in the
possession of a third party), including (i)
medical records; (ii) wills; (iii) diaries; (iv)
private correspondence, including e-mail; (v)
financial records; (vi) photographs of a
sensitive or private nature; or (vii) similar
information.’’.
The Commentary to § 2B1.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 3(C) in subdivision (i) by inserting
‘‘, copied,’’ after ‘‘taken’’; by
redesignating subdivisions (ii) through
(v) as subdivisions (iii) through (vi); and
by inserting after subdivision (i) the
following:
‘‘(ii) In the case of proprietary information
(e.g., trade secrets), the cost of developing
that information or the reduction in the value
of that information that resulted from the
offense.’’.
The Commentary to § 2B1.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 4 by adding at the end the
following:
‘‘(E) Cases Involving Means of
Identification.—For purposes of subsection
(b)(2), in a case involving means of
identification ‘victim’ means (i) any victim as
defined in Application Note 1; or (ii) any
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‘‘Subsection (b)(15) implements the
directive in section 209 of Public Law 110–
326.’’;
and in the paragraph that begins
‘‘Subsection (b)(15)’’ by striking ‘‘(15)’’
and inserting ‘‘(16)’’ each place it
appears.
The Commentary to § 2H3.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 4 by striking ‘‘Definitions.—For
purposes of subsection (b)(2)(B):’’ and
inserting ‘‘Definitions.—For purposes of
this guideline:’’; and by inserting after
the paragraph that begins ‘‘ ‘Interactive
computer service’ ’’ the following:
‘‘ ‘Means of identification’ has the meaning
given that term in 18 U.S.C. § 1028(d)(7),
except that such means of identification shall
be of an actual (i.e., not fictitious) individual,
other than the defendant or a person for
whose conduct the defendant is accountable
under § 1B1.3 (Relevant Conduct).
‘Personal information’ means sensitive or
private information involving an identifiable
individual (including such information in the
possession of a third party), including (i)
medical records; (ii) wills; (iii) diaries; (iv)
private correspondence, including e-mail; (v)
financial records; (vi) photographs of a
sensitive or private nature; or (vii) similar
information.’’.
The Commentary to § 2H3.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 5(i) by inserting ‘‘personal
information, means of identification,’’
after ‘‘offense involved’’; and by
inserting a comma before ‘‘or tax’’.
The Commentary to § 3B1.3 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 2(B) by inserting ‘‘, transfer, or
issue’’ after ‘‘in order to obtain’’.
Reason for Amendment: This multipart amendment responds to the
directive in section 209 of the Identity
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Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 88 / Friday, May 8, 2009 / Notices
Theft Enforcement and Restitution Act
of 2008, Title II of Public Law 110–326
(the ‘‘Act’’), and addresses other related
issues arising from case law. Section
209(a) of the Act directed the
Commission to—review its guidelines
and policy statements applicable to
persons convicted of offenses under
sections 1028, 1028A, 1030, 2511, and
2701 of title 18, United States Code, and
any other relevant provisions of law, in
order to reflect the intent of Congress
that such penalties be increased in
comparison to those currently provided
by such guidelines and policy
statements.
The Act further required the
Commission, in determining the
appropriate sentence for the above
referenced offenses, to consider the
extent to which the guidelines and
policy statements adequately account
for 13 factors listed in section 209(b) of
the Act.
In response to the congressional
directive, the amendment increases
penalties provided by the applicable
guidelines and policy statements by
adding a new enhancement and a new
upward departure provision. In
addition, the amendment expands both
the definition of ‘‘victim’’ and the
factors to be considered in the
calculation of loss; each of these
expansions may, in an appropriate case,
increase penalties in comparison to
those provided prior to the amendment.
First, the amendment adds a new twolevel enhancement in § 2B1.1 (Larceny,
Embezzlement, and Other Forms of
Theft; Offenses Involving Stolen
Property; Property Damage or
Destruction; Fraud and Deceit; Forgery;
Offenses Involving Altered or
Counterfeit Instruments Other than
Counterfeit Bearer Obligations of the
United States). The new enhancement,
which addresses offenses involving
personal information, is at subsection
(b)(15). An existing enhancement,
which addresses offenses under 18
U.S.C. 1030 (i.e., computer crimes), was
at subsection (b)(15) but has been
redesignated as subsection (b)(16).
The new enhancement for offenses
involving personal information applies
if (A) the defendant was convicted of an
offense under 18 U.S.C. 1030 and the
offense involved an intent to obtain
personal information, or (B) the offense
involved the unauthorized public
dissemination of personal information.
The ‘‘(A)’’ prong of the new personal
information enhancement had been a
prong of the existing computer crime
enhancement, but the tiered structure of
that enhancement was such that if a
computer crime involved both an intent
to obtain personal information and
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another harm (such as an intrusion into
a government computer, an intent to
cause damage, or a disruption of a
critical infrastructure), only the greatest
applicable increase would apply. The
amendment responds to concerns that a
case involving those other harms is
different in kind from a case involving
an intent to obtain personal information.
Moving the intent to obtain personal
information prong out of the computer
crime enhancement and into the new
enhancement ensures that a defendant
convicted under section 1030 receives
an incremental increase in punishment
if the offense involved both an intent to
obtain personal information and another
harm addressed by the computer crime
enhancement. The ‘‘(B)’’ prong of the
new personal information enhancement
ensures that any defendant, regardless
of the statute of conviction, receives an
additional incremental increase in
punishment if the offense involved the
unauthorized public dissemination of
personal information. This prong
accounts for the greater harm to privacy
caused by such an offense.
Second, the amendment amends the
Commentary to § 2B1.1 to provide that,
for purposes of the victims table in
subsection (b)(2), an individual whose
means of identification was used
unlawfully or without authority is
considered a ‘‘victim.’’ The Commentary
to § 2B1.1 in Application Note 1 defines
‘‘victim’’ in pertinent part to mean ‘‘any
person who sustained any part of the
actual loss determined under subsection
(b)(1)’’. An identity theft case may
involve an individual whose means of
identification was taken and used but
who was fully reimbursed by a third
party (e.g., a bank or credit card
company). Some courts have held that
such an individual is not counted as a
‘‘victim’’ for purposes of the victims
table at § 2B1.1(b)(2). See United States
v. Kennedy, 554 F.3d 415 (3d Cir. 2009)
(discussing various cases addressing
this issue, including United States v.
Armstead, 552 F.3d 769 (9th Cir. 2008);
United States v. Abiodun, 536 F.3d 162
(2d Cir. 2008); United States v. Connor,
537 F.3d 480 (5th Cir. 2008); United
States v. Icaza, 492 F.3d 967 (8th Cir.
2007); United States v. Lee, 427 F.3d
881 (11th Cir. 2005); and United States
v. Yagar, 404 F.3d 967 (6th Cir. 2005)).
The Commission determined that such
an individual should be considered a
‘‘victim’’ for purposes of subsection
(b)(2) because such an individual, even
if fully reimbursed, must often spend
significant time resolving credit
problems and related issues, and such
lost time may not be adequately
accounted for in the loss calculations
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under the guidelines. The Commission
received testimony that the incidence of
data breach cases, in which large
numbers of means of identification are
compromised, is increasing. This new
category of ‘‘victim’’ for purposes of
subsection (b)(2) is appropriately
limited, however, to cover only those
individuals whose means of
identification are actually used.
Third, the amendment makes two
changes to Application Note 3(C)
regarding the calculation of loss. The
first change specifies that the estimate of
loss may be based upon the fair market
value of property that is copied. This
change responds to concerns that the
calculation of loss does not adequately
account for a case in which an owner of
proprietary information retains
possession of such information, but the
proprietary information is unlawfully
copied. The amendment recognizes, for
example, that a computer crime that
does not deprive the owner of the
information in the computer
nonetheless may cause loss inasmuch as
it reduces the value of the information.
The amendment makes clear that in
such a case the court may use the fair
market value of the copied property to
estimate loss. The second change adds
a new provision to Application Note
3(C) specifying that, in a case involving
proprietary information (e.g., trade
secrets), the court may estimate loss
using the cost of developing that
information or the reduction in the
value of that information that resulted
from the offense. The new provision
responds to concerns that the guidelines
did not adequately explain how to
estimate loss in a case involving
proprietary information such as trade
secrets.
Fourth, the amendment moves the
definitions of ‘‘means of identification’’
and ‘‘personal information’’ to
Application Note 1, and clarifies that for
information to be considered ‘‘personal
information,’’ it must involve
information of an identifiable
individual.
Fifth, the amendment amends § 2H3.1
(Interception of Communications;
Eavesdropping; Disclosure of Certain
Private or Protected Information) to
provide that an upward departure may
be warranted in a case in which the
offense involved personal information
or means of identification of a
substantial number of individuals. As a
conforming change, in Application Note
4 the amendment adds definitions of
‘‘means of identification’’ and ‘‘personal
information’’ that are identical to the
definitions of those terms in § 2B1.1.
The departure provision responds to
concerns that the guideline may not
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adequately account for the rare
wiretapping offense that involves a
substantial number of victims.
Sixth, the amendment clarifies
Application Note 2(B) of § 3B1.3 (Abuse
of Position of Trust or Use of Special
Skill). The first sentence of Application
Note 2(B) specifies that an adjustment
under § 3B1.3 shall apply to a defendant
who exceeds or abuses his or her
authority to ‘‘obtain’’ or ‘‘use’’ a means
of identification. The second sentence
then provides, as an example of such a
defendant, an employee of a state motor
vehicle department who exceeds or
abuses his or her authority by ‘‘issuing’’
a means of identification. To make the
two sentences consistent, the
amendment clarifies the first sentence
so that it expressly applies not only to
obtaining or using a means of
identification, but also to issuing or
transferring a means of identification.
Finally, the amendment makes several
technical changes. In particular, it
corrects several places in the Guidelines
Manual that erroneously refer to
subsection ‘‘(b)(15)(iii)’’ of § 2B1.1; the
reference should be to subsection
(b)(15)(A)(iii) (redesignated by the
amendment as (b)(16)(A)(iii)). Also, it
conforms a statutory reference in
§ 2B1.1(b)(15)(A)(ii) (redesignated by the
amendment as (b)(16)(A)(ii)), which
refers to 18 U.S.C. 1030(a)(5)(A)(i); the
Act redesignated this statute as 18
U.S.C. 1030(a)(5)(A).
The Commission determined that
certain factors listed in the directive are
adequately accounted for by existing
provisions in the Guidelines Manual.
See, e.g., §§ 2B1.1(b)(1), (b)(9)(C),
(b)(13), (b)(16) (as redesignated by the
amendment); 2B2.3(b)(1), (b)(3);
2B3.2(b)(3)(B); 2H3.1(b)(1)(B); and 3B1.4
(Using a Minor To Commit a Crime)).
2. Amendment: Section 2D1.1(a) is
amended by redesignating subdivision
(3) as subdivision (5); and by inserting
after subdivision (2) the following:
‘‘(3) 30, if the defendant is convicted under
21 U.S.C. 841(b)(1)(E) or 21 U.S.C. 960(b)(5),
and the offense of conviction establishes that
death or serious bodily injury resulted from
the use of the substance and that the
defendant committed the offense after one or
more prior convictions for a similar offense;
or
(4) 26, if the defendant is convicted under
21 U.S.C. 841(b)(1)(E) or 21 U.S.C. 960(b)(5),
and the offense of conviction establishes that
death or serious bodily injury resulted from
the use of the substance; or’’.
Section 2D1.1(c)(5) is amended by
inserting ‘‘700,000 or more units of
Schedule III Hydrocodone;’’ after the
line referenced to ‘‘Schedule I or II
Depressants’’.
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Section 2D1.1(c)(6) is amended by
inserting ‘‘At least 400,000 but less than
700,000 units of Schedule III
Hydrocodone;’’ after the line referenced
to ‘‘Schedule I or II Depressants’’.
Section 2D1.1(c)(7) is amended by
inserting ‘‘At least 100,000 but less than
400,000 units of Schedule III
Hydrocodone;’’ after the line referenced
to ‘‘Schedule I or II Depressants’’.
Section 2D1.1(c)(8) is amended by
inserting ‘‘At least 80,000 but less than
100,000 units of Schedule III
Hydrocodone;’’ after the line referenced
to ‘‘Schedule I or II Depressants’’.
Section 2D1.1(c)(9) is amended by
inserting ‘‘At least 60,000 but less than
80,000 units of Schedule III
Hydrocodone;’’ after the line referenced
to ‘‘Schedule I or II Depressants’’.
Section 2D1.1(c)(10) is amended by
inserting ‘‘At least 40,000 but less than
60,000 units of Schedule III
Hydrocodone;’’ after the line referenced
to ‘‘Schedule I or II Depressants’’; and
by inserting ‘‘or Hydrocodone’’ after
‘‘(except Ketamine’’.
Section 2D1.1(c)(11) is amended by
inserting ‘‘At least 20,000 but less than
40,000 units of Schedule III
Hydrocodone;’’ after the line referenced
to ‘‘Schedule I or II Depressants’’; and
by inserting ‘‘or Hydrocodone’’ after
‘‘(except Ketamine’’.
Section 2D1.1(c)(12) is amended by
inserting ‘‘At least 10,000 but less than
20,000 units of Schedule III
Hydrocodone;’’ after the line referenced
to ‘‘Schedule I or II Depressants’’; and
by inserting ‘‘or Hydrocodone’’ after
‘‘(except Ketamine’’.
Section 2D1.1(c)(13) is amended by
inserting ‘‘At least 5,000 but less than
10,000 units of Schedule III
Hydrocodone;’’ after the line referenced
to ‘‘Schedule I or II Depressants’’; and
by inserting ‘‘or Hydrocodone’’ after
‘‘(except Ketamine’’.
Section 2D1.1(c)(14) is amended by
inserting ‘‘At least 2,500 but less than
5,000 units of Schedule III
Hydrocodone;’’ after the line referenced
to ‘‘Schedule I or II Depressants’’; and
by inserting ‘‘or Hydrocodone’’ after
‘‘(except Ketamine’’.
Section 2D1.1(c)(15) is amended by
inserting ‘‘At least 1,000 but less than
2,500 units of Schedule III
Hydrocodone;’’ after the line referenced
to ‘‘Schedule I or II Depressants’’; and
by inserting ‘‘or Hydrocodone’’ after
‘‘(except Ketamine’’.
Section 2D1.1(c)(16) is amended by
inserting ‘‘At least 250 but less than
1,000 units of Schedule III
Hydrocodone;’’ after the line referenced
to ‘‘Schedule I or II Depressants’’; and
by inserting ‘‘or Hydrocodone’’ after
‘‘(except Ketamine’’.
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Section 2D1.1(c)(17) is amended by
inserting ‘‘Less than 250 units of
Schedule III Hydrocodone;’’ after the
line referenced to ‘‘Schedule I or II
Depressants’’; and by inserting ‘‘or
Hydrocodone’’ after ‘‘(except
Ketamine’’.
The Commentary to § 2D1.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 10(E) in the subdivision captioned
‘‘Schedule III Substances (except
ketamine)’’ by inserting in the heading
‘‘and hydrocodone’’ after ‘‘(except
ketamine’’; and in the sentence that
begins ‘‘***Provided’’ by inserting
‘‘(except ketamine and hydrocodone)’’
after ‘‘Schedule III substances’’.
The Commentary to § 2D1.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 10(E) by inserting after the
subdivision captioned ‘‘Schedule III
Substances (except ketamine)’’ the
following subdivision:
‘‘Schedule III Hydrocodone****
1 unit of Schedule III hydrocodone = 1 gm
of marihuana
****Provided, that the combined
equivalent weight of all Schedule III
substances (except ketamine), Schedule IV
substances (except flunitrazepam), and
Schedule V substances shall not exceed
999.99 kilograms of marihuana.’’.
The Commentary to § 2D1.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 10(E) in the subdivision captioned
‘‘Schedule IV Substances (except
flunitrazepam)’’ by inserting an
additional asterisk after ‘‘****’’ each
place it appears.
The Commentary to § 2D1.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 10(E) in the subdivision captioned
‘‘Schedule V Substances’’ by inserting
an additional asterisk after ‘‘*****’’
each place it appears.
The Commentary to § 2D1.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 10(E) in the subdivision captioned
‘‘List I Chemicals (relating to the
manufacture of amphetamine or
methamphetamine)’’ by inserting an
additional asterisk after ‘‘******’’ each
place it appears.
Section 2D3.1 is amended in the
heading by striking ‘‘Schedule I’’ and
inserting ‘‘Scheduled’’.
Appendix A (Statutory Index) is
amended by inserting after the line
referenced to 21 U.S.C. 841(g) the
following:
‘‘21 U.S.C. 841(h)
2D1.1’’.
Reason for Amendment: This
amendment responds to the Ryan
Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer
Protection Act of 2008, Public Law 110–
425 (the ‘‘Act’’).
The Act amended the Controlled
Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.) to
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create two new offenses involving
controlled substances, increased the
statutory maximum terms of
imprisonment for all Schedule III and IV
controlled substance offenses and for
second and subsequent Schedule V
controlled substance offenses, and
added a sentencing enhancement for
Schedule III controlled substance
offenses in a case in which ‘‘death or
serious bodily injury results from the
use of such substance’’. The Act also
included a directive to the Commission
that states:
The United States Sentencing
Commission, in determining whether to
amend, or establish new, guidelines or
policy statements, to conform the
Federal sentencing guidelines and
policy statements to this Act and the
amendments made by this Act, should
not construe any change in the
maximum penalty for a violation
involving a controlled substance in a
particular schedule as being the sole
reason to amend, or establish a new,
guideline or policy statement.
First, the amendment addresses the
sentencing enhancement added by the
Act, which applies when the offense
involved a Schedule III controlled
substance and death or serious bodily
injury resulted from the use of such
substance. The statutory enhancement
provides a maximum term of
imprisonment of 15 years, or 30 years if
the violation is committed after a prior
conviction for a felony drug offense. See
21 U.S.C. 841(b)(1)(E), 960(b)(5). The
amendment addresses the statutory
enhancement by amending § 2D1.1
(Unlawful Manufacturing, Importing,
Exporting, or Trafficking (Including
Possession with Intent to Commit These
Offenses); Attempt or Conspiracy) to
provide two new alternative base
offense levels at subsections (a)(3) and
(a)(4) for offenses involving Schedule III
controlled substances in which death or
injury results that are comparable to the
alternative base offense levels at
subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2) for offenses
involving Schedule I and II controlled
substances in which death or injury
results. To reflect the harms involved in
these offenses and the criminal histories
of repeat drug offenders, the alternative
base offense levels are set at level 30 if
the defendant committed the offense
after one or more prior convictions for
a similar offense and level 26 otherwise.
Second, the amendment modifies the
Drug Quantity Table in § 2D1.1 to
increase the maximum base offense
level for offenses involving Schedule III
hydrocodone from level 20 to level 30,
without modifying any other offense
level. The amendment extends the Drug
Quantity Table for Schedule III
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hydrocodone offenses to level 30 using
the existing marihuana equivalency (i.e.,
1 pill of Schedule III hydrocodone = 1
gram of marihuana). The Commission
determined that a maximum base
offense level of 30 is appropriate for
Schedule III hydrocodone offenses
because of data and testimony
indicating a relatively high prevalence
of misuse (when compared to other,
non-marihuana drugs of abuse), an
increasing number of emergency room
visits involving this drug, and the very
large volume of hydrocodone pills
illicitly distributed, either over the
Internet or in specialized pain clinics.
Finally, the amendment addresses the
two new offenses created by the Act.
The first new offense, at 21 U.S.C.
841(h), prohibits the delivery,
distribution, or dispensing of controlled
substances over the Internet without a
valid prescription. The applicable
statutory maximum term of
imprisonment depends on the
controlled substance involved. The
amendment amends Appendix A
(Statutory Index) to reference 21 U.S.C.
841(h) to § 2D1.1 because distribution of
a controlled substance is an element of
the offense. That guideline also is
appropriate because it includes an
enhancement at subsection (b)(6) that
provides a two-level increase in a case
in which ‘‘a person distributes a
controlled substance through massmarketing by means of an interactive
computer service’’ (e.g., sale of a
controlled substance by means of the
Internet).
The second new offense, at 21 U.S.C.
843(c)(2)(A), prohibits the use of the
Internet to advertise for sale a controlled
substance and has a statutory maximum
term of imprisonment of four years.
Offenses under 21 U.S.C. 843(c) already
are referenced in Appendix A (Statutory
Index) to § 2D3.1 (Regulatory Offenses
Involving Registration Numbers;
Unlawful Advertising Relating to
Schedule I Substances; Attempt or
Conspiracy). The amendment modifies
the title of that guideline to indicate that
it covers any scheduled controlled
substance.
3. Amendment: Section 2D1.1(b)(2) is
amended by striking ‘‘or’’ before ‘‘(B)’’;
and by inserting ‘‘a submersible vessel
or semi-submersible vessel as described
in 18 U.S.C. 2285 was used, or ‘‘(C)’’
after ‘‘(B)’’.
The Commentary to § 2D1.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 8 in the paragraph that begins
‘‘Note, however’’ by striking ‘‘(B)’’ and
inserting ‘‘(C)’’.
Chapter Two, Part X, Subpart 7 is
amended in the heading by adding at
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the end ‘‘AND SUBMERSIBLE AND
SEMI-SUBMERSIBLE VESSELS’’.
Chapter Two, Part X, Subpart 7 is
amended by adding at the end the
following guideline and accompanying
commentary:
‘‘§ 2X7.2. Submersible and SemiSubmersible Vessels
(a) Base Offense Level: 26
(b) Specific Offense Characteristic
(1) (Apply the greatest) If the offense
involved—
(A) a failure to heave to when directed by
law enforcement officers, increase by 2
levels;
(B) an attempt to sink the vessel, increase
by 4 levels; or
(C) the sinking of the vessel, increase by 8
levels.
Commentary
Statutory Provision: 18 U.S.C. 2285.
Application Note:
1. Upward Departure Provisions.—An
upward departure may be warranted in any
of the following cases:
(A) The defendant engaged in a pattern of
activity involving use of a submersible vessel
or semi-submersible vessel described in 18
U.S.C. 2285 to facilitate other felonies.
(B) The offense involved use of the vessel
as part of an ongoing criminal organization
or enterprise.
Background: This guideline implements
the directive to the Commission in section
103 of Public Law 110–407.’’.
Appendix A (Statutory Index) is
amended by inserting after the line
referenced to 18 U.S.C. 2284 the
following:
‘‘18 U.S.C. 2285
2X7.2’’.
Reason for Amendment: This
amendment responds to the Drug
Trafficking Vessel Interdiction Act of
2008, Public Law 110–407 (the ‘‘Act’’).
The Act created a new offense at 18
U.S.C. 2285 making it unlawful to
operate, attempt or conspire to operate,
or embark in an unflagged submersible
or semi-submersible vessel in
international waters with the intent to
evade detection. Section 103 of the Act
directed the Commission to amend the
guidelines, or promulgate new
guidelines, to provide adequate
penalties for persons convicted of
offenses under 18 U.S.C. 2285 and
included a list of circumstances for the
Commission to consider.
First, the amendment amends § 2D1.1
(Unlawful Manufacturing, Importing,
Exporting, or Trafficking (Including
Possession with Intent to Commit These
Offenses); Attempt or Conspiracy) by
expanding the scope of the specific
offense characteristic at subsection
(b)(2) to apply if a submersible or semisubmersible vessel was used in a drug
importation offense. The Commission
determined that a drug importation
offense involving the use of a
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submersible or semi-submersible vessel
poses similar risks and harms as a drug
importation offense involving an
unscheduled aircraft (which subsection
(b)(2) already covers). The amendment
also makes a conforming change to a
reference in Application Note 8.
Second, the amendment creates a new
guideline at § 2X7.2 (Submersible and
Semi-Submersible Vessels) for the new
offense at 18 U.S.C. 2285. The new
guideline provides a base offense level
of 26 and includes a tiered specific
offense characteristic and upward
departure provisions to address certain
aggravating circumstances listed in the
directive. Public testimony indicates
that submersible and semi-submersible
vessels to date have been used for the
purpose of transporting drugs. Such
conduct receives a minimum offense
level of 26 under § 2D1.1(b)(2),
discussed above, regardless of the type
or quantity of drug involved in the
offense. The Commission determined
that a base offense level of 26 in § 2X7.2
for an offense under section 2285 would
be appropriate to promote
proportionality.
The specific offense characteristic in
§ 2X7.2 provides a two-level
enhancement for failing to heave to, a
four-level enhancement for attempting
to sink the vessel, and an eight-level
enhancement for sinking the vessel; the
greatest applicable enhancement
applies. Offenses involving such
conduct are more serious because they
create greater risk of harm to the crew
of the illegal vessel and the interdicting
law enforcement personnel, particularly
in a case in which the illegal vessel is
sunk and its crew must be rescued. In
addition, sinking the vessel destroys
evidence of illegal activity. The upward
departure provisions provide that an
upward departure may be warranted if
the defendant engaged in a pattern of
activity involving the use of a
submersible or semi-submersible vessel,
or if the offense involved the use of the
vessel as a part of an ongoing criminal
organization or criminal enterprise.
Third, the amendment amends
Appendix A (Statutory Index) to
reference 18 U.S.C. 2285 to § 2X7.2.
4. Amendment: Section 2A6.1(b) is
amended by redesignating subdivision
(5) as subdivision (6); by inserting after
subdivision (4) the following:
‘‘(5) If the defendant (A) is convicted under
18 U.S.C. 115, (B) made a public threatening
communication, and (C) knew or should have
known that the public threatening
communication created a substantial risk of
inciting others to violate 18 U.S.C. 115,
increase by 2 levels.’’;
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and in subdivision (6), as redesignated by
this amendment, by striking ‘‘and (4)’’ and
inserting ‘‘(4), and (5)’’.
The Commentary to § 2A6.1 captioned
‘‘Background’’ is amended by adding at
the end the following:
‘‘Subsection (b)(5) implements, in a
broader form, the directive to the
Commission in section 209 of the Court
Security Improvement Act of 2007, Public
Law 110–177.’’.
Appendix A (Statutory Index) is
amended in the line referenced to 18
U.S.C. 1513 by inserting ‘‘2A1.1, 2A1.2,
2A1.3, 2A2.1, 2A2.2, 2A2.3, 2B1.1,’’
before ‘‘2J1.2’’.
Reason for Amendment: This
amendment responds to the Court
Security Improvement Act of 2007,
Public Law 110–177 (the ‘‘Act’’), and
other related issues.
First, the amendment responds to the
directive in section 209 of the Act,
which required the Commission to
review the guidelines applicable to
threats punishable under 18 U.S.C. 115
(Influencing, impeding, or retaliating
against a Federal official by threatening
or injuring a family member) that occur
over the Internet, and determine
‘‘whether and by how much that
circumstance should aggravate the
punishment pursuant to section 994 of
title 28, United States Code.’’ The
directive further required the
Commission to consider the number of
such threats made, the intended number
of recipients of such threats, and
whether the initial senders of such
threats were acting in an individual
capacity or as part of a larger group.
The amendment implements the
directive by amending § 2A6.1
(Threatening or Harassing
Communications; Hoaxes; False Liens)
to provide a new two-level
enhancement for a case in which the
defendant is convicted under 18 U.S.C.
115, made a public threatening
communication, and knew or should
have known that the public threatening
communication created a substantial
risk of inciting others to violate 18
U.S.C. 115. The Commission
determined that the policy concerns
underlying the directive regarding
threats occurring over the Internet apply
equally to threats made public by other
means (e.g., radio, television broadcast)
and that the response to the directive
therefore should be technology neutral.
The threat guideline, § 2A6.1,
adequately accounts for offenses
involving multiple threats and multiple
victims through the existing specific
offense characteristic at subsection
(b)(2) and the upward departure
provision in Application Note 4.
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Second, the amendment amends
Appendix A (Statutory Index) to add
references for 18 U.S.C. 1513
(Retaliating against a witness, victim, or
an informant) to §§ 2A1.1 (First Degree
Murder), 2A1.2 (Second Degree
Murder), 2A1.3 (Voluntary
Manslaughter), 2A2.1 (Assault with
Intent to Commit Murder; Attempted
Murder), 2A2.2 (Aggravated Assault),
2A2.3 (Minor Assault), and 2B1.1
(Larceny, Embezzlement, and Other
Forms of Theft; Offenses Involving
Stolen Property; Property Damage or
Destruction; Fraud and Deceit; Forgery;
Offenses Involving Altered or
Counterfeit Instruments Other than
Counterfeit Bearer Obligations of the
United States), in addition to § 2J1.2
(Obstruction of Justice). The additional
references more adequately reflect the
range of conduct covered by 18 U.S.C.
1513, including killing or attempting to
kill a witness, causing bodily injury to
a witness, and damaging the tangible
property of a witness. In addition, 18
U.S.C. 1512 (Tampering with a witness,
victim, or an informant), which covers
a similar range of conduct, including
killing or attempting to kill a witness
and using physical force against a
witness, is referenced to the same
Chapter Two, Part A guidelines.
5. Amendment: Section 2H4.1(a) is
amended by striking ‘‘(Apply the
greater)’’ after ‘‘Offense Level’’; and by
striking subdivision (2) and inserting
the following:
‘‘(2) 18, if (A) the defendant was convicted
of an offense under 18 U.S.C. 1592, or (B) the
defendant was convicted of an offense under
18 U.S.C. 1593A based on an act in violation
of 18 U.S.C. 1592.’’.
The Commentary to § 2H4.1 captioned
‘‘Statutory Provisions’’ is amended by
inserting ‘‘, 1593A’’ after ‘‘1592’’.
The Commentary to § 2H4.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended by
adding at the end the following:
‘‘4. In a case in which the defendant was
convicted under 18 U.S.C. 1589(b) or 1593A,
a downward departure may be warranted if
the defendant benefitted from participating
in a venture described in those sections
without knowing that (i.e., in reckless
disregard of the fact that) the venture had
engaged in the criminal activity described in
those sections.’’.
Section 2L1.1(b) is amended by
striking subdivision (8) and inserting
the following:
‘‘(8) (Apply the greater):
(A) If an alien was involuntarily detained
through coercion or threat, or in connection
with a demand for payment, (i) after the alien
was smuggled into the United States; or (ii)
while the alien was transported or harbored
in the United States, increase by 2 levels. If
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the resulting offense level is less than level
18, increase to level 18.
(B) If (i) the defendant was convicted of
alien harboring, (ii) the alien harboring was
for the purpose of prostitution, and (iii) the
defendant receives an adjustment under
§ 3B1.1 (Aggravating Role), increase by 2
levels, but if the alien engaging in the
prostitution had not attained the age of 18
years, increase by 6 levels.’’.
The Commentary to § 2L1.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 6 by inserting ‘‘(A)’’ after ‘‘(b)(8)’’.
Appendix A (Statutory Index) is
amended by inserting after the line
referenced to 18 U.S.C. 1350 the
following:
‘‘18 U.S.C. 1351
2B1.1’’;
and by inserting after the line referenced
to 18 U.S.C. 1592 the following:
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‘‘18 U.S.C. 1593A2H4.1’’.
Reason for Amendment: This
amendment responds to the William
Wilberforce Trafficking Victims
Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008,
Public Law 110–457 (the ‘‘Act’’), which
included a directive to the Commission
and created two new offenses.
First, the amendment responds to the
directive in section 222(g) of the Act. It
directed the Commission to—
review and, if appropriate, amend the
sentencing guidelines and policy
statements applicable to persons
convicted of alien harboring to ensure
conformity with the sentencing
guidelines applicable to persons
convicted of promoting a commercial
sex act if—
(1) the harboring was committed in
furtherance of prostitution; and
(2) the defendant to be sentenced is an
organizer, leader, manager, or
supervisor of the criminal activity.
The amendment amends § 2L1.1
(Smuggling, Transporting, or Harboring
an Unlawful Alien) to provide an
alternative prong to the enhancement at
subsection (b)(8), which covers cases in
which an alien was involuntarily
detained through coercion or threat, or
in connection with a demand for
payment. The new alternative prong, at
subsection (b)(8)(B), applies in a case in
which the defendant was convicted of
alien harboring, the alien harboring was
for the purpose of prostitution, and the
defendant receives an adjustment under
§ 3B1.1 (Aggravating Role). In such a
case, a two-level increase applies, but if
the alien engaging in the prostitution
had not attained the age of 18 years, a
six-level increase applies. Because this
is an alternative enhancement, it does
not apply if the enhancement for
coercion at § 2L1.1(b)(8)(A) is greater.
The amendment also amends
Application Note 6 to provide that,
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while an adjustment under § 3A1.3
(Restraint of Victim) does not apply in
a case that receives an enhancement
under § 2L1.1(b)(8)(A), such an
adjustment may apply in a case that
receives an enhancement under
§ 2L1.1(b)(8)(B).
Second, the amendment responds to a
new offense created by the Act, 18
U.S.C. 1351 (Fraud in foreign labor
contracting). The new offense has a
statutory maximum term of
imprisonment of five years. Because this
new offense has fraud as an element, the
amendment references this new offense
in Appendix A (Statutory Index) to
§ 2B1.1 (Larceny, Embezzlement, and
Other Forms of Theft; Offenses
Involving Stolen Property; Property
Damage or Destruction; Fraud and
Deceit; Forgery; Offenses Involving
Altered or Counterfeit Instruments
Other than Counterfeit Bearer
Obligations of the United States).
Third, the amendment responds to
another new offense created by the Act,
18 U.S.C. 1593A (Benefitting financially
from peonage, slavery, and trafficking in
persons). This new offense applies
when a person has knowingly benefitted
financially from participating in a
venture that has engaged in a violation
of 18 U.S.C. 1581(a), 1592, or 1595(a),
knowing or in reckless disregard of the
fact that the venture has engaged in
such violation. The amendment amends
Appendix A (Statutory Index) to
reference 18 U.S.C. 1593A to § 2H4.1
(Peonage, Involuntary Servitude, and
Slave Trade) because that guideline
covers the relevant underlying statutes,
18 U.S.C. 1581(a) and 1592. The
amendment also amends § 2H4.1 to
provide that a defendant convicted of 18
U.S.C. 1593A receives the same base
offense level as if the defendant were
convicted of committing the underlying
violation. Accordingly, if the defendant
was convicted under section 1593A
under circumstances in which the
defendant benefitted from participation
in a venture that engaged in a violation
of 18 U.S.C. 1592, the defendant would
receive the same base offense level, 18,
as if the defendant had been convicted
of 18 U.S.C. 1592. If the defendant was
convicted under section 1593A under
circumstances in which the defendant
benefitted from participation in a
venture that engaged in a violation of 18
U.S.C. 1581(a), the defendant would
receive the same base offense level, 22,
as if the defendant had been convicted
of 18 U.S.C. 1581(a).
The amendment also amends the
Commentary to § 2H4.1 to provide that
a downward departure may be
warranted in a case in which the
defendant is convicted under 18 U.S.C.
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1589(b) or 1593A if the defendant
benefitted from participating in a
venture described in those sections in
reckless disregard of the fact that the
venture had engaged in the criminal
activities described in those sections.
This downward departure provision
recognizes that a defendant who
commits such an offense in reckless
disregard of the fact that the venture
engaged in such criminal activities may
be less culpable than a defendant who
acts with knowledge of that fact.
Finally, the amendment makes a
technical change to § 2H4.1(a) by
striking the phrase ‘‘(Apply the
greater)’’.
6. Amendment: Section 2B5.1(b)(2)(B)
is amended by inserting ‘‘(ii) genuine
United States currency paper from
which the ink or other distinctive
counterfeit deterrent has been
completely or partially removed;’’ after
‘‘paper;’’; and by striking ‘‘or (ii)’’ and
inserting ‘‘or (iii)’’.
The Commentary to § 2B5.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 1 by inserting after the paragraph
that begins ‘‘Definitions.—’’ the
following:
‘‘ ‘Counterfeit’ refers to an instrument that
has been falsely made, manufactured, or
altered. For example, an instrument that has
been falsely made or manufactured in its
entirety is ‘counterfeit’, as is a genuine
instrument that has been falsely altered (such
as a genuine $5 bill that has been altered to
appear to be a genuine $100 bill).’’.
The Commentary to § 2B5.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended by
striking Note 3; and by redesignating
Note 4 as Note 3.
Appendix A (Statutory Index) is
amended in the line referenced to 18
U.S.C. 474A by striking ‘‘2B1.1,’’; and in
the line referenced to 18 U.S.C. 476 by
striking ‘‘2B1.1,’’.
Reason for Amendment: This
amendment amends § 2B5.1 (Offenses
Involving Counterfeit Bearer Obligations
of the United States) to clarify guideline
application issues regarding the
sentencing of counterfeiting offenses
involving ‘‘bleached notes.’’ A bleached
note is genuine United States currency
stripped of its original image through
the use of solvents or other chemicals
and then reprinted to appear to be a
note of higher denomination. The
amendment responds to concerns
expressed by federal judges and
members of Congress regarding which
guideline should apply to offenses
involving bleached notes.
Courts in different circuits have
resolved differently the question of
whether an offense involving bleached
notes should be sentenced under
§ 2B5.1 or § 2B1.1 (Larceny,
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Embezzlement, and Other Forms of
Theft; Offenses Involving Stolen
Property; Property Damage or
Destruction; Fraud and Deceit; Forgery;
Offenses Involving Altered or
Counterfeit Instruments Other than
Counterfeit Bearer Obligations of the
United States). Compare United States
v. Schreckengost, 384 F.3d 922 (7th Cir.
2004) (holding that bleached notes
should be sentenced under § 2B1.1), and
United States v. Inclema, 363 F.3d 1177
(11th Cir. 2004) (same), with United
States v. Dison, 2008 WL 351935 (W.D.
La. Feb. 8, 2008) (applying § 2B5.1 in a
case involving bleached notes), and
United States v. Vice, 2008 WL 113970
(W.D. La. Jan. 3, 2008) (same).
The amendment resolves this issue by
providing that an offense involving
bleached notes is sentenced under
§ 2B5.1. The amendment does so by
deleting Application Note 3 and
revising the definition of ‘‘counterfeit’’
to more closely parallel relevant
counterfeiting statutes, including 18
U.S.C. 471 (Obligations or securities of
the United States) and 472 (Uttering
counterfeit obligations or securities). It
establishes a new definition at
Application Note 1 providing that
counterfeit ‘‘refers to an instrument that
has been falsely made, manufactured, or
altered.’’ Under the new definition,
altered instruments are treated as
counterfeit and sentenced under
§ 2B5.1. Technological advances in
counterfeiting, such as bleaching notes,
have rendered obsolete the previous
distinction in the guidelines between an
instrument falsely made or
manufactured in its entirety and a
genuine instrument that is altered.
The amendment also adds a prong to
the enhancement at subsection (b)(2)(B)
to cover a case in which the defendant
controlled or possessed genuine United
States currency paper from which the
ink or other distinctive counterfeit
deterrent has been completely or
partially removed. Blank or partially
blank bleached notes are similar to
counterfeiting paper in how they are
involved in counterfeiting offenses.
Accordingly, this new prong ensures
that an offender who controlled or
possessed blank or partially blank
bleached notes is subject to the same
two-level enhancement as an offender
who controlled or possessed
‘‘counterfeiting paper similar to a
distinctive paper’’, as subsection
(b)(2)(B)(i) already provides.
Finally, the amendment amends
Appendix A (Statutory Index) by
striking the reference to § 2B1.1 for two
offenses that do not involve elements of
fraud. Specifically, the amendment
deletes the reference to § 2B1.1 for
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offenses under 18 U.S.C. 474A
(Deterrents to counterfeiting of
obligations and securities) and 476
(Taking impressions of tools used for
obligations or securities).
7. Amendment: The Commentary to
§ 2A3.2 captioned ‘‘Application Notes’’
is amended in Note 3(B) in the
paragraph that begins ‘‘Undue
Influence’’ by adding at the end ‘‘The
voluntariness of the minor’s behavior
may be compromised without
prohibited sexual conduct occurring.’’;
by inserting after the paragraph that
begins ‘‘Undue Influence’’ the
following:
‘‘However, subsection (b)(2)(B)(ii) does not
apply in a case in which the only ‘minor’ (as
defined in Application Note 1) involved in
the offense is an undercover law enforcement
officer.’’;
and in the paragraph that begins ‘‘In a
case’’ by striking ‘‘, for purposes of’’ and
all that follows through ‘‘sexual
conduct’’ and inserting ‘‘that subsection
(b)(2)(B)(ii) applies’’.
The Commentary to § 2A3.2 captioned
‘‘Background’’ is amended by striking
‘‘two-level’’ and inserting ‘‘four-level’’
each place it appears.
The Commentary to § 2G1.3 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 3(B) in the paragraph that begins
‘‘Undue Influence’’ by adding at the end
‘‘The voluntariness of the minor’s
behavior may be compromised without
prohibited sexual conduct occurring.’’;
by inserting after the paragraph that
begins ‘‘Undue Influence’’ the
following:
‘‘However, subsection (b)(2)(B) does not
apply in a case in which the only ‘minor’ (as
defined in Application Note 1) involved in
the offense is an undercover law enforcement
officer.’’;
and in the paragraph that begins ‘‘In a
case’’ by striking ‘‘, for purposes of’’ and
all that follows through ‘‘sexual
conduct’’ and inserting ‘‘that subsection
(b)(2)(B) applies’’.
Reason for Amendment: This
amendment addresses a circuit conflict
regarding application of the undue
influence enhancement at subsection
(b)(2)(B)(ii) of § 2A3.2 (Criminal Sexual
Abuse of a Minor Under the Age of
Sixteen Years (Statutory Rape) or
Attempt to Commit Such Acts) and at
subsection (b)(2)(B) of § 2G1.3
(Promoting a Commercial Sex Act or
Prohibited Sexual Conduct with a
Minor; Transportation of Minors to
Engage in a Commercial Sex Act or
Prohibited Sexual Conduct; Travel to
Engage in Commercial Sex Act or
Prohibited Sexual Conduct with a
Minor; Sex Trafficking of Children; Use
of Interstate Facilities to Transport
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Information about a Minor). The undue
influence enhancement applies if ‘‘a
participant otherwise unduly influenced
the minor to engage in prohibited sexual
conduct.’’ The Commentary to both
guidelines states that in determining
whether the undue influence
enhancement applies, ‘‘the court should
closely consider the facts of the case to
determine whether a participant’s
influence over the minor compromised
the voluntariness of the minor’s
behavior.’’ The Commentary also
provides for a rebuttable presumption of
undue influence ‘‘[i]n a case in which
a participant is at least 10 years older
than the minor.’’
In both guidelines, the term ‘‘minor’’
is defined to include ‘‘an individual,
whether fictitious or not, who a law
enforcement officer represented to a
participant * * * could be provided for
the purposes of engaging in sexually
explicit conduct’’ or ‘‘an undercover law
enforcement officer who represented to
a participant that the officer had not
attained’’ the age of majority.
Three circuits have expressed
different views on two issues: first,
whether the undue influence
enhancement can apply in a case
involving attempted sexual conduct;
and second, whether the undue
influence enhancement can apply in a
case in which the only minor involved
is a law enforcement officer. Compare
United States v. Root, 296 F.3d 1222,
1234 (11th Cir. 2002) (holding that the
undue influence enhancement in
§ 2A3.2 can apply in instances of
attempted sexual conduct, including a
case in which the only ‘‘victim’’
involved in the case is an undercover
law enforcement officer), and United
States v. Vance, 494 F.3d 985, 996 (11th
Cir. 2007) (holding that the undue
influence enhancement in § 2G1.3 can
apply in a case in which the minor is
fictitious), with United States v.
Mitchell, 353 F.3d 552, 554, 557 (7th
Cir. 2003) (holding that the undue
influence enhancement in § 2A3.2
‘‘cannot apply in the case of an attempt
where the victim is an undercover
police officer’’, and suggesting that it
cannot apply in any case in which ‘‘the
offender and victim have not engaged in
illicit sexual conduct’’), and United
States v. Chriswell, 401 F.3d 459, 469
(6th Cir. 2005) (holding that the undue
influence enhancement in § 2A3.2 ‘‘is
not applicable in cases where the victim
is an undercover agent representing
himself to be a child under the age of
sixteen’’ but leaving open the possibility
that it can apply in other instances of
attempted sexual conduct).
The amendment resolves the first
issue by providing that the undue
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influence enhancement can apply in a
case involving attempted sexual
conduct. Specifically, the amendment
amends the Commentary in §§ 2A3.2
and 2G1.3 to provide that ‘‘[t]he
voluntariness of the minor’s behavior
may be compromised without
prohibited sexual conduct occurring.’’
The amendment resolves the second
issue by providing in the Commentary
to §§ 2A3.2 and 2G1.3 that the undue
influence enhancement does not apply
in a case in which the only ‘‘minor’’
involved in the offense is an undercover
law enforcement officer. The
Commission determined that the undue
influence enhancement should not
apply in a case involving only an
undercover law enforcement officer
because, unlike other enhancements in
the sex offense guidelines, the undue
influence enhancement is properly
focused on the effect of the defendant’s
actions on the minor’s behavior.
The amendment also makes a stylistic
change to the language in the
Commentary of both §§ 2A3.2 and
2G1.3, and makes a technical change to
the Background of § 2A3.2.
8. Amendment: Section 2B1.1(b)(6) is
amended by striking ‘‘or’’ after ‘‘damage
to,’’; and by inserting ‘‘or trafficking in,’’
after ‘‘destruction of,’’.
The Commentary to § 2B1.1 captioned
‘‘Background’’ is amended in the
paragraph that begins ‘‘Subsection
(b)(6)’’ by inserting ‘‘and the directive to
the Commission in section 3 of Public
Law 110–384’’ after ‘‘105–101’’.
Section 2G2.1(b)(6) is amended by
inserting ‘‘or for the purpose of
transmitting such material live’’ after
‘‘explicit material’’.
The Commentary to § 2G2.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 1 in the paragraph that begins
‘‘‘Distribution’ means’’ by inserting
‘‘transmission,’’ after ‘‘production,’’; and
by inserting after the paragraph that
begins ‘‘‘Interactive computer service’’’
the following:
‘‘ ‘Material’ includes a visual
depiction, as defined in 18 U.S.C.
2256.’’.
The Commentary to § 2G2.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 4 by inserting ‘‘or for the purpose
of transmitting such material live’’ after
‘‘explicit material’’ each place it
appears; and in subdivision (B) by
striking ‘‘purpose’’ after ‘‘for such’’ and
inserting ‘‘purposes’’.
Section 2G2.2(a)(1) is amended by
striking ‘‘or’’ after ‘‘2252(a)(4),’’; and by
inserting ‘‘, or § 2252A(a)(7)’’ after
‘‘2252A(a)(5)’’.
Section 2G2.2(b)(6) is amended by
inserting ‘‘or for accessing with intent to
view the material,’’ after ‘‘material,’’.
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Section 2G2.2(c)(1) is amended by
inserting ‘‘or for the purpose of
transmitting a live visual depiction of
such conduct’’ after ‘‘such conduct’’.
The Commentary to § 2G2.2 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 1 in the paragraph that begins
‘‘‘Distribution’ means’’ by inserting
‘‘transmission,’’ after ‘‘production,’’; by
inserting after the paragraph that begins
‘‘ ‘Interactive computer service’ ’’ the
following:
‘‘ ‘Material’ includes a visual depiction, as
defined in 18 U.S.C. 2256.’’; and
in the paragraph that begins ‘‘ ‘Sexual abuse
or exploitation’ ’’ by inserting ‘‘accessing
with intent to view,’’ after ‘‘possession,’’.
The Commentary to § 2G2.2 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 2 by inserting ‘‘access with intent
to view,’’ after ‘‘possess,’’.
The Commentary to § 2G2.2 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 4(B)(ii) by striking ‘‘recording’’ and
inserting ‘‘visual depiction’’ each place
it appears.
The Commentary to § 2G2.2 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 5(A) by inserting ‘‘or for the
purpose of transmitting live any visual
depiction of such conduct’’ after ‘‘such
conduct’’.
The Commentary to § 2G2.2 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended by
redesignating Note 6 as Note 7; and by
inserting after Note 5 the following:
‘‘6. Cases Involving Adapted or Modified
Depictions.—If the offense involved material
that is an adapted or modified depiction of
an identifiable minor (e.g., a case in which
the defendant is convicted under 18 U.S.C.
2252A(a)(7)), the term ‘material involving the
sexual exploitation of a minor’ includes such
material.’’.
Chapter Two, Part H, Subpart 4 is
amended in the heading by striking
‘‘AND’’ after ‘‘SERVITUDE,’’; and by
adding at the end ‘‘, AND CHILD
SOLDIERS’’.
Section 2H4.1 is amended in the
heading by striking ‘‘and’’ after
‘‘Servitude,’’; and by adding at the end
‘‘, and Child Soldiers’’.
The Commentary to § 2H4.1 captioned
‘‘Statutory Provisions’’ is amended by
inserting ‘‘, 2442’’ before the period at
the end.
The Commentary to § 2H4.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 1 by adding at the end the
following:
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Chapter Two, Part N, Subpart 2 is
amended in the heading by striking
‘‘AND’’ after ‘‘DRUGS,’’; and by adding
at the end ‘‘, AND CONSUMER
PRODUCTS’’.
Section 2N2.1 is amended in the
heading by striking ‘‘or’’ after
‘‘Cosmetic,’’; and by adding at the end
‘‘, or Consumer Product’’.
Section 5B1.3(a) is amended in
subdivision (2) by striking ‘‘(B) give
notice’’ and all that follows through ‘‘or
area,’’ and inserting ‘‘(B) work in
community service, or (C) both, unless
the court has imposed a fine, or’’; and
by striking the paragraph that begins
‘‘Note: Section 3563(a)(2)’’.
Section 5B1.3(e)(1) is amended by
adding at the end ‘‘See § 5F1.1
(Community Confinement).’’.
Section 5B1.3(e)(6) is amended by
adding at the end ‘‘See § 5F1.8
(Intermittent Confinement).’’.
Section 5C1.1(c)(2) is amended by
striking the asterisk after
‘‘confinement’’.
Section 5C1.1(d)(2) is amended by
striking the asterisk after
‘‘confinement’’.
The Commentary to § 5C1.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 3(C) in the first sentence by
striking the asterisk after
‘‘confinement’’.
The Commentary to § 5C1.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 4(B) in the first sentence by
striking the asterisk after
‘‘confinement’’.
The Commentary to § 5C1.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 6 by striking the asterisk after
‘‘confinement’’.
The Commentary to § 5C1.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended by
striking the paragraph that begins
‘‘*Note:’’ and the paragraph that begins
‘‘However,’’.
Section 5D1.3(e)(1) is amended by
striking the asterisk after
‘‘Confinement’’; and by striking the
paragraph that begins ‘‘*Note: Section
3583(d)’’ and the paragraph that begins
‘‘However,’’.
Section 5D1.3(e) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
‘‘ ‘Peonage or involuntary servitude’
includes forced labor, slavery, and
recruitment or use of a child soldier.’’.
‘‘(6) Intermittent Confinement
Intermittent confinement (custody for
intervals of time) may be ordered as a
condition of supervised release during the
first year of supervised release, but only for
a violation of a condition of supervised
release in accordance with 18 U.S.C.
3583(e)(2) and only when facilities are
available. See § 5F1.8 (Intermittent
Confinement).’’.
Chapter Two, Part N is amended in
the heading by inserting ‘‘CONSUMER
PRODUCTS,’’ after ‘‘PRODUCTS,’’.
Section 5F1.1 is amended by striking
the asterisk after ‘‘release.’’; and by
striking the paragraph that begins
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‘‘*Note: Section 3583(d)’’ and the
paragraph that begins ‘‘However,’’.
Chapter Five, Part F is amended by
adding at the end the following
guideline and accompanying
commentary:
‘‘2 U.S.C. 192 2J1.1, 2J1.5
2 U.S.C. 390 2J1.1, 2J1.5’’;
‘‘§ 5F1.8. Intermittent Confinement
Intermittent confinement may be imposed
as a condition of probation during the first
year of probation. See 18 U.S.C. 3563(b)(10).
It may be imposed as a condition of
supervised release during the first year of
supervised release, but only for a violation of
a condition of supervised release in
accordance with 18 U.S.C. 3583(e)(2) and
only when facilities are available. See 18
U.S.C. 3583(d).
Commentary
Application Note:
1. ‘Intermittent confinement’ means
remaining in the custody of the Bureau of
Prisons during nights, weekends, or other
intervals of time, totaling no more than the
lesser of one year or the term of
imprisonment authorized for the offense,
during the first year of the term of probation
or supervised release. See 18 U.S.C.
3563(b)(10).’’.
by inserting after the line referenced to
8 U.S.C. 1375a(d)(3)(C),(d)(5)(B) the
following:
Chapter Seven, Part A, Subpart 2(b) is
amended in the paragraph that begins
‘‘With the exception’’ by striking ‘‘With
the exception’’ and all that follows
through ‘‘sentence of probation.’’ and
inserting ‘‘The conditions of supervised
release authorized by statute are the
same as those for a sentence of
probation, except for intermittent
confinement. (Intermittent confinement
is available for a sentence of probation,
but is available as a condition of
supervised release only for a violation of
a condition of supervised release.)’’; and
by striking the paragraph that begins
‘‘*Note: Section 3583(d)’’ and the
paragraph that begins ‘‘However,’’.
The Commentary to § 7B1.3 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended by
striking Note 5 and inserting the
following:
‘‘15 U.S.C. 80b–9(c)
by inserting after the line referenced to
7 U.S.C. 87b the following:
‘‘7 U.S.C. 87f(e)
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‘‘5. Intermittent confinement is authorized
as a condition of probation during the first
year of the term of probation. 18 U.S.C.
3563(b)(10). Intermittent confinement is
authorized as a condition of supervised
release during the first year of supervised
release, but only for a violation of a condition
of supervised release in accordance with 18
U.S.C. 3583(e)(2) and only when facilities are
available. See § 5F1.8 (Intermittent
Confinement).’’.
Section 8D1.3(b) is amended by
striking ‘‘, (2) notice to victims’’ and all
that follows through ‘‘or area,’’ and
inserting ‘‘or (2) community service,
unless the court has imposed a fine, or’’;
and by striking the paragraph that
begins ‘‘Note:’’.
Appendix A (Statutory Index) is
amended by inserting before the line
referenced to 2 U.S.C. 437g(d) the
following:
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‘‘47 U.S.C. 409(m) 2J1.1, 2J1.5’’;
2J1.1, 2J1.5’’;
‘‘10 U.S.C. 987(f)
2X5.2’’;
by inserting after the line referenced to
12 U.S.C. 631 the following:
‘‘12 U.S.C. 1818(j) 2B1.1
12 U.S.C. 1844(f) 2J1.1, 2J1.5
12 U.S.C. 2273 2J1.1, 2J1.5
12 U.S.C. 3108(b)(6) 2J1.1, 2J1.5
12 U.S.C. 4636b 2B1.1
12 U.S.C. 4641 2J1.1, 2J1.5’’;
by inserting after the line referenced to
15 U.S.C. 78ff the following:
‘‘15 U.S.C. 78u(c) 2J1.1, 2J1.5
15 U.S.C. 80a–41(c) 2J1.1, 2J1.5’’;
by inserting after the line referenced to
15 U.S.C. 80b–6 the following:
2J1.1, 2J1.5’’;
by inserting after the line referenced to
15 U.S.C. 714m(c) the following:
‘‘15 U.S.C. 717m(d)
2J1.1, 2J1.5’’;
by inserting after the line referenced to
15 U.S.C. 1176 the following:
‘‘15 U.S.C. 1192 2N2.1
15 U.S.C. 1197(b) 2N2.1
15 U.S.C. 1202(c) 2N2.1
15 U.S.C. 1263 2N2.1’’;
by inserting after the line referenced to
15 U.S.C. 1990c the following:
‘‘15 U.S.C. 2068
2N2.1’’;
by inserting after the line referenced to
16 U.S.C. 773g the following:
‘‘16 U.S.C. 825f(c)
2J1.1, 2J1.5’’;
by inserting after the line referenced to
18 U.S.C. 115(b)(4) the following:
‘‘18 U.S.C. 117
2A6.2’’;
in the line referenced to 18 U.S.C. 2280
by inserting ‘‘2A6.1,’’ after ‘‘2A4.1,’’;
in the line referenced to 18 U.S.C. 2332a
by inserting ‘‘2A6.1,’’ before ‘‘2K1.4’’;
by inserting after the line referenced to
18 U.S.C. 2425 the following:
‘‘18 U.S.C. 2442
2H4.1’’;
in the line referenced to 26 U.S.C. 7210
by inserting ‘‘, 2J1.5’’ after ‘‘2J1.1’’;
by striking the line referenced to 33
U.S.C. 506;
in the line referenced to 33 U.S.C.
1227(b) by inserting ‘‘, 2J1.5’’ after
‘‘2J1.1’’;
in the line referenced to 42 U.S.C.
3611(f) by inserting ‘‘, 2J1.5’’ after
‘‘2J1.1’’;
by inserting after the line referenced to
47 U.S.C. 223(b)(1)(A) the following:
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in the line referenced to 49 U.S.C. 14909
by inserting ‘‘, 2J1.5’’ after ‘‘2J1.1’’;
in the line referenced to 49 U.S.C. 16104
by inserting ‘‘, 2J1.5’’ after ‘‘2J1.1’’;
and by inserting after the line referenced
to 50 U.S.C. 783(c) the following:
‘‘50 U.S.C. App. 527
(e)2X5.2’’.
Reason for Amendment: This multipart amendment responds to
miscellaneous issues arising from
legislation recently enacted and other
miscellaneous guideline application
issues.
First, the amendment amends
Appendix A (Statutory Index) to include
offenses created by the Housing and
Economic Recovery Act of 2008, Public
Law 110–289, and other offenses similar
to those offenses, as follows:
(1) The new offense at 12 U.S.C.
4636b is referenced to § 2B1.1 (Larceny,
Embezzlement, and Other Forms of
Theft; Offenses Involving Stolen
Property; Property Damage or
Destruction; Fraud and Deceit; Forgery;
Offenses Involving Altered or
Counterfeit Instruments Other than
Counterfeit Bearer Obligations of the
United States). The similar existing
offense at 12 U.S.C. 1818(j) is also
referenced to § 2B1.1. These offenses are
similar to economic crimes and are best
accounted for by § 2B1.1.
(2) The new offense at 12 U.S.C. 4641
is referenced to § 2J1.1 (Contempt) and
§ 2J1.5 (Failure to Appear by Material
Witness); similar existing offenses (2
U.S.C. 192, 390; 7 U.S.C. 87f(e); 12
U.S.C. 1844(f), 2273, 3108(b)(6); 15
U.S.C. 78u(c), 80a–41(c), 80b–9(c),
717m(d); 16 U.S.C. 825f(c); 26 U.S.C.
7210; 33 U.S.C. 1227(b); 42 U.S.C. 3611;
47 U.S.C. 409(m); 49 U.S.C. 14909,
16104) are also referenced to § 2J1.1 and
§ 2J1.5. Contempt offenses can involve a
range of conduct. The Commission
determined that referencing these
offenses to both § 2J1.1 and § 2J1.5 will
best account for the range of conduct
involved. Another similar offense, 33
U.S.C. 506, is deleted from Appendix A
(Statutory Index) because it has been
repealed.
Second, the amendment amends
Appendix A (Statutory Index) to include
offenses upgraded from misdemeanors
to felonies by the Consumer Product
Safety Improvement Act of 2008, Public
Law 110–314. These offenses (15 U.S.C.
1192, 1197(b), 1202(c), 1263, 2068) are
referenced to § 2N2.1 (Violations of
Statutes and Regulations Dealing With
Any Food, Drug, Biological Product,
Device, Cosmetic, or Agricultural
Product). These offenses cover a range
of conduct (from paperwork violations
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to making or selling a nonconforming
product) and a range of mental states
(from strict liability to knowing, willful,
or intentional misconduct). The
Commission determined that these
offenses are similar to offenses
referenced to § 2N2.1, which has
provisions to account for aggravating
and mitigating circumstances that may
be involved in such offenses. Technical
and conforming changes are also made
to indicate that § 2N2.1 covers consumer
product safety offenses.
Third, the amendment amends
Appendix A (Statutory Index) to include
an offense created by the Veterans’
Benefits Improvement Act of 2008,
Public Law 110–389. The new offense,
50 U.S.C. App. § 527(e), is a Class A
misdemeanor and, accordingly, is
referenced to § 2X5.2 (Class A
Misdemeanors (Not Covered by Another
Specific Offense Guideline)). The
amendment also references 10 U.S.C.
987(f), a similar Class A misdemeanor,
to § 2X5.2.
Fourth, the amendment amends
Appendix A (Statutory Index) to include
an offense created by the Violence
Against Women and Department of
Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005,
Public. Law 109–162. The offense, 18
U.S.C. 117, covers domestic assault by
a person with two or more prior
convictions for domestic assault
offenses. It is similar to the offenses
referenced to § 2A6.2 (Stalking or
Domestic Violence) and, therefore, is
referenced to that guideline.
Fifth, the amendment amends
Appendix A (Statutory Index) to include
an offense created by the Child Soldiers
Accountability Act of 2008, Public Law
110–340. The offense, 18 U.S.C. 2442, is
referenced to § 2H4.1 (Peonage,
Involuntary Servitude, and Slave
Trade). The offenses currently indexed
to § 2H4.1 include five offenses that
relate to illegal use of an individual’s
labor and have the same statutory
maximum term of imprisonment as the
new child soldiers offense (20 years
imprisonment or, if death results, life).
Likewise, § 2H4.1 has provisions to
account for aggravating and mitigating
circumstances that may be involved in
a child soldiers offense. Technical and
conforming changes are also made to
indicate that § 2H4.1 applies to the new
offense.
Sixth, the amendment makes changes
throughout the Guidelines Manual to
reflect the amendments made by the
Judicial Administration and Technical
Amendments Act of 2008, Public Law
110–406, to the probation and
supervised release statutes (18 U.S.C.
3563, 3583). The changes include a new
guideline for intermittent confinement
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at § 5F1.8 (Intermittent Confinement)
that parallels the statutory language, as
well as technical and conforming
changes. These changes conform the
Guidelines Manual to reflect what
Congress has provided.
Seventh, the amendment responds to
the Let Our Veterans Rest in Peace Act
of 2008, Public Law 110–384, which
directed the Commission to review and,
if appropriate, amend the guidelines to
‘‘provide adequate sentencing
enhancements’’ for any offense
involving ‘‘desecration, theft, or
trafficking’’ in a veteran’s grave marker.
There is a specific offense characteristic
at subsection (b)(6) of § 2B1.1 for
damage, destruction, or theft of a
veteran’s grave marker. The amendment
amends this specific offense
characteristic so that it also covers
trafficking in a veteran’s grave marker.
Eighth, the amendment makes
changes in the child pornography
guidelines, § 2G2.1 (Sexually Exploiting
a Minor by Production of Sexually
Explicit Visual or Printed Material;
Custodian Permitting Minor to Engage
in Sexually Explicit Conduct;
Advertisement for Minors to Engage in
Production) and § 2G2.2 (Trafficking in
Material Involving the Sexual
Exploitation of a Minor; Receiving,
Transporting, Shipping, Soliciting, or
Advertising Material Involving the
Sexual Exploitation of a Minor;
Possessing Material Involving the
Sexual Exploitation of a Minor with
Intent to Traffic; Possessing Material
Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a
Minor), so that they reflect the
amendments made to the child
pornography statutes (18 U.S.C. 2251 et
seq.) by the Effective Child Pornography
Prosecution Act of 2007, Public Law
110–358, and the PROTECT Our
Children Act of 2008, Public Law 110–
401. The changes relate primarily to
cases in which child pornography is
transmitted over the Internet. Under the
amendment, where the guidelines refer
to the purpose of producing a visual
depiction, they will also refer to the
purpose of transmitting a live visual
depiction; where the guidelines refer to
possessing material, they will also refer
to accessing with intent to view the
material. The amendment also amends
the child pornography guidelines so that
the term ‘‘distribution’’ includes
‘‘transmission’’, and the term ‘‘material’’
includes any visual depiction, as now
defined by 18 U.S.C. 2256 (i.e., to
include data which is capable of
conversion into a visual image that has
been transmitted by any means, whether
or not stored in a permanent format).
These changes conform the child
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pornography guidelines to reflect what
Congress has provided.
Ninth, the amendment amends
Appendix A (Statutory Index) so that
the threat guideline, § 2A6.1
(Threatening or Harassing
Communications; Hoaxes; False Liens),
is included on the list of guidelines to
which 18 U.S.C. 2280 and 2332a are
referenced. A person may be charged
and convicted of committing such an
offense by threat. In such a case, § 2A6.1
may be the most appropriate guideline.
Tenth, the amendment addresses
subsection (a)(7) of 18 U.S.C. 2252A, a
new child pornography offense created
by the PROTECT Our Children Act of
2008, Public Law 110–401. The offense
makes it unlawful to knowingly produce
with intent to distribute, or to
knowingly distribute, ‘‘child
pornography that is an adapted or
modified depiction of an identifiable
minor.’’ A violator is subject to a
maximum term of imprisonment of 15
years. This offense is already referenced
in Appendix A (Statutory Index) to the
child pornography distribution
guideline, § 2G2.2, by virtue of the fact
that all offenses under section 2252A(a)
are referenced to that guideline. The
Commission determined that the
distribution guideline is the appropriate
guideline for this offense because
distribution is a required element of this
offense, in that the offender must either
distribute the material or produce it
with intent to distribute. The
distribution guideline also has
provisions to account for aggravating
and mitigating circumstances that may
be involved in these offenses. The
amendment provides a base offense
level of 18 for this offense, which is four
levels lower than the base offense level
for other child pornography distribution
offenses referenced to § 2G2.2. The
Commission determined that the lower
base offense level was appropriate for
this offense because, unlike for other
child pornography distribution offenses,
the process of creating the image does
not involve the sexual exploitation of a
child, and Congress provided a lower
penalty structure for this offense (a
maximum term of imprisonment of 15
years, and no mandatory minimum term
of imprisonment) than for other child
pornography distribution offenses
(typically, a maximum term of
imprisonment of 20 years and a
mandatory minimum of 5 years). The
lower base offense level also accounts
for the fact that the enhancements at
subsections (b)(3) (for distribution) and
(b)(6) (for use of a computer) will likely
apply in these cases. Finally, to ensure
that § 2G2.2 treats material involving an
adapted or modified image in the same
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manner as it treats material involving
any other form of child pornography,
the amendment provides a new
Application Note to § 2G2.2 to clarify
that, if the offense involved material
that is an adapted or modified depiction
of an identifiable minor, the term
‘‘material involving the sexual
exploitation of a minor’’ includes such
material.
9. Amendment: The Commentary to
§ 3C1.3 captioned ‘‘Application Note’’ is
amended in Note 1 by striking ‘‘as
adjusted’’ and inserting ‘‘including, as
in any other case in which a Chapter
Three adjustment applies (see § 1B1.1
(Application Instructions)), the
adjustment provided’’; and by adding at
the end ‘‘Similarly, if the applicable
adjusted guideline range is 30–37
months and the court determines a ‘total
punishment’ of 30 months is
appropriate, a sentence of 24 months for
the underlying offense plus 6 months
under 18 U.S.C. 3147 would satisfy this
requirement.’’.
Reason for Amendment: This
amendment clarifies Application Note 1
in § 3C1.3 (Commission of Offense
While on Release). Section 3C1.3
(formerly § 2J1.7, see Appendix C to the
Guidelines Manual, Amendment 684)
provides a three-level adjustment if the
defendant is subject to the statutory
enhancement at 18 U.S.C. 3147—that is,
if the defendant has committed the
underlying offense while on release.
Application Note 1 to § 3C1.3 states
that, in order to comply with the
statute’s requirement that a consecutive
sentence be imposed, the sentencing
court must ‘‘divide the sentence on the
judgment form between the sentence
attributable to the underlying offense
and the sentence attributable to the
enhancement.’’
The Second and Seventh Circuits
have held that, according to the terms of
Application Note 2 to § 2J1.7 (now
Application Note 1 to § 3C1.3), a
sentencing court cannot apportion to the
underlying offense more than the
maximum of the guideline range absent
the three-level adjustment. See United
States v. Confredo, 528 F.3d 143 (2d Cir.
2008); United States v. Stevens, 66 F.3d
431 (2d Cir. 1995); United States v.
Wilson, 966 F.2d 243 (7th Cir. 1992).
The amendment clarifies that the
court determines the applicable
guideline range for a defendant who
committed an offense while on release
and is subject to the enhancement at 18
U.S.C. 3147 as in any other case.
Therefore, under ordinary guideline
application principles, only one
guideline range applies to such a
defendant. See § 1B1.1 (Application
Instructions) (instructing the sentencing
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18:51 May 07, 2009
Jkt 217001
court to, in this order: (1) Determine the
offense guideline applicable to the
offense of conviction (the underlying
offense); (2) determine the base offense
level and specific offense
characteristics, and follow other
instructions in Chapter Two; (3) apply
adjustments from Chapter Three; and,
ultimately, (4) ‘‘[d]etermine the
guideline range in Part A of Chapter
Five that corresponds to the offense
level and criminal history category
determined above’’). At that point, the
court determines an appropriate ‘‘total
punishment’’ using that applicable
guideline range, and then divides the
total sentence between the underlying
offense and the section 3147
enhancement as the court considers
appropriate.
10. Amendment: Section 2B5.3(b)(5)
is amended by inserting ‘‘death or’’ after
‘‘risk of’’; and by striking ‘‘13’’ and
inserting ‘‘14’’ each place it appears.
Reason for Amendment: This
amendment responds to the Prioritizing
Resources and Organization for
Intellectual Property Act of 2008, Public
Law 110–403, which added two
sentencing enhancements to violations
of 18 U.S.C. 2320 (Trafficking in
counterfeit goods or services). Under
those sentencing enhancements, if the
offender causes or attempts to cause
serious bodily injury, the statutory
maximum term of imprisonment is
increased from 10 years to 20 years; if
the offender causes or attempts to cause
death, the statutory maximum is
increased to any term of years (or to
life).
The amendment amends § 2B5.3
(Criminal Infringement of Copyright or
Trademark) at subsection (b)(5) to
clarify that the enhancement in that
subsection, which applies when the
offense involved the risk of serious
bodily injury, also applies when the
offense involved the risk of death. This
brings the language of that enhancement
back into parallel with the
corresponding enhancement in
subsection (b)(13) of § 2B1.1 (Larceny,
Embezzlement, and Other Forms of
Theft; Offenses Involving Stolen
Property; Property Damage or
Destruction; Fraud and Deceit; Forgery;
Offenses Involving Altered or
Counterfeit Instruments Other than
Counterfeit Bearer Obligations of the
United States). The Commission
envisioned, when it added the
enhancement to § 2B5.3, that paralleling
the fraud guideline would promote
proportionality. See Appendix C to the
Guidelines Manual, Amendment 590
(‘‘The Commission determined that this
kind of aggravating conduct in
connection with infringement cases
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Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4703
should be treated under the guidelines
in the same way it is treated in
connection with fraud cases; therefore,
this enhancement is consistent with an
identical provision in the fraud
guideline.’’). Accordingly, the
amendment also increases the minimum
offense level in § 2B5.3(b)(5) from level
13 to level 14, bringing it back into
parallel with the minimum offense level
in § 2B1.1(b)(13).
11. Amendment: The Commentary to
§ 1B1.8 captioned ‘‘Application Notes’’
is amended in Note 3 by striking ‘‘(e)(6)
(Inadmissibility of Pleas,’’ and inserting
‘‘(f) (Admissibility or Inadmissibility of
a Plea,’’.
The Commentary to § 2G2.1 captioned
‘‘Statutory Provisions’’ is amended by
inserting ‘‘(a)–(c), 2251(d)(1)(B)’’ after
‘‘2251’’.
The Commentary to § 2G2.2 captioned
‘‘Statutory Provisions’’ is amended by
inserting ‘‘(a)–(b)’’ after ‘‘2252A’’.
The Commentary to § 2G2.2 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 1 in the paragraph that begins
‘‘ ‘Sexual abuse’’ by inserting ‘‘(a)–(c),
§ 2251(d)(1)(B)’’ after ‘‘2251’’.
The Commentary to § 2G2.3 captioned
‘‘Background’’ is amended by striking
‘‘twenty’’ and inserting ‘‘thirty’’.
Section 2G3.1(c)(1) is amended by
inserting ‘‘Soliciting,’’ after ‘‘Shipping,’’;
and by striking ‘‘Traffic) or § 2G2.4
(Possession of Materials Depicting a
Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit
Conduct), as appropriate.’’ and inserting
‘‘Traffic; Possessing Material Involving
the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor).’’.
The Commentary to § 2J1.1 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 3 by striking ‘‘(7)’’ and inserting
‘‘(8)’’.
The Commentary to § 4B1.2 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 1 in the paragraph that begins
‘‘Unlawfully possessing a listed’’ by
striking ‘‘(d)’’ and inserting ‘‘(c)’’.
The Commentary to § 5C1.2 captioned
‘‘Application Notes’’ is amended in
Note 8 by striking ‘‘(c)(1), (3)’’ and
inserting ‘‘(f), (i)’’.
The Commentary to § 5D1.2 captioned
‘‘Background’’ is amended by striking
‘‘(b)’’ and inserting ‘‘(c)’’.
Appendix A (Statutory Index) is
amended by inserting after the line
referenced to 18 U.S.C. 2251(a),(b) the
following:
‘‘18 U.S.C. 2251(c)
2G2.1’’;
in the line referenced to 18 U.S.C.
2251(c)(1)(A) by striking ‘‘(c)’’ and
inserting ‘‘(d)’’;
in the line referenced to 18 U.S.C.
2251(c)(1)(B) by striking ‘‘(c)’’ and
inserting ‘‘(d)’’;
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in the line referenced to 18 U.S.C.
2252A by inserting ‘‘(a), (b)’’ after
‘‘2252A’’;
by inserting before the line referenced to
18 U.S.C. 2252B the following:
‘‘18 U.S.C. 2252A(g)
2G2.6’’;
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES2
and in the line referenced to 42 U.S.C.
3611(f) by striking ‘‘(f)’’ and inserting
‘‘(c)’’.
Reason for Amendment: This multipart amendment makes various
technical and conforming changes to the
guidelines.
The amendment addresses several
cases in which the Guidelines Manual
refers to a guideline, or to a statute or
rule, but the reference has become
incorrect or obsolete. First, it makes
technical changes in § 1B1.8 (Use of
Certain Information) to address the fact
that provisions that had been contained
in subsection (e)(6) of Rule 11 of the
Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure are
now contained in subsection (f) of that
rule. Second, it makes a technical
change in § 2J1.1 (Contempt),
Application Note 3, to address the fact
that the provision that had been
contained in subsection (b)(7)(C) of
§ 2B1.1 (Larceny, Embezzlement, and
Other Forms of Theft; Offenses
Involving Stolen Property; Property
Damage or Destruction; Fraud and
Deceit; Forgery; Offenses Involving
Altered or Counterfeit Instruments
Other than Counterfeit Bearer
Obligations of the United States)) is now
contained in subsection (b)(8)(C) of that
guideline. Third, it makes a technical
change in § 4B1.2 (Definitions of Terms
Used in Section 4B1.1), Application
Note 1, to address the fact that the
offense that had been contained in
subsection (d)(1) of 21 U.S.C. 841 is now
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18:51 May 07, 2009
Jkt 217001
contained in subsection (c)(1) of that
section. Fourth, it makes technical
changes in § 5C1.2 (Limitation on
Applicability of Statutory Minimum
Sentences in Certain Cases), Application
Note 8, to address the fact that
subsections (c)(1) and (c)(3) of Rule 32
of the Federal Rules of Criminal
Procedure are now contained in
subsections (f) and (i) of that rule. Fifth,
it makes a technical change to the
Commentary in § 5D1.2 (Term of
Supervised Release) to address the fact
that the provision that had been
contained in subsection (b) of § 5D1.2 is
now contained in subsection (c) of that
guideline. Sixth, it makes a technical
change in Appendix A (Statutory Index)
to address the fact that the offense that
had been contained in subsection (f) of
42 U.S.C. 3611 is now contained in
subsection (c) of that section.
The amendment also resolves certain
technical issues that have arisen in the
Guidelines Manual with respect to child
pornography offenses. First, it makes
technical changes to the Commentary in
§ 2G2.1 (Sexually Exploiting a Minor by
Production of Sexually Explicit Visual
or Printed Material; Custodian
Permitting Minor to Engage in Sexually
Explicit Conduct; Advertisement for
Minors to Engage in Production) to more
accurately indicate which offenses
under 18 U.S.C. 2251 are referenced to
§ 2G2.1. Second, it makes technical
changes to the Commentary in § 2G2.2
(Trafficking in Material Involving the
Sexual Exploitation of a Minor;
Receiving, Transporting, Shipping,
Soliciting, or Advertising Material
Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a
Minor; Possessing Material Involving
the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor with
Intent to Traffic; Possessing Material
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21761
Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a
Minor) to address the fact that offenses
under 18 U.S.C. 2252A(g) are now
covered by § 2G2.6 (Child Exploitation
Enterprises) (see Appendix C to the
Guidelines Manual, Amendment 701),
while offenses under section 2252A(a)
and (b) continue to be covered by
§ 2G2.2. Third, it makes a technical
change to the Commentary in § 2G2.3
(Selling or Buying of Children for Use
in the Production of Pornography) to
address the fact that the statutory
minimum sentence for a defendant
convicted under 18 U.S.C. 2251A is now
30 years imprisonment. Fourth, it makes
technical changes in subsection (c)(1) of
§ 2G3.1 (Importing, Mailing, or
Transporting Obscene Matter;
Transferring Obscene Matter to a Minor;
Misleading Domain Names) to address
the fact that § 2G2.4 no longer exists,
having been consolidated into § 2G2.2
effective November 1, 2004 (see
Appendix C to the Guidelines Manual,
Amendment 664). Fifth, it makes a
technical change in Appendix A
(Statutory Index) to address the fact that
the offenses that had been contained in
subsections (c)(1)(A) and (c)(1)(B) of 18
U.S.C. 2251 are now contained in
subsections (d)(1)(A) and (d)(1)(B) of
that section. In doing so, it also provides
the appropriate reference for the offense
that is now contained in subsection (c)
of that section. Sixth, it makes a
technical change in Appendix A
(Statutory Index) to address the fact that
offenses under section 2252A(g) are now
covered by § 2G2.6, while offenses
under section 2252A(a) and (b) continue
to be covered by § 2G2.2.
[FR Doc. E9–10737 Filed 5–7–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 2211–01–P
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 88 (Friday, May 8, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21750-21761]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-10737]
[[Page 21749]]
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Part II
United States Sentencing Commission
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Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts; Notice
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 88 / Friday, May 8, 2009 / Notices
[[Page 21750]]
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UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION
Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts
AGENCY: United States Sentencing Commission.
ACTION: Notice of submission to Congress of amendments to the
sentencing guidelines effective November 1, 2009.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Pursuant to its authority under 28 U.S.C. 994(p), the
Commission has promulgated amendments to the sentencing guidelines,
policy statements, commentary, and statutory index. This notice sets
forth the amendments and the reason for each amendment.
DATES: The Commission has specified an effective date of November 1,
2009, for the amendments set forth in this notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Courlander, Public Affairs
Officer, 202-502-4590. The amendments set forth in this notice also may
be accessed through the Commission's Web site at https://www.ussc.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The United States Sentencing Commission is
an independent agency in the judicial branch of the United States
Government. The Commission promulgates sentencing guidelines and policy
statements for federal sentencing courts pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 994(a).
The Commission also periodically reviews and revises previously
promulgated guidelines pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 994(o) and generally
submits guideline amendments to Congress pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 994(p)
not later than the first day of May each year. Absent action of
Congress to the contrary, submitted amendments become effective by
operation of law on the date specified by the Commission (generally
November 1 of the year in which the amendments are submitted to
Congress).
Notice of proposed amendments was published in the Federal Register
on January 27, 2009 (see 74 FR 4802). The Commission held a public
hearing on the proposed amendments in Washington, DC, on March 17-18,
2009. On May 1, 2009, the Commission submitted these amendments to
Congress and specified an effective date of November 1, 2009.
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 994(a), (o), and (p); USSC Rule of
Practice and Procedure 4.1.
Ricardo H. Hinojosa,
Acting Chair.
1. Amendment: Section 2B1.1(b) is amended by redesignating
subdivisions (15) and (16) as subdivisions (16) and (17); and by
inserting after subdivision (14) the following:
``(15) If (A) the defendant was convicted of an offense under 18
U.S.C. 1030, and the offense involved an intent to obtain personal
information, or (B) the offense involved the unauthorized public
dissemination of personal information, increase by 2 levels.''.
Section 2B1.1(b) is amended in subdivision (16), as redesignated by
this amendment, by striking ``(I)'' after ``involved''; by striking ``;
or (II) an intent to obtain personal information'' after ``security'';
and by striking ``(i)'' after ``(5)(A)''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2B1.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 1 by inserting after the paragraph that begins ``
`Foreign instrumentality' '' the following:
`` `Means of identification' has the meaning given that term in
18 U.S.C. 1028(d)(7), except that such means of identification shall
be of an actual (i.e., not fictitious) individual, other than the
defendant or a person for whose conduct the defendant is accountable
under Sec. 1B1.3 (Relevant Conduct).'';
and by inserting after the paragraph that begins `` `National cemetery'
'' the following:
`` `Personal information' means sensitive or private information
involving an identifiable individual (including such information in
the possession of a third party), including (i) medical records;
(ii) wills; (iii) diaries; (iv) private correspondence, including e-
mail; (v) financial records; (vi) photographs of a sensitive or
private nature; or (vii) similar information.''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2B1.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 3(C) in subdivision (i) by inserting ``, copied,''
after ``taken''; by redesignating subdivisions (ii) through (v) as
subdivisions (iii) through (vi); and by inserting after subdivision (i)
the following:
``(ii) In the case of proprietary information (e.g., trade
secrets), the cost of developing that information or the reduction
in the value of that information that resulted from the offense.''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2B1.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 4 by adding at the end the following:
``(E) Cases Involving Means of Identification.--For purposes of
subsection (b)(2), in a case involving means of identification
`victim' means (i) any victim as defined in Application Note 1; or
(ii) any individual whose means of identification was used
unlawfully or without authority.''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2B1.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 9(A) by striking the paragraph that begins `` `Means of
identification' ''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2B1.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 13 by striking ``(15)'' and inserting ``(16)'' each
place it appears; by striking the paragraph that begins `` `Personal
information' ''; and by inserting ``(A)'' before ``(iii)'' each place
it appears.
The Commentary to Sec. 2B1.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 14 by striking ``(b)(16)'' and inserting ``(b)(17)''
each place it appears.
The Commentary to Sec. 2B1.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 19(B) by striking ``(15)'' and inserting ``(16)(A)''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2B1.1 captioned ``Background'' is amended
by inserting after the paragraph that begins ``Subsection
(b)(14)(B)(i)'' the following:
``Subsection (b)(15) implements the directive in section 209 of
Public Law 110-326.'';
and in the paragraph that begins ``Subsection (b)(15)'' by striking
``(15)'' and inserting ``(16)'' each place it appears.
The Commentary to Sec. 2H3.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 4 by striking ``Definitions.--For purposes of
subsection (b)(2)(B):'' and inserting ``Definitions.--For purposes of
this guideline:''; and by inserting after the paragraph that begins ``
`Interactive computer service' '' the following:
`` `Means of identification' has the meaning given that term in
18 U.S.C. Sec. 1028(d)(7), except that such means of identification
shall be of an actual (i.e., not fictitious) individual, other than
the defendant or a person for whose conduct the defendant is
accountable under Sec. 1B1.3 (Relevant Conduct).
`Personal information' means sensitive or private information
involving an identifiable individual (including such information in
the possession of a third party), including (i) medical records;
(ii) wills; (iii) diaries; (iv) private correspondence, including e-
mail; (v) financial records; (vi) photographs of a sensitive or
private nature; or (vii) similar information.''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2H3.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 5(i) by inserting ``personal information, means of
identification,'' after ``offense involved''; and by inserting a comma
before ``or tax''.
The Commentary to Sec. 3B1.3 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 2(B) by inserting ``, transfer, or issue'' after ``in
order to obtain''.
Reason for Amendment: This multi-part amendment responds to the
directive in section 209 of the Identity
[[Page 21751]]
Theft Enforcement and Restitution Act of 2008, Title II of Public Law
110-326 (the ``Act''), and addresses other related issues arising from
case law. Section 209(a) of the Act directed the Commission to--review
its guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of
offenses under sections 1028, 1028A, 1030, 2511, and 2701 of title 18,
United States Code, and any other relevant provisions of law, in order
to reflect the intent of Congress that such penalties be increased in
comparison to those currently provided by such guidelines and policy
statements.
The Act further required the Commission, in determining the
appropriate sentence for the above referenced offenses, to consider the
extent to which the guidelines and policy statements adequately account
for 13 factors listed in section 209(b) of the Act.
In response to the congressional directive, the amendment increases
penalties provided by the applicable guidelines and policy statements
by adding a new enhancement and a new upward departure provision. In
addition, the amendment expands both the definition of ``victim'' and
the factors to be considered in the calculation of loss; each of these
expansions may, in an appropriate case, increase penalties in
comparison to those provided prior to the amendment.
First, the amendment adds a new two-level enhancement in Sec.
2B1.1 (Larceny, Embezzlement, and Other Forms of Theft; Offenses
Involving Stolen Property; Property Damage or Destruction; Fraud and
Deceit; Forgery; Offenses Involving Altered or Counterfeit Instruments
Other than Counterfeit Bearer Obligations of the United States). The
new enhancement, which addresses offenses involving personal
information, is at subsection (b)(15). An existing enhancement, which
addresses offenses under 18 U.S.C. 1030 (i.e., computer crimes), was at
subsection (b)(15) but has been redesignated as subsection (b)(16).
The new enhancement for offenses involving personal information
applies if (A) the defendant was convicted of an offense under 18
U.S.C. 1030 and the offense involved an intent to obtain personal
information, or (B) the offense involved the unauthorized public
dissemination of personal information. The ``(A)'' prong of the new
personal information enhancement had been a prong of the existing
computer crime enhancement, but the tiered structure of that
enhancement was such that if a computer crime involved both an intent
to obtain personal information and another harm (such as an intrusion
into a government computer, an intent to cause damage, or a disruption
of a critical infrastructure), only the greatest applicable increase
would apply. The amendment responds to concerns that a case involving
those other harms is different in kind from a case involving an intent
to obtain personal information. Moving the intent to obtain personal
information prong out of the computer crime enhancement and into the
new enhancement ensures that a defendant convicted under section 1030
receives an incremental increase in punishment if the offense involved
both an intent to obtain personal information and another harm
addressed by the computer crime enhancement. The ``(B)'' prong of the
new personal information enhancement ensures that any defendant,
regardless of the statute of conviction, receives an additional
incremental increase in punishment if the offense involved the
unauthorized public dissemination of personal information. This prong
accounts for the greater harm to privacy caused by such an offense.
Second, the amendment amends the Commentary to Sec. 2B1.1 to
provide that, for purposes of the victims table in subsection (b)(2),
an individual whose means of identification was used unlawfully or
without authority is considered a ``victim.'' The Commentary to Sec.
2B1.1 in Application Note 1 defines ``victim'' in pertinent part to
mean ``any person who sustained any part of the actual loss determined
under subsection (b)(1)''. An identity theft case may involve an
individual whose means of identification was taken and used but who was
fully reimbursed by a third party (e.g., a bank or credit card
company). Some courts have held that such an individual is not counted
as a ``victim'' for purposes of the victims table at Sec. 2B1.1(b)(2).
See United States v. Kennedy, 554 F.3d 415 (3d Cir. 2009) (discussing
various cases addressing this issue, including United States v.
Armstead, 552 F.3d 769 (9th Cir. 2008); United States v. Abiodun, 536
F.3d 162 (2d Cir. 2008); United States v. Connor, 537 F.3d 480 (5th
Cir. 2008); United States v. Icaza, 492 F.3d 967 (8th Cir. 2007);
United States v. Lee, 427 F.3d 881 (11th Cir. 2005); and United States
v. Yagar, 404 F.3d 967 (6th Cir. 2005)). The Commission determined that
such an individual should be considered a ``victim'' for purposes of
subsection (b)(2) because such an individual, even if fully reimbursed,
must often spend significant time resolving credit problems and related
issues, and such lost time may not be adequately accounted for in the
loss calculations under the guidelines. The Commission received
testimony that the incidence of data breach cases, in which large
numbers of means of identification are compromised, is increasing. This
new category of ``victim'' for purposes of subsection (b)(2) is
appropriately limited, however, to cover only those individuals whose
means of identification are actually used.
Third, the amendment makes two changes to Application Note 3(C)
regarding the calculation of loss. The first change specifies that the
estimate of loss may be based upon the fair market value of property
that is copied. This change responds to concerns that the calculation
of loss does not adequately account for a case in which an owner of
proprietary information retains possession of such information, but the
proprietary information is unlawfully copied. The amendment recognizes,
for example, that a computer crime that does not deprive the owner of
the information in the computer nonetheless may cause loss inasmuch as
it reduces the value of the information. The amendment makes clear that
in such a case the court may use the fair market value of the copied
property to estimate loss. The second change adds a new provision to
Application Note 3(C) specifying that, in a case involving proprietary
information (e.g., trade secrets), the court may estimate loss using
the cost of developing that information or the reduction in the value
of that information that resulted from the offense. The new provision
responds to concerns that the guidelines did not adequately explain how
to estimate loss in a case involving proprietary information such as
trade secrets.
Fourth, the amendment moves the definitions of ``means of
identification'' and ``personal information'' to Application Note 1,
and clarifies that for information to be considered ``personal
information,'' it must involve information of an identifiable
individual.
Fifth, the amendment amends Sec. 2H3.1 (Interception of
Communications; Eavesdropping; Disclosure of Certain Private or
Protected Information) to provide that an upward departure may be
warranted in a case in which the offense involved personal information
or means of identification of a substantial number of individuals. As a
conforming change, in Application Note 4 the amendment adds definitions
of ``means of identification'' and ``personal information'' that are
identical to the definitions of those terms in Sec. 2B1.1. The
departure provision responds to concerns that the guideline may not
[[Page 21752]]
adequately account for the rare wiretapping offense that involves a
substantial number of victims.
Sixth, the amendment clarifies Application Note 2(B) of Sec. 3B1.3
(Abuse of Position of Trust or Use of Special Skill). The first
sentence of Application Note 2(B) specifies that an adjustment under
Sec. 3B1.3 shall apply to a defendant who exceeds or abuses his or her
authority to ``obtain'' or ``use'' a means of identification. The
second sentence then provides, as an example of such a defendant, an
employee of a state motor vehicle department who exceeds or abuses his
or her authority by ``issuing'' a means of identification. To make the
two sentences consistent, the amendment clarifies the first sentence so
that it expressly applies not only to obtaining or using a means of
identification, but also to issuing or transferring a means of
identification.
Finally, the amendment makes several technical changes. In
particular, it corrects several places in the Guidelines Manual that
erroneously refer to subsection ``(b)(15)(iii)'' of Sec. 2B1.1; the
reference should be to subsection (b)(15)(A)(iii) (redesignated by the
amendment as (b)(16)(A)(iii)). Also, it conforms a statutory reference
in Sec. 2B1.1(b)(15)(A)(ii) (redesignated by the amendment as
(b)(16)(A)(ii)), which refers to 18 U.S.C. 1030(a)(5)(A)(i); the Act
redesignated this statute as 18 U.S.C. 1030(a)(5)(A).
The Commission determined that certain factors listed in the
directive are adequately accounted for by existing provisions in the
Guidelines Manual. See, e.g., Sec. Sec. 2B1.1(b)(1), (b)(9)(C),
(b)(13), (b)(16) (as redesignated by the amendment); 2B2.3(b)(1),
(b)(3); 2B3.2(b)(3)(B); 2H3.1(b)(1)(B); and 3B1.4 (Using a Minor To
Commit a Crime)).
2. Amendment: Section 2D1.1(a) is amended by redesignating
subdivision (3) as subdivision (5); and by inserting after subdivision
(2) the following:
``(3) 30, if the defendant is convicted under 21 U.S.C.
841(b)(1)(E) or 21 U.S.C. 960(b)(5), and the offense of conviction
establishes that death or serious bodily injury resulted from the
use of the substance and that the defendant committed the offense
after one or more prior convictions for a similar offense; or
(4) 26, if the defendant is convicted under 21 U.S.C.
841(b)(1)(E) or 21 U.S.C. 960(b)(5), and the offense of conviction
establishes that death or serious bodily injury resulted from the
use of the substance; or''.
Section 2D1.1(c)(5) is amended by inserting ``700,000 or more units
of Schedule III Hydrocodone;'' after the line referenced to ``Schedule
I or II Depressants''.
Section 2D1.1(c)(6) is amended by inserting ``At least 400,000 but
less than 700,000 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;'' after the line
referenced to ``Schedule I or II Depressants''.
Section 2D1.1(c)(7) is amended by inserting ``At least 100,000 but
less than 400,000 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;'' after the line
referenced to ``Schedule I or II Depressants''.
Section 2D1.1(c)(8) is amended by inserting ``At least 80,000 but
less than 100,000 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;'' after the line
referenced to ``Schedule I or II Depressants''.
Section 2D1.1(c)(9) is amended by inserting ``At least 60,000 but
less than 80,000 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;'' after the line
referenced to ``Schedule I or II Depressants''.
Section 2D1.1(c)(10) is amended by inserting ``At least 40,000 but
less than 60,000 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;'' after the line
referenced to ``Schedule I or II Depressants''; and by inserting ``or
Hydrocodone'' after ``(except Ketamine''.
Section 2D1.1(c)(11) is amended by inserting ``At least 20,000 but
less than 40,000 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;'' after the line
referenced to ``Schedule I or II Depressants''; and by inserting ``or
Hydrocodone'' after ``(except Ketamine''.
Section 2D1.1(c)(12) is amended by inserting ``At least 10,000 but
less than 20,000 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;'' after the line
referenced to ``Schedule I or II Depressants''; and by inserting ``or
Hydrocodone'' after ``(except Ketamine''.
Section 2D1.1(c)(13) is amended by inserting ``At least 5,000 but
less than 10,000 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;'' after the line
referenced to ``Schedule I or II Depressants''; and by inserting ``or
Hydrocodone'' after ``(except Ketamine''.
Section 2D1.1(c)(14) is amended by inserting ``At least 2,500 but
less than 5,000 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;'' after the line
referenced to ``Schedule I or II Depressants''; and by inserting ``or
Hydrocodone'' after ``(except Ketamine''.
Section 2D1.1(c)(15) is amended by inserting ``At least 1,000 but
less than 2,500 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;'' after the line
referenced to ``Schedule I or II Depressants''; and by inserting ``or
Hydrocodone'' after ``(except Ketamine''.
Section 2D1.1(c)(16) is amended by inserting ``At least 250 but
less than 1,000 units of Schedule III Hydrocodone;'' after the line
referenced to ``Schedule I or II Depressants''; and by inserting ``or
Hydrocodone'' after ``(except Ketamine''.
Section 2D1.1(c)(17) is amended by inserting ``Less than 250 units
of Schedule III Hydrocodone;'' after the line referenced to ``Schedule
I or II Depressants''; and by inserting ``or Hydrocodone'' after
``(except Ketamine''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2D1.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 10(E) in the subdivision captioned ``Schedule III
Substances (except ketamine)'' by inserting in the heading ``and
hydrocodone'' after ``(except ketamine''; and in the sentence that
begins ``***Provided'' by inserting ``(except ketamine and
hydrocodone)'' after ``Schedule III substances''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2D1.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 10(E) by inserting after the subdivision captioned
``Schedule III Substances (except ketamine)'' the following
subdivision:
``Schedule III Hydrocodone****
1 unit of Schedule III hydrocodone = 1 gm of marihuana
****Provided, that the combined equivalent weight of all
Schedule III substances (except ketamine), Schedule IV substances
(except flunitrazepam), and Schedule V substances shall not exceed
999.99 kilograms of marihuana.''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2D1.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 10(E) in the subdivision captioned ``Schedule IV
Substances (except flunitrazepam)'' by inserting an additional asterisk
after ``****'' each place it appears.
The Commentary to Sec. 2D1.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 10(E) in the subdivision captioned ``Schedule V
Substances'' by inserting an additional asterisk after ``*****'' each
place it appears.
The Commentary to Sec. 2D1.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 10(E) in the subdivision captioned ``List I Chemicals
(relating to the manufacture of amphetamine or methamphetamine)'' by
inserting an additional asterisk after ``******'' each place it
appears.
Section 2D3.1 is amended in the heading by striking ``Schedule I''
and inserting ``Scheduled''.
Appendix A (Statutory Index) is amended by inserting after the line
referenced to 21 U.S.C. 841(g) the following:
``21 U.S.C. 841(h) 2D1.1''.
Reason for Amendment: This amendment responds to the Ryan Haight
Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008, Public Law 110-425
(the ``Act'').
The Act amended the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et
seq.) to
[[Page 21753]]
create two new offenses involving controlled substances, increased the
statutory maximum terms of imprisonment for all Schedule III and IV
controlled substance offenses and for second and subsequent Schedule V
controlled substance offenses, and added a sentencing enhancement for
Schedule III controlled substance offenses in a case in which ``death
or serious bodily injury results from the use of such substance''. The
Act also included a directive to the Commission that states:
The United States Sentencing Commission, in determining whether to
amend, or establish new, guidelines or policy statements, to conform
the Federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements to this Act and
the amendments made by this Act, should not construe any change in the
maximum penalty for a violation involving a controlled substance in a
particular schedule as being the sole reason to amend, or establish a
new, guideline or policy statement.
First, the amendment addresses the sentencing enhancement added by
the Act, which applies when the offense involved a Schedule III
controlled substance and death or serious bodily injury resulted from
the use of such substance. The statutory enhancement provides a maximum
term of imprisonment of 15 years, or 30 years if the violation is
committed after a prior conviction for a felony drug offense. See 21
U.S.C. 841(b)(1)(E), 960(b)(5). The amendment addresses the statutory
enhancement by amending Sec. 2D1.1 (Unlawful Manufacturing, Importing,
Exporting, or Trafficking (Including Possession with Intent to Commit
These Offenses); Attempt or Conspiracy) to provide two new alternative
base offense levels at subsections (a)(3) and (a)(4) for offenses
involving Schedule III controlled substances in which death or injury
results that are comparable to the alternative base offense levels at
subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2) for offenses involving Schedule I and II
controlled substances in which death or injury results. To reflect the
harms involved in these offenses and the criminal histories of repeat
drug offenders, the alternative base offense levels are set at level 30
if the defendant committed the offense after one or more prior
convictions for a similar offense and level 26 otherwise.
Second, the amendment modifies the Drug Quantity Table in Sec.
2D1.1 to increase the maximum base offense level for offenses involving
Schedule III hydrocodone from level 20 to level 30, without modifying
any other offense level. The amendment extends the Drug Quantity Table
for Schedule III hydrocodone offenses to level 30 using the existing
marihuana equivalency (i.e., 1 pill of Schedule III hydrocodone = 1
gram of marihuana). The Commission determined that a maximum base
offense level of 30 is appropriate for Schedule III hydrocodone
offenses because of data and testimony indicating a relatively high
prevalence of misuse (when compared to other, non-marihuana drugs of
abuse), an increasing number of emergency room visits involving this
drug, and the very large volume of hydrocodone pills illicitly
distributed, either over the Internet or in specialized pain clinics.
Finally, the amendment addresses the two new offenses created by
the Act. The first new offense, at 21 U.S.C. 841(h), prohibits the
delivery, distribution, or dispensing of controlled substances over the
Internet without a valid prescription. The applicable statutory maximum
term of imprisonment depends on the controlled substance involved. The
amendment amends Appendix A (Statutory Index) to reference 21 U.S.C.
841(h) to Sec. 2D1.1 because distribution of a controlled substance is
an element of the offense. That guideline also is appropriate because
it includes an enhancement at subsection (b)(6) that provides a two-
level increase in a case in which ``a person distributes a controlled
substance through mass-marketing by means of an interactive computer
service'' (e.g., sale of a controlled substance by means of the
Internet).
The second new offense, at 21 U.S.C. 843(c)(2)(A), prohibits the
use of the Internet to advertise for sale a controlled substance and
has a statutory maximum term of imprisonment of four years. Offenses
under 21 U.S.C. 843(c) already are referenced in Appendix A (Statutory
Index) to Sec. 2D3.1 (Regulatory Offenses Involving Registration
Numbers; Unlawful Advertising Relating to Schedule I Substances;
Attempt or Conspiracy). The amendment modifies the title of that
guideline to indicate that it covers any scheduled controlled
substance.
3. Amendment: Section 2D1.1(b)(2) is amended by striking ``or''
before ``(B)''; and by inserting ``a submersible vessel or semi-
submersible vessel as described in 18 U.S.C. 2285 was used, or ``(C)''
after ``(B)''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2D1.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 8 in the paragraph that begins ``Note, however'' by
striking ``(B)'' and inserting ``(C)''.
Chapter Two, Part X, Subpart 7 is amended in the heading by adding
at the end ``AND SUBMERSIBLE AND SEMI-SUBMERSIBLE VESSELS''.
Chapter Two, Part X, Subpart 7 is amended by adding at the end the
following guideline and accompanying commentary:
``Sec. 2X7.2. Submersible and Semi-Submersible Vessels
(a) Base Offense Level: 26
(b) Specific Offense Characteristic
(1) (Apply the greatest) If the offense involved--
(A) a failure to heave to when directed by law enforcement
officers, increase by 2 levels;
(B) an attempt to sink the vessel, increase by 4 levels; or
(C) the sinking of the vessel, increase by 8 levels.
Commentary
Statutory Provision: 18 U.S.C. 2285.
Application Note:
1. Upward Departure Provisions.--An upward departure may be
warranted in any of the following cases:
(A) The defendant engaged in a pattern of activity involving use
of a submersible vessel or semi-submersible vessel described in 18
U.S.C. 2285 to facilitate other felonies.
(B) The offense involved use of the vessel as part of an ongoing
criminal organization or enterprise.
Background: This guideline implements the directive to the
Commission in section 103 of Public Law 110-407.''.
Appendix A (Statutory Index) is amended by inserting after the line
referenced to 18 U.S.C. 2284 the following:
``18 U.S.C. 2285 2X7.2''.
Reason for Amendment: This amendment responds to the Drug
Trafficking Vessel Interdiction Act of 2008, Public Law 110-407 (the
``Act''). The Act created a new offense at 18 U.S.C. 2285 making it
unlawful to operate, attempt or conspire to operate, or embark in an
unflagged submersible or semi-submersible vessel in international
waters with the intent to evade detection. Section 103 of the Act
directed the Commission to amend the guidelines, or promulgate new
guidelines, to provide adequate penalties for persons convicted of
offenses under 18 U.S.C. 2285 and included a list of circumstances for
the Commission to consider.
First, the amendment amends Sec. 2D1.1 (Unlawful Manufacturing,
Importing, Exporting, or Trafficking (Including Possession with Intent
to Commit These Offenses); Attempt or Conspiracy) by expanding the
scope of the specific offense characteristic at subsection (b)(2) to
apply if a submersible or semi-submersible vessel was used in a drug
importation offense. The Commission determined that a drug importation
offense involving the use of a
[[Page 21754]]
submersible or semi-submersible vessel poses similar risks and harms as
a drug importation offense involving an unscheduled aircraft (which
subsection (b)(2) already covers). The amendment also makes a
conforming change to a reference in Application Note 8.
Second, the amendment creates a new guideline at Sec. 2X7.2
(Submersible and Semi-Submersible Vessels) for the new offense at 18
U.S.C. 2285. The new guideline provides a base offense level of 26 and
includes a tiered specific offense characteristic and upward departure
provisions to address certain aggravating circumstances listed in the
directive. Public testimony indicates that submersible and semi-
submersible vessels to date have been used for the purpose of
transporting drugs. Such conduct receives a minimum offense level of 26
under Sec. 2D1.1(b)(2), discussed above, regardless of the type or
quantity of drug involved in the offense. The Commission determined
that a base offense level of 26 in Sec. 2X7.2 for an offense under
section 2285 would be appropriate to promote proportionality.
The specific offense characteristic in Sec. 2X7.2 provides a two-
level enhancement for failing to heave to, a four-level enhancement for
attempting to sink the vessel, and an eight-level enhancement for
sinking the vessel; the greatest applicable enhancement applies.
Offenses involving such conduct are more serious because they create
greater risk of harm to the crew of the illegal vessel and the
interdicting law enforcement personnel, particularly in a case in which
the illegal vessel is sunk and its crew must be rescued. In addition,
sinking the vessel destroys evidence of illegal activity. The upward
departure provisions provide that an upward departure may be warranted
if the defendant engaged in a pattern of activity involving the use of
a submersible or semi-submersible vessel, or if the offense involved
the use of the vessel as a part of an ongoing criminal organization or
criminal enterprise.
Third, the amendment amends Appendix A (Statutory Index) to
reference 18 U.S.C. 2285 to Sec. 2X7.2.
4. Amendment: Section 2A6.1(b) is amended by redesignating
subdivision (5) as subdivision (6); by inserting after subdivision (4)
the following:
``(5) If the defendant (A) is convicted under 18 U.S.C. 115, (B)
made a public threatening communication, and (C) knew or should have
known that the public threatening communication created a
substantial risk of inciting others to violate 18 U.S.C. 115,
increase by 2 levels.'';
and in subdivision (6), as redesignated by this amendment, by
striking ``and (4)'' and inserting ``(4), and (5)''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2A6.1 captioned ``Background'' is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``Subsection (b)(5) implements, in a broader form, the directive
to the Commission in section 209 of the Court Security Improvement
Act of 2007, Public Law 110-177.''.
Appendix A (Statutory Index) is amended in the line referenced to
18 U.S.C. 1513 by inserting ``2A1.1, 2A1.2, 2A1.3, 2A2.1, 2A2.2, 2A2.3,
2B1.1,'' before ``2J1.2''.
Reason for Amendment: This amendment responds to the Court Security
Improvement Act of 2007, Public Law 110-177 (the ``Act''), and other
related issues.
First, the amendment responds to the directive in section 209 of
the Act, which required the Commission to review the guidelines
applicable to threats punishable under 18 U.S.C. 115 (Influencing,
impeding, or retaliating against a Federal official by threatening or
injuring a family member) that occur over the Internet, and determine
``whether and by how much that circumstance should aggravate the
punishment pursuant to section 994 of title 28, United States Code.''
The directive further required the Commission to consider the number of
such threats made, the intended number of recipients of such threats,
and whether the initial senders of such threats were acting in an
individual capacity or as part of a larger group.
The amendment implements the directive by amending Sec. 2A6.1
(Threatening or Harassing Communications; Hoaxes; False Liens) to
provide a new two-level enhancement for a case in which the defendant
is convicted under 18 U.S.C. 115, made a public threatening
communication, and knew or should have known that the public
threatening communication created a substantial risk of inciting others
to violate 18 U.S.C. 115. The Commission determined that the policy
concerns underlying the directive regarding threats occurring over the
Internet apply equally to threats made public by other means (e.g.,
radio, television broadcast) and that the response to the directive
therefore should be technology neutral. The threat guideline, Sec.
2A6.1, adequately accounts for offenses involving multiple threats and
multiple victims through the existing specific offense characteristic
at subsection (b)(2) and the upward departure provision in Application
Note 4.
Second, the amendment amends Appendix A (Statutory Index) to add
references for 18 U.S.C. 1513 (Retaliating against a witness, victim,
or an informant) to Sec. Sec. 2A1.1 (First Degree Murder), 2A1.2
(Second Degree Murder), 2A1.3 (Voluntary Manslaughter), 2A2.1 (Assault
with Intent to Commit Murder; Attempted Murder), 2A2.2 (Aggravated
Assault), 2A2.3 (Minor Assault), and 2B1.1 (Larceny, Embezzlement, and
Other Forms of Theft; Offenses Involving Stolen Property; Property
Damage or Destruction; Fraud and Deceit; Forgery; Offenses Involving
Altered or Counterfeit Instruments Other than Counterfeit Bearer
Obligations of the United States), in addition to Sec. 2J1.2
(Obstruction of Justice). The additional references more adequately
reflect the range of conduct covered by 18 U.S.C. 1513, including
killing or attempting to kill a witness, causing bodily injury to a
witness, and damaging the tangible property of a witness. In addition,
18 U.S.C. 1512 (Tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant),
which covers a similar range of conduct, including killing or
attempting to kill a witness and using physical force against a
witness, is referenced to the same Chapter Two, Part A guidelines.
5. Amendment: Section 2H4.1(a) is amended by striking ``(Apply the
greater)'' after ``Offense Level''; and by striking subdivision (2) and
inserting the following:
``(2) 18, if (A) the defendant was convicted of an offense under
18 U.S.C. 1592, or (B) the defendant was convicted of an offense
under 18 U.S.C. 1593A based on an act in violation of 18 U.S.C.
1592.''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2H4.1 captioned ``Statutory Provisions''
is amended by inserting ``, 1593A'' after ``1592''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2H4.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``4. In a case in which the defendant was convicted under 18
U.S.C. 1589(b) or 1593A, a downward departure may be warranted if
the defendant benefitted from participating in a venture described
in those sections without knowing that (i.e., in reckless disregard
of the fact that) the venture had engaged in the criminal activity
described in those sections.''.
Section 2L1.1(b) is amended by striking subdivision (8) and
inserting the following:
``(8) (Apply the greater):
(A) If an alien was involuntarily detained through coercion or
threat, or in connection with a demand for payment, (i) after the
alien was smuggled into the United States; or (ii) while the alien
was transported or harbored in the United States, increase by 2
levels. If
[[Page 21755]]
the resulting offense level is less than level 18, increase to level
18.
(B) If (i) the defendant was convicted of alien harboring, (ii)
the alien harboring was for the purpose of prostitution, and (iii)
the defendant receives an adjustment under Sec. 3B1.1 (Aggravating
Role), increase by 2 levels, but if the alien engaging in the
prostitution had not attained the age of 18 years, increase by 6
levels.''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2L1.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 6 by inserting ``(A)'' after ``(b)(8)''.
Appendix A (Statutory Index) is amended by inserting after the line
referenced to 18 U.S.C. 1350 the following:
``18 U.S.C. 1351 2B1.1'';
and by inserting after the line referenced to 18 U.S.C. 1592 the
following:
``18 U.S.C. 1593A2H4.1''.
Reason for Amendment: This amendment responds to the William
Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008,
Public Law 110-457 (the ``Act''), which included a directive to the
Commission and created two new offenses.
First, the amendment responds to the directive in section 222(g) of
the Act. It directed the Commission to--
review and, if appropriate, amend the sentencing guidelines and
policy statements applicable to persons convicted of alien harboring to
ensure conformity with the sentencing guidelines applicable to persons
convicted of promoting a commercial sex act if--
(1) the harboring was committed in furtherance of prostitution; and
(2) the defendant to be sentenced is an organizer, leader, manager,
or supervisor of the criminal activity.
The amendment amends Sec. 2L1.1 (Smuggling, Transporting, or
Harboring an Unlawful Alien) to provide an alternative prong to the
enhancement at subsection (b)(8), which covers cases in which an alien
was involuntarily detained through coercion or threat, or in connection
with a demand for payment. The new alternative prong, at subsection
(b)(8)(B), applies in a case in which the defendant was convicted of
alien harboring, the alien harboring was for the purpose of
prostitution, and the defendant receives an adjustment under Sec.
3B1.1 (Aggravating Role). In such a case, a two-level increase applies,
but if the alien engaging in the prostitution had not attained the age
of 18 years, a six-level increase applies. Because this is an
alternative enhancement, it does not apply if the enhancement for
coercion at Sec. 2L1.1(b)(8)(A) is greater.
The amendment also amends Application Note 6 to provide that, while
an adjustment under Sec. 3A1.3 (Restraint of Victim) does not apply in
a case that receives an enhancement under Sec. 2L1.1(b)(8)(A), such an
adjustment may apply in a case that receives an enhancement under Sec.
2L1.1(b)(8)(B).
Second, the amendment responds to a new offense created by the Act,
18 U.S.C. 1351 (Fraud in foreign labor contracting). The new offense
has a statutory maximum term of imprisonment of five years. Because
this new offense has fraud as an element, the amendment references this
new offense in Appendix A (Statutory Index) to Sec. 2B1.1 (Larceny,
Embezzlement, and Other Forms of Theft; Offenses Involving Stolen
Property; Property Damage or Destruction; Fraud and Deceit; Forgery;
Offenses Involving Altered or Counterfeit Instruments Other than
Counterfeit Bearer Obligations of the United States).
Third, the amendment responds to another new offense created by the
Act, 18 U.S.C. 1593A (Benefitting financially from peonage, slavery,
and trafficking in persons). This new offense applies when a person has
knowingly benefitted financially from participating in a venture that
has engaged in a violation of 18 U.S.C. 1581(a), 1592, or 1595(a),
knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that the venture has
engaged in such violation. The amendment amends Appendix A (Statutory
Index) to reference 18 U.S.C. 1593A to Sec. 2H4.1 (Peonage,
Involuntary Servitude, and Slave Trade) because that guideline covers
the relevant underlying statutes, 18 U.S.C. 1581(a) and 1592. The
amendment also amends Sec. 2H4.1 to provide that a defendant convicted
of 18 U.S.C. 1593A receives the same base offense level as if the
defendant were convicted of committing the underlying violation.
Accordingly, if the defendant was convicted under section 1593A under
circumstances in which the defendant benefitted from participation in a
venture that engaged in a violation of 18 U.S.C. 1592, the defendant
would receive the same base offense level, 18, as if the defendant had
been convicted of 18 U.S.C. 1592. If the defendant was convicted under
section 1593A under circumstances in which the defendant benefitted
from participation in a venture that engaged in a violation of 18
U.S.C. 1581(a), the defendant would receive the same base offense
level, 22, as if the defendant had been convicted of 18 U.S.C. 1581(a).
The amendment also amends the Commentary to Sec. 2H4.1 to provide
that a downward departure may be warranted in a case in which the
defendant is convicted under 18 U.S.C. 1589(b) or 1593A if the
defendant benefitted from participating in a venture described in those
sections in reckless disregard of the fact that the venture had engaged
in the criminal activities described in those sections. This downward
departure provision recognizes that a defendant who commits such an
offense in reckless disregard of the fact that the venture engaged in
such criminal activities may be less culpable than a defendant who acts
with knowledge of that fact.
Finally, the amendment makes a technical change to Sec. 2H4.1(a)
by striking the phrase ``(Apply the greater)''.
6. Amendment: Section 2B5.1(b)(2)(B) is amended by inserting ``(ii)
genuine United States currency paper from which the ink or other
distinctive counterfeit deterrent has been completely or partially
removed;'' after ``paper;''; and by striking ``or (ii)'' and inserting
``or (iii)''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2B5.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 1 by inserting after the paragraph that begins
``Definitions.--'' the following:
`` `Counterfeit' refers to an instrument that has been falsely
made, manufactured, or altered. For example, an instrument that has
been falsely made or manufactured in its entirety is `counterfeit',
as is a genuine instrument that has been falsely altered (such as a
genuine $5 bill that has been altered to appear to be a genuine $100
bill).''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2B5.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended by striking Note 3; and by redesignating Note 4 as Note 3.
Appendix A (Statutory Index) is amended in the line referenced to
18 U.S.C. 474A by striking ``2B1.1,''; and in the line referenced to 18
U.S.C. 476 by striking ``2B1.1,''.
Reason for Amendment: This amendment amends Sec. 2B5.1 (Offenses
Involving Counterfeit Bearer Obligations of the United States) to
clarify guideline application issues regarding the sentencing of
counterfeiting offenses involving ``bleached notes.'' A bleached note
is genuine United States currency stripped of its original image
through the use of solvents or other chemicals and then reprinted to
appear to be a note of higher denomination. The amendment responds to
concerns expressed by federal judges and members of Congress regarding
which guideline should apply to offenses involving bleached notes.
Courts in different circuits have resolved differently the question
of whether an offense involving bleached notes should be sentenced
under Sec. 2B5.1 or Sec. 2B1.1 (Larceny,
[[Page 21756]]
Embezzlement, and Other Forms of Theft; Offenses Involving Stolen
Property; Property Damage or Destruction; Fraud and Deceit; Forgery;
Offenses Involving Altered or Counterfeit Instruments Other than
Counterfeit Bearer Obligations of the United States). Compare United
States v. Schreckengost, 384 F.3d 922 (7th Cir. 2004) (holding that
bleached notes should be sentenced under Sec. 2B1.1), and United
States v. Inclema, 363 F.3d 1177 (11th Cir. 2004) (same), with United
States v. Dison, 2008 WL 351935 (W.D. La. Feb. 8, 2008) (applying Sec.
2B5.1 in a case involving bleached notes), and United States v. Vice,
2008 WL 113970 (W.D. La. Jan. 3, 2008) (same).
The amendment resolves this issue by providing that an offense
involving bleached notes is sentenced under Sec. 2B5.1. The amendment
does so by deleting Application Note 3 and revising the definition of
``counterfeit'' to more closely parallel relevant counterfeiting
statutes, including 18 U.S.C. 471 (Obligations or securities of the
United States) and 472 (Uttering counterfeit obligations or
securities). It establishes a new definition at Application Note 1
providing that counterfeit ``refers to an instrument that has been
falsely made, manufactured, or altered.'' Under the new definition,
altered instruments are treated as counterfeit and sentenced under
Sec. 2B5.1. Technological advances in counterfeiting, such as
bleaching notes, have rendered obsolete the previous distinction in the
guidelines between an instrument falsely made or manufactured in its
entirety and a genuine instrument that is altered.
The amendment also adds a prong to the enhancement at subsection
(b)(2)(B) to cover a case in which the defendant controlled or
possessed genuine United States currency paper from which the ink or
other distinctive counterfeit deterrent has been completely or
partially removed. Blank or partially blank bleached notes are similar
to counterfeiting paper in how they are involved in counterfeiting
offenses. Accordingly, this new prong ensures that an offender who
controlled or possessed blank or partially blank bleached notes is
subject to the same two-level enhancement as an offender who controlled
or possessed ``counterfeiting paper similar to a distinctive paper'',
as subsection (b)(2)(B)(i) already provides.
Finally, the amendment amends Appendix A (Statutory Index) by
striking the reference to Sec. 2B1.1 for two offenses that do not
involve elements of fraud. Specifically, the amendment deletes the
reference to Sec. 2B1.1 for offenses under 18 U.S.C. 474A (Deterrents
to counterfeiting of obligations and securities) and 476 (Taking
impressions of tools used for obligations or securities).
7. Amendment: The Commentary to Sec. 2A3.2 captioned ``Application
Notes'' is amended in Note 3(B) in the paragraph that begins ``Undue
Influence'' by adding at the end ``The voluntariness of the minor's
behavior may be compromised without prohibited sexual conduct
occurring.''; by inserting after the paragraph that begins ``Undue
Influence'' the following:
``However, subsection (b)(2)(B)(ii) does not apply in a case in
which the only `minor' (as defined in Application Note 1) involved
in the offense is an undercover law enforcement officer.'';
and in the paragraph that begins ``In a case'' by striking ``, for
purposes of'' and all that follows through ``sexual conduct'' and
inserting ``that subsection (b)(2)(B)(ii) applies''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2A3.2 captioned ``Background'' is amended
by striking ``two-level'' and inserting ``four-level'' each place it
appears.
The Commentary to Sec. 2G1.3 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 3(B) in the paragraph that begins ``Undue Influence''
by adding at the end ``The voluntariness of the minor's behavior may be
compromised without prohibited sexual conduct occurring.''; by
inserting after the paragraph that begins ``Undue Influence'' the
following:
``However, subsection (b)(2)(B) does not apply in a case in
which the only `minor' (as defined in Application Note 1) involved
in the offense is an undercover law enforcement officer.'';
and in the paragraph that begins ``In a case'' by striking ``, for
purposes of'' and all that follows through ``sexual conduct'' and
inserting ``that subsection (b)(2)(B) applies''.
Reason for Amendment: This amendment addresses a circuit conflict
regarding application of the undue influence enhancement at subsection
(b)(2)(B)(ii) of Sec. 2A3.2 (Criminal Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under
the Age of Sixteen Years (Statutory Rape) or Attempt to Commit Such
Acts) and at subsection (b)(2)(B) of Sec. 2G1.3 (Promoting a
Commercial Sex Act or Prohibited Sexual Conduct with a Minor;
Transportation of Minors to Engage in a Commercial Sex Act or
Prohibited Sexual Conduct; Travel to Engage in Commercial Sex Act or
Prohibited Sexual Conduct with a Minor; Sex Trafficking of Children;
Use of Interstate Facilities to Transport Information about a Minor).
The undue influence enhancement applies if ``a participant otherwise
unduly influenced the minor to engage in prohibited sexual conduct.''
The Commentary to both guidelines states that in determining whether
the undue influence enhancement applies, ``the court should closely
consider the facts of the case to determine whether a participant's
influence over the minor compromised the voluntariness of the minor's
behavior.'' The Commentary also provides for a rebuttable presumption
of undue influence ``[i]n a case in which a participant is at least 10
years older than the minor.''
In both guidelines, the term ``minor'' is defined to include ``an
individual, whether fictitious or not, who a law enforcement officer
represented to a participant * * * could be provided for the purposes
of engaging in sexually explicit conduct'' or ``an undercover law
enforcement officer who represented to a participant that the officer
had not attained'' the age of majority.
Three circuits have expressed different views on two issues: first,
whether the undue influence enhancement can apply in a case involving
attempted sexual conduct; and second, whether the undue influence
enhancement can apply in a case in which the only minor involved is a
law enforcement officer. Compare United States v. Root, 296 F.3d 1222,
1234 (11th Cir. 2002) (holding that the undue influence enhancement in
Sec. 2A3.2 can apply in instances of attempted sexual conduct,
including a case in which the only ``victim'' involved in the case is
an undercover law enforcement officer), and United States v. Vance, 494
F.3d 985, 996 (11th Cir. 2007) (holding that the undue influence
enhancement in Sec. 2G1.3 can apply in a case in which the minor is
fictitious), with United States v. Mitchell, 353 F.3d 552, 554, 557
(7th Cir. 2003) (holding that the undue influence enhancement in Sec.
2A3.2 ``cannot apply in the case of an attempt where the victim is an
undercover police officer'', and suggesting that it cannot apply in any
case in which ``the offender and victim have not engaged in illicit
sexual conduct''), and United States v. Chriswell, 401 F.3d 459, 469
(6th Cir. 2005) (holding that the undue influence enhancement in Sec.
2A3.2 ``is not applicable in cases where the victim is an undercover
agent representing himself to be a child under the age of sixteen'' but
leaving open the possibility that it can apply in other instances of
attempted sexual conduct).
The amendment resolves the first issue by providing that the undue
[[Page 21757]]
influence enhancement can apply in a case involving attempted sexual
conduct. Specifically, the amendment amends the Commentary in
Sec. Sec. 2A3.2 and 2G1.3 to provide that ``[t]he voluntariness of the
minor's behavior may be compromised without prohibited sexual conduct
occurring.''
The amendment resolves the second issue by providing in the
Commentary to Sec. Sec. 2A3.2 and 2G1.3 that the undue influence
enhancement does not apply in a case in which the only ``minor''
involved in the offense is an undercover law enforcement officer. The
Commission determined that the undue influence enhancement should not
apply in a case involving only an undercover law enforcement officer
because, unlike other enhancements in the sex offense guidelines, the
undue influence enhancement is properly focused on the effect of the
defendant's actions on the minor's behavior.
The amendment also makes a stylistic change to the language in the
Commentary of both Sec. Sec. 2A3.2 and 2G1.3, and makes a technical
change to the Background of Sec. 2A3.2.
8. Amendment: Section 2B1.1(b)(6) is amended by striking ``or''
after ``damage to,''; and by inserting ``or trafficking in,'' after
``destruction of,''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2B1.1 captioned ``Background'' is amended
in the paragraph that begins ``Subsection (b)(6)'' by inserting ``and
the directive to the Commission in section 3 of Public Law 110-384''
after ``105-101''.
Section 2G2.1(b)(6) is amended by inserting ``or for the purpose of
transmitting such material live'' after ``explicit material''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2G2.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 1 in the paragraph that begins ```Distribution' means''
by inserting ``transmission,'' after ``production,''; and by inserting
after the paragraph that begins ```Interactive computer service''' the
following:
`` `Material' includes a visual depiction, as defined in 18 U.S.C.
2256.''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2G2.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 4 by inserting ``or for the purpose of transmitting
such material live'' after ``explicit material'' each place it appears;
and in subdivision (B) by striking ``purpose'' after ``for such'' and
inserting ``purposes''.
Section 2G2.2(a)(1) is amended by striking ``or'' after
``2252(a)(4),''; and by inserting ``, or Sec. 2252A(a)(7)'' after
``2252A(a)(5)''.
Section 2G2.2(b)(6) is amended by inserting ``or for accessing with
intent to view the material,'' after ``material,''.
Section 2G2.2(c)(1) is amended by inserting ``or for the purpose of
transmitting a live visual depiction of such conduct'' after ``such
conduct''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2G2.2 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 1 in the paragraph that begins ```Distribution' means''
by inserting ``transmission,'' after ``production,''; by inserting
after the paragraph that begins `` `Interactive computer service' ''
the following:
`` `Material' includes a visual depiction, as defined in 18
U.S.C. 2256.''; and
in the paragraph that begins `` `Sexual abuse or exploitation' '' by
inserting ``accessing with intent to view,'' after ``possession,''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2G2.2 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 2 by inserting ``access with intent to view,'' after
``possess,''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2G2.2 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 4(B)(ii) by striking ``recording'' and inserting
``visual depiction'' each place it appears.
The Commentary to Sec. 2G2.2 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 5(A) by inserting ``or for the purpose of transmitting
live any visual depiction of such conduct'' after ``such conduct''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2G2.2 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended by redesignating Note 6 as Note 7; and by inserting after Note
5 the following:
``6. Cases Involving Adapted or Modified Depictions.--If the
offense involved material that is an adapted or modified depiction
of an identifiable minor (e.g., a case in which the defendant is
convicted under 18 U.S.C. 2252A(a)(7)), the term `material involving
the sexual exploitation of a minor' includes such material.''.
Chapter Two, Part H, Subpart 4 is amended in the heading by
striking ``AND'' after ``SERVITUDE,''; and by adding at the end ``, AND
CHILD SOLDIERS''.
Section 2H4.1 is amended in the heading by striking ``and'' after
``Servitude,''; and by adding at the end ``, and Child Soldiers''.
The Commentary to Sec. 2H4.1 captioned ``Statutory Provisions'' is
amended by inserting ``, 2442'' before the period at the end.
The Commentary to Sec. 2H4.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 1 by adding at the end the following:
`` `Peonage or involuntary servitude' includes forced labor,
slavery, and recruitment or use of a child soldier.''.
Chapter Two, Part N is amended in the heading by inserting
``CONSUMER PRODUCTS,'' after ``PRODUCTS,''.
Chapter Two, Part N, Subpart 2 is amended in the heading by
striking ``AND'' after ``DRUGS,''; and by adding at the end ``, AND
CONSUMER PRODUCTS''.
Section 2N2.1 is amended in the heading by striking ``or'' after
``Cosmetic,''; and by adding at the end ``, or Consumer Product''.
Section 5B1.3(a) is amended in subdivision (2) by striking ``(B)
give notice'' and all that follows through ``or area,'' and inserting
``(B) work in community service, or (C) both, unless the court has
imposed a fine, or''; and by striking the paragraph that begins ``Note:
Section 3563(a)(2)''.
Section 5B1.3(e)(1) is amended by adding at the end ``See Sec.
5F1.1 (Community Confinement).''.
Section 5B1.3(e)(6) is amended by adding at the end ``See Sec.
5F1.8 (Intermittent Confinement).''.
Section 5C1.1(c)(2) is amended by striking the asterisk after
``confinement''.
Section 5C1.1(d)(2) is amended by striking the asterisk after
``confinement''.
The Commentary to Sec. 5C1.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 3(C) in the first sentence by striking the asterisk
after ``confinement''.
The Commentary to Sec. 5C1.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 4(B) in the first sentence by striking the asterisk
after ``confinement''.
The Commentary to Sec. 5C1.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended in Note 6 by striking the asterisk after ``confinement''.
The Commentary to Sec. 5C1.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended by striking the paragraph that begins ``*Note:'' and the
paragraph that begins ``However,''.
Section 5D1.3(e)(1) is amended by striking the asterisk after
``Confinement''; and by striking the paragraph that begins ``*Note:
Section 3583(d)'' and the paragraph that begins ``However,''.
Section 5D1.3(e) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Intermittent Confinement
Intermittent confinement (custody for intervals of time) may be
ordered as a condition of supervised release during the first year
of supervised release, but only for a violation of a condition of
supervised release in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 3583(e)(2) and only
when facilities are available. See Sec. 5F1.8 (Intermittent
Confinement).''.
Section 5F1.1 is amended by striking the asterisk after
``release.''; and by striking the paragraph that begins
[[Page 21758]]
``*Note: Section 3583(d)'' and the paragraph that begins ``However,''.
Chapter Five, Part F is amended by adding at the end the following
guideline and accompanying commentary:
``Sec. 5F1.8. Intermittent Confinement
Intermittent confinement may be imposed as a condition of
probation during the first year of probation. See 18 U.S.C.
3563(b)(10). It may be imposed as a condition of supervised release
during the first year of supervised release, but only for a
violation of a condition of supervised release in accordance with 18
U.S.C. 3583(e)(2) and only when facilities are available. See 18
U.S.C. 3583(d).
Commentary
Application Note:
1. `Intermittent confinement' means remaining in the custody of
the Bureau of Prisons during nights, weekends, or other intervals of
time, totaling no more than the lesser of one year or the term of
imprisonment authorized for the offense, during the first year of
the term of probation or supervised release. See 18 U.S.C.
3563(b)(10).''.
Chapter Seven, Part A, Subpart 2(b) is amended in the paragraph
that begins ``With the exception'' by striking ``With the exception''
and all that follows through ``sentence of probation.'' and inserting
``The conditions of supervised release authorized by statute are the
same as those for a sentence of probation, except for intermittent
confinement. (Intermittent confinement is available for a sentence of
probation, but is available as a condition of supervised release only
for a violation of a condition of supervised release.)''; and by
striking the paragraph that begins ``*Note: Section 3583(d)'' and the
paragraph that begins ``However,''.
The Commentary to Sec. 7B1.3 captioned ``Application Notes'' is
amended by striking Note 5 and inserting the following:
``5. Intermittent confinement is authorized as a condition of
probation during the first year of the term of probation. 18 U.S.C.
3563(b)(10). Intermittent confinement is authorized as a condition
of supervised release during the first year of supervised release,
but only for a violation of a condition of supervised release in
accordance with 18 U.S.C. 3583(e)(2) and only when facilities are
available. See Sec. 5F1.8 (Intermittent Confinement).''.
Section 8D1.3(b) is amended by striking ``, (2) notice to victims''
and all that follows through ``or area,'' and inserting ``or (2)
community service, unless the court has imposed a fine, or''; and by
striking the paragraph that begins ``Note:''.
Appendix A (Statutory Index) is amended by inserting before the
line referenced to 2 U.S.C. 437g(d) the following:
``2 U.S.C. 192 2J1.1, 2J1.5
2 U.S.C. 390 2J1.1, 2J1.5'';
by inserting after the line referenced to 7 U.S.C. 87b the following:
``7 U.S.C. 87f(e) 2J1.1, 2J1.5'';
by inserting after the line referenced to 8 U.S.C.
1375a(d)(3)(C),(d)(5)(B) the following:
``10 U.S.C. 987(f) 2X5.2'';
by inserting after the line referenced to 12 U.S.C. 631 the following:
``12 U.S.C. 1818(j) 2B1.1
12 U.S.C. 1844(f) 2J1.1, 2J1.5
12 U.S.C. 2273 2J1.1, 2J1.5
12 U.S.C. 3108(b)(6) 2J1.1, 2J1.5
12 U.S.C. 4636b 2B1.1
12 U.S.C. 4641 2J1.1, 2J1.5'';
by inserting after the line referenced to 15 U.S.C. 78ff the following:
``15 U.S.C. 78u(c) 2J1.1, 2J1.5
15 U.S.C. 80a-41(c) 2J1.1, 2J1.5'';
by inserting after the line referenced to 15 U.S.C. 80b-6 the
following:
``15 U.S.C. 80b-9(c) 2J1.1, 2J1.5'';
by inserting after the line referenced to 15 U.S.C. 714m(c) the
following:
``15 U.S.C. 717m(d) 2J1.1, 2J1.5'';
by inserting after the line referenced to 15 U.S.C. 1176 the following:
``15 U.S.C. 1192 2N2.1
15 U.S.C. 1197(b) 2N2.1
15 U.S.C. 1202(c) 2N2.1
15 U.S.C. 1263 2N2.1'';
by inserting after the line referenced to 15 U.S.C. 1990c the
following:
``15 U.S.C. 2068 2N2.1'';
by inserting after the line referenced to 16 U.S.C. 773g the following:
``16 U.S.C. 825f(c) 2J1.1, 2J1.5'';
by inserting after the line referenced to 18 U.S.C. 115(b)(4) the
following:
``18 U.S.C. 117 2A6.2'';
in the line referenced to 18 U.S.C. 2280 by inserting ``2A6.1,