Sentencing Practice Talk

Latest Episodes:

Sentencing Practice Talk - Episode 42 Oct 14, 2026

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Episode 42: Weapon Enhancement at §2D1.1

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

Sentencing Practice Talk - Episode 41 Jun 11, 2026

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Episode 41: Exploring §5G1.3

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

Sentencing Practice Talk - Episode 40 May 07, 2026

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Episode 40: Financial Penalties in Sex Offense Cases

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

Sentencing Practice Talk - Episode 39 Apr 16, 2026

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Episode 39: Guidelines in the Field Series, Individualized Assessment

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

Sentencing Practice Talk - Episode 38 Mar 16, 2026

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Episode 38: Individualized Assessment

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

Sentencing Practice Talk - Episode 37 Feb 19, 2026

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Episode 37: Chapter Three of the Guidelines Manual

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

Sentencing Practice Talk - Episode 36, Part 5 Nov 18, 2025

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

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

Sentencing Practice Talk - Episode 36, Part 3 Nov 18, 2025

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

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

Miniseries:

Sentencing Practice Talk - Episode 36, Part 1 Nov 18, 2025

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

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

Miniseries:

Sentencing Practice Talk - Episode 36, Part 2 Nov 18, 2025

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

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

Miniseries: