The guideline lists factors for sentencing judges to consider in deciding whether to give the reduction for acceptance of responsibility.Ī person who knows that a crime has been committed and who helps the offender escape arrest or punishment. But, a plea is not required, and pleading guilty does not guarantee receipt of this reduction. Often defendants receive this reduction if they plead guilty rather than go to trial. The guideline at §3E1.1 directs that the sentencing judge reduce the defendant’s offense severity score by either two or three offense levels if the defendant accepts responsibility for the offense before sentencing.

Examples in the guideline include an attorney who embezzles the funds of a client and a bank executive who engaged in a fraudulent loan scheme. A person who occupies a position of trust is often subject to less supervision than others and exercises a high degree of independence. Section 3B1.3 enhances a defendant’s sentencing range if the defendant used his or her position of trust, or used a special skill, to facilitate committing or covering up the offense.

Another word for running state