Supplement to the 2015 Guidelines Manual, August 1, 2016

This amendment is a result of a multi-year study prompted by concerns and problems relating to the definition of “crime of violence.” The Commission made its decision to promulgate this amendment after a public hearing, the review of extensive public comment, and a careful examination of the data available on recidivism and the risk of violence to make sure the sentencing enhancement captures the most dangerous offenders.

The amendment eliminates the residual clause in the career offender guideline definition of “crime of violence.” In its place, the amendment revises the list of specific enumerated offenses that qualify as a “crime of violence.” While a few select definitions are provided, the list revised by the amendment continues to rely on long-existing case law for purposes of defining enumerated offenses.

This supplement incorporates the amendment to §4B1.1 (Career Offender) and §4B1.2 (Definitions of Terms Used in Section 4B1.1), effective August 1, 2016. The amended guidelines, as set forth in this document, supersede the versions set forth in the 2015 Guidelines Manual (light blue with white lettering) and, together with the rest of the 2015 Guidelines Manual, constitute the operative Guidelines Manual effective August 1, 2016.

Career Offender................1

Definitions of Terms Used in Section 4B1.1.........................5

Supplement to the 2015 Supplement to Appendix C...........................7

This amendment may be of interest to attorneys, law students, judges, and law enforcement personnel.