This section covers physical injury as a ground for departure form the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

2010 FEDERAL SENTENCING GUIDELINES MANUAL

CHAPTER FIVE – DETERMINING THE SENTENCE

PART K – DEPARTURES

2. OTHER GROUNDS FOR DEPARTURE

§5K2.2. Physical Injury (Policy Statement)

If significant physical injury resulted, the court may increase the sentence above the authorized guideline range. The extent of the increase ordinarily should depend on the extent of the injury, the degree to which it may prove permanent, and the extent to which the injury was intended or knowingly risked. When the victim suffers a major, permanent disability and when such injury was intentionally inflicted, a substantial departure may be appropriate. If the injury is less serious or if the defendant (though criminally negligent) did not knowingly create the risk of harm, a less substantial departure would be indicated. In general, the same considerations apply as in §5K2.1.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987.

(EFFECTIVE November 1, 2010)

United States Sentencing Commission