Title page
Contents
Introduction 6
Key Findings 7
Life Sentences Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines 9
Life Imprisonment Sentences in the Federal System 10
De Facto Life Sentences 21
Conclusion 30
Appendix 31
Endnotes 35
Table 1. Common 851 Enhancements 11
Table 2. Median Drug Quantity for Drug Offenders Sentenced to Life Imprisonment, Fiscal Years 2016-2021 14
Table 3. Sentencing Adjustments for Offenders Sentenced to Life Imprisonment, Fiscal Years 2016-2021 15
Table 4. Demographic Characteristics of Offenders Sentenced to Life Imprisonment, Fiscal Years 2016-2021 16
Table 5. Career Criminal Status of Offenders Sentenced to Life Imprisonment, Fiscal Years 2016-2021 19
Table 6. Sentencing Adjustments for Offenders Sentenced to De Facto Life and Life Imprisonment, Fiscal Years 2016-2021 24
Table 7. Demographics of Offenders Sentenced to De Facto Life and Life Imprisonment, Fiscal Years 2016-2021 25
Table 8. Career Criminal Status of Offenders Sentenced to De Facto Life and Life Imprisonment, Fiscal Years 2016-2021 28
Figure 1. Offenders Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Over Time, Fiscal Years 2002-2021 10
Figure 2. Drug Trafficking Offenders Sentenced to Life Imprisonment, Fiscal Years 2016-2021 12
Figure 3. Most Common Crime Type of Offenders Sentenced to Life Imprisonment, Fiscal Years 2016-2021 13
Figure 4. Primary Drug Type for Drug Trafficking Offenders Sentenced to Life Imprisonment, Fiscal Years 2016-2021 14
Figure 5. Criminal History Category of Offenders Sentenced to Life Imprisonment, Fiscal Years 2016-2021 17
Figure 6. Prior Crime Types of Repeat Offenders Sentenced to Life Imprisonment, Fiscal Years 2016-2021 18
Figure 7. Trial Rate of Offenders Sentenced to Life Imprisonment, Fiscal Years 2016-2021 20
Figure 8. Offenders Sentenced to De Facto Life, Fiscal Years 2002-2021 21
Figure 9. Offenders Sentenced to De Facto Life and Life Imprisonment Over Time, Fiscal Years 2002-2021 22
Figure 10. Most Common Crime Type of Offenders Sentenced to De Facto Life and Life Imprisonment, Fiscal Years 2016-2021 23
Figure 11. Criminal History Category for Offenders Sentenced to De Facto Life and Life Imprisonment, Fiscal Years 2016-2021 26
Figure 12. Prior Crime Types for Repeat Offenders Sentenced to De Facto Life and Life Imprisonment, Fiscal Years 2016-2021 27
Figure 13. Trial Rate of Offenders Sentenced to De Facto Life and Life Imprisonment, Fiscal Years 2016-2021 29
Table A-1. Current Statutory Provisions Requiring Mandatory Minimum Terms of Life Imprisonment 31