Sentencing on a Single Count of Conviction

(a) Where the statutorily authorized maximum sentence is less than the min- imum of the applicable guideline range, the statutorily authorized maxi- mum sentence shall be the guideline sentence. (b) Where a statutorily required minimum sentence is greater than the maxi- mum of the applicable guideline range, the statutorily required minimum sentence shall be the guideline sentence. (c) In any other case, the sentence may be imposed at any point within the applicable guideline range, provided that the sentence— (1) is not greater than the statutorily authorized maximum sentence, and (2) is not less than any statutorily required minimum sentence. Commentary This section describes how the statutorily authorized maximum sentence, or a statutorily re- quired minimum sentence, may affect the determination of a sentence under the guidelines. For ex- ample, if the applicable guideline range is 51–63 months and the maximum sentence authorized by statute for the offense of conviction is 48 months, the sentence required by the guidelines under sub- section (a) is 48 months; a sentence of less than 48 months would be a guideline departure. If the applicable guideline range is 41–51 months and there is a statutorily required minimum sentence of 60 months, the sentence required by the guidelines under subsection (b) is 60 months; a sentence of more than 60 months would be a guideline departure. If the applicable guideline range is 51– 63 months and the maximum sentence authorized by statute for the offense of conviction is 60 months, the guideline range is restricted to 51–60 months under subsection (c). Historical Note Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (amendment 286).