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Securities Fraud Sentencing: Federal Guidelines and Mitigating Factors

Securities Fraud Sentencing: Federal Guidelines and Mitigating Factors

Securities fraud is a serious white collar crime that can result in severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. However, federal sentencing guidelines allow for certain mitigating factors that may reduce a defendant’s sentence. This article provides an overview of federal sentencing guidelines for securities fraud and key mitigating circumstances that defense attorneys commonly cite to argue for leniency.

Federal Sentencing Guidelines

The United States Sentencing Commission provides advisory guidelines that judges consult when sentencing defendants convicted of federal crimes like securities fraud. The guidelines aim to reduce disparities and bring consistency to federal sentencing. They provide a starting point for determining the sentencing range based on:

• The defendant’s criminal history
• The nature and seriousness of the offense
• Aggravating and mitigating factors

While judges have discretion to depart from the guidelines, they remain influential in most cases.For securities fraud offenses, the main sentencing guideline is Section 2B1.1 which covers larceny, embezzlement, and other forms of theft. The primary factors that increase the sentencing range are:

• Loss amount – Each incremental increase in victim losses boosts the offense level
• Number of victims – If over 10 victims, add 2 offense levels; if over 50 victims, add 4 offense levels
• Sophisticated means – Use of sophisticated scheme adds 2 offense levels
• Officer/director of public company – Add 4 offense levels
• Jeopardizing soundness of financial institution – Add 4 offense levels

These enhancements can quickly ratchet up the sentencing range even for first-time offenders. For example, an offense level of 7 and criminal history category I would yield a 0-6 month guideline range. But with a $5 million loss amount, 150 victims, and other enhancements, the range can easily exceed 20 years.

Mitigating Factors for Securities Fraud Sentencing

While the sentencing guidelines focus heavily on monetary loss and number of victims, judges can consider other mitigating factors that may warrant a reduced sentence. Defense lawyers commonly cite mitigators like:

Minimal Participant

If the defendant played a minor or limited role in the overall criminal scheme, they may argue for a reduction in levels under Section 3B1.2. This can reduce the guideline range significantly.

Aberrant Behavior

Securities violations that seem out of character for the defendant or an isolated mistake may qualify as aberrant behavior. This can prompt a downward departure, especially for first-time offenders.

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Diminished Capacity

Mental health issues, cognitive impairments, or other diminished mental capacity at the time of offense may persuade the judge to go below the guidelines. However, the limitations must be linked to the criminal conduct.

Extraordinary Restitution

Making voluntary and complete restitution to victims before sentencing, above and beyond what was seized, may warrant a reduced sentence. Judges can see it as acceptance of responsibility.

Cooperation with Authorities

Providing substantial assistance to prosecutors in investigating and charging others involved in the scheme is one of the most compelling reasons for a reduced sentence.

Overstated Loss Amount

The defense may challenge the government’s loss calculation, arguing it overstates the seriousness of the offense. If successful, this lowers the guideline range.

Collateral Consequences

The severe financial, professional, and personal consequences the defendant already suffered due to the crime may persuade the judge to impose a lower sentence.

Low Risk of Recidivism

First-time offenders who present a low risk of repeating the criminal behavior may argue that little or no prison time is needed for deterrence and incapacitation.

Personal Circumstances

Unique family obligations, medical needs, advanced age, or other personal circumstances may justify a lower sentence to the judge.

Sentencing Data and Outcomes

According to U.S. Sentencing Commission data, the average sentence for securities fraud in fiscal year 2020 was 26 months. This represents a significant reduction from the average guideline minimum of 78 months, showing judges frequently go below the guidelines in these white collar cases.In 2020, nearly 60% of securities fraud offenders received sentences below the guideline range due to mitigating factors and prosecutorial motions for downward departures based on cooperation with authorities.While securities fraud sentences remain significant, the sentencing guidelines allow flexibility for judges to impose fair and just punishments based on the unique circumstances of each case. Defense lawyers can highlight mitigating factors about the individual offender and offense to advocate for reduced sentences, particularly for first-time offenders.

Conclusion

Federal judges consult the sentencing guidelines but retain ample discretion to depart downwards from the recommended range. Knowledgeable securities fraud defense attorneys can present compelling mitigating circumstances to persuade the court that a sentence below the guidelines satisfies justice and the purposes of sentencing. Factors like minimal participation, aberrant behavior, diminished capacity, extraordinary restitution, and collateral consequences may convince judges that a reduced sentence is appropriate for a specific offender.