The commission promulgates guidelines that judges consult when sentencing federal offenders when the guidelines are amended a subsequent guidelines manual is published in this section you will find the commissions comprehensive archive of yearly amendments and guidelines manuals dating back to 1987. The commission promulgates guidelines that judges consult when sentencing federal offenders when the guidelines are amended a subsequent guidelines manual is published in this section you will find the commissions comprehensive archive of yearly amendments and guidelines manuals dating back to 1987. The federal sentencing guidelines are rules that set out a uniform sentencing policy for individuals and organizations convicted of felonies and serious class a misdemeanors in the united states federal courts system the guidelines do not apply to less serious misdemeanors. Chapter one introduction authority and general application principles chapter two offense conduct chapter three adjustments chapter four criminal history and criminal livelihood chapter five determining the sentence chapter six sentencing procedures plea agreements and crime victims rights chapter seven . Federal sentencing guidelines manual 2018 2019 edition criminal procedure the federal sentencing guidelines are rules that set out a uniform sentencing policy for individuals and organizations convicted of felonies and serious class a misdemeanors in the united states federal courts system