Family Ties and Responsibilities

Family ties and responsibilities are not ordinarily relevant in determining whether a departure is warranted. In certain circumstance, the guidelines prohibit a departure for family ties and responsibilities entirely (§5H1.6).

“Fast Track” Programs

See “Early Disposition Program”.


An offense punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year.

Felony Murder

A killing that occurs during the commission of another inherently dangerous felony, such as kidnapping or robbery.


The court must impose a fine in all cases, unless the defendant can establish that he or she is unable to pay a fine and is not likely to become able to pay any fine. The court may also order a fine as a condition of probation or supervised release. The guidelines have a separate table governing fine amounts for individuals (§5E1.2) and organizations (§8C1.1.).

Fine Range

The fine range is established by the final offense level and guides the court in determining the appropriate fine. Fine ranges for individual defendants are found at §5E1.2 in the Guidelines Manual. Fines for criminal organizations are addressed in §8C1.1.


Any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive. The frame or receiver of any such weapon, a muffler or silencer or any destructive device also qualify as firearms. A “BB” or pellet gun in not considered a firearm. (See also “Dangerous Weapon”).


A system using hardware, software, or both to prevent unauthorized access to a network, computer system, or device.

Foreign Convictions and Sentences

A conviction that occurred in a country other than the United States. Foreign convictions and any sentences imposed for them are not counted for criminal history, but may be considered for a departure under Adequacy of Criminal History (§4A1.3).


Forfeiture provisions exist in various criminal statutes and permit the government to take certain private property if the property is associated with criminal conduct.