|
Online Attorney
(i) persuade,
induce, entice, or coerce a minor to engage in prohibited sexual conduct; or (ii) facilitate
transportation or travel, by a minor or a participant, to engage in prohibited sexual
conduct. Subsection (b)(6)(B) is intended to apply only to the use of a computer or an
interactive computer service to communicate directly with a minor or with a person who
exercises custody, care, or supervisory control of the minor. Accordingly, the
enhancement would not apply to the use of a computer or an interactive computer service
to obtain airline tickets for the minor from an airline’s Internet site.
5. Application of Subsection (c)(1).—
(A) In General.—The cross reference in subsection (c)(1) is to be construed broadly and
includes all instances where the offense involved employing, using, persuading, inducing,
enticing, coercing, transporting, permitting, or offering or seeking by notice or
advertisement, a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of
producing any visual depiction of such conduct.
(B) Definition.—For purposes of subsection (c)(1), "sexually explicit conduct" has the
meaning given that term in 18 U.S.C. § 2256(2).
6. Upward Departure Provision.—If a victim was sexually abused by more than one participant,
an upward departure may be warranted. See §5K2.8 (Extreme Conduct).
Background: Sexual offenses addressed in this section are crimes of violence. Because of their
dangerousness, attempts are treated the same as completed acts of criminal sexual abuse. The
maximum term of imprisonment authorized by statute is life imprisonment. The base offense level
represents sexual abuse as set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 2242. An enhancement is provided for use of
force; threat of death, serious bodily injury, or kidnapping; or certain other means as defined in
18 U.S.C. § 2241. This includes any use or threatened use of a dangerous weapon.
An enhancement is provided when the victim is less than sixteen years of age. An additional
enhancement is provided where the victim is less than twelve years of age. Any criminal sexual abuse
with a child less than twelve years of age, regardless of "consent," is governed by §2A3.1 (Criminal
Sexual Abuse).
An enhancement for a custodial relationship between defendant and victim is also provided.
Whether the custodial relationship is temporary or permanent, the defendant in such a case is a
person the victim trusts or to whom the victim is entrusted. This represents the potential for greater
and prolonged psychological damage. Also, an enhancement is provided where the victim was an
inmate of, or a person employed in, a correctional facility. Finally, enhancements are provided for
permanent, life-threatening, or serious bodily injury and abduction.
Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendments 91 and 92);
November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 392); November 1, 1992 (see Appendix C, amendment 444); November 1, 1993 (see
November 1, 2005 GUIDELINES MANUAL §2A3.2
– 57 –
Appendix C, amendment 477); November 1, 1995 (see Appendix C, amendment 511); November 1, 1997 (see Appendix C, amendment
545); November 1, 2000 (see Appendix C, amendments 592 and 601); November 1, 2001 (see Appendix C, amendment 615); November 1,
2003 (see Appendix C, amendment 661); November 1, 2004 (see Appendix C, amendment 664).
§2A3.2. Criminal Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under the Age of Sixteen Years (Statutory Rape)
or Attempt to Commit Such Acts
(a) Base Offense Level: 18
(b) Specific Offense Characteristics
(1) If the minor was in the custody, care, or supervisory control of the
defendant, increase by 4 levels.
(2) If (A) subsection (b)(1) does not apply; and (B)(i) the offense involved
the knowing misrepresentation of a participant’s identity to persuade,
induce, entice, or coerce the minor to engage in prohibited sexual
conduct; or (ii) a participant otherwise unduly influenced the minor to
engage in prohibited sexual conduct, increase by 4 levels.
(3) If a computer or an interactive computer service was used to persuade,
induce, entice, or coerce the minor to engage in prohibited sexual
conduct, increase by 2 levels.
(c) Cross Reference
(1) If the offense involved criminal sexual abuse or attempt to commit
criminal sexual abuse (as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 2241 or § 2242), apply
§2A3.1 (Criminal Sexual Abuse; Attempt to Commit Criminal Sexual
Abuse). If the victim had not attained the age of 12 years, §2A3.1 shall
apply, regardless of the "consent" of the victim.
Commentary
Statutory Provision: 18 U.S.C. § 2243(a). For additional statutory provision(s), see Appendix A
(Statutory Index).
Application Notes:
1. Definitions.—For purposes of this guideline:
"Computer" has the meaning given that term in 18 U.S.C. § 1030(e)(1).
"Interactive computer service" has the meaning given that term in section 230(e)(2) of the
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. § 230(f)(2)).
"Minor" means (A) an individual who had not attained the age of 16 years; (B) an individual,
whether fictitious or not, who a law enforcement officer represented to a participant (i) had not
§2A3.2 GUIDELINES MANUAL November 1, 2005
– 58 –
attained the age of 16 years, and (ii) could be provided for the purposes of engaging in sexually
explicit conduct; or (C) an undercover law enforcement officer who represented to a
participant that the officer had not attained the age of 16 years.
"Participant" has the meaning given that term in Application Note 1 of §3B1.1 (Aggravating
Role).
"Prohibited sexual conduct" has the meaning given that term in Application Note 1 of §2A3.1
(Criminal Sexual Abuse; Attempt to Commit Criminal Sexual Abuse).
2. Custody, Care, or Supervisory Control Enhancement.—
(A) In General.—Subsection (b)(1) is intended to have broad application and is to be applied
whenever the minor is entrusted to the defendant, whether temporarily or permanently.
For example, teachers, day care providers, baby-sitters, or other temporary caretakers
are among those who would be subject to this enhancement. In determining whether to
apply this enhancement, the court should look to the actual relationship that existed
between the defendant and the minor and not simply to the legal status of the defendantminor
relationship.
(B) Inapplicability of Chapter Three Adjustment.—If the enhancement in subsection (b)(1)
applies, do not apply subsection (b)(2) or §3B1.3 (Abuse of Position of Trust or Use of
Special Skill).
3. Application of Subsection (b)(2).—
(A) Misrepresentation of Identity.—The enhancement in subsection (b)(2)(B)(i) applies in
cases involving the misrepresentation of a participant’s identity to persuade, induce,
entice, or coerce the minor to engage in prohibited sexual conduct. Subsection
(b)(2)(B)(i) is intended to apply only to misrepresentations made directly to the minor
or to a person who exercises custody, care, or supervisory control of the minor.
Accordingly, the enhancement in subsection (b)(2)(B)(i) would not apply to a
misrepresentation made by a participant to an airline representative in the course of
making travel arrangements for the minor.
The misrepresentation to which the enhancement in subsection (b)(2)(B)(i) may apply
includes misrepresentation of a participant’s name, age, occupation, gender, or status,
as long as the misrepresentation was made with the intent to persuade, induce, entice,
or coerce the minor to engage in prohibited sexual conduct. Accordingly, use of a
computer screen name, without such intent, would not be a sufficient basis for
application of the enhancement.
(B) Undue Influence.—In determining whether subsection (b)(2)(B)(ii) applies, the court
should closely consider the facts of the case to determine whether a participant’s
influence over the minor compromised the voluntariness of the minor’s behavior.
In a case in which a participant is at least 10 years older than the minor, there shall be
a rebuttable presumption, for purposes of subsection (b)(2)(B)(ii), that such participant
November 1, 2005 GUIDELINES MANUAL §2A3.4
– 59 –
unduly influenced the minor to engage in prohibited sexual conduct. In such a case,
some degree of undue influence can be presumed because of the substantial difference
in age between the participant and the minor.
4. Application of Subsection (b)(3).—Subsection (b)(3) provides an enhancement if a computer
or an interactive computer service was used to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce the minor
to engage in prohibited sexual conduct. Subsection (b)(3) is intended to apply only to the use
of a computer or an interactive computer service to communicate directly with the minor or
with a person who exercises custody, care, or supervisory control of the minor.
5. Cross Reference.— Subsection (c)(1) provides a cross reference to §2A3.1 (Criminal Sexual
Abuse; Attempt to Commit Criminal Sexual Abuse) if the offense involved criminal sexual abuse
or attempt to commit criminal sexual abuse, as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 2241 or § 2242. For
example, the cross reference to §2A3.1 shall apply if (A) the victim had not attained the age of
12 years (see 18 U.S.C. § 2241(c)); (B) the victim had attained the age of 12 years but not
attained the age of 16 years, and was placed in fear of death, serious bodily injury, or
kidnaping (see 18 U.S.C. § 2241(a),(c)); or (C) the victim was threatened or placed in fear
other than fear of death, serious bodily injury, or kidnaping (see 18 U.S.C. § 2242(1)).
6. Upward Departure Consideration.—There may be cases in which the offense level determined
under this guideline substantially understates the seriousness of the offense. In such cases, an
upward departure may be warranted. For example, an upward departure may be warranted
if the defendant committed the criminal sexual act in furtherance of a commercial scheme such
as pandering, transporting persons for the purpose of prostitution, or the production of
pornography.
Background: This section applies to offenses involving the criminal sexual abuse of an individual
who had not attained the age of 16 years. While this section applies to consensual sexual acts
prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 2243(a) that would be lawful but for the age of the minor, it also
applies to cases, prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 2243(a), in which a participant took active measure(s)
to unduly influence the minor to engage in prohibited sexual conduct and, thus, the voluntariness of
the minor’s behavior was compromised. A two-level enhancement is provided in subsection (b)(2)
for such cases. It is assumed that at least a four-year age difference exists between the minor and
the defendant, as specified in 18 U.S.C. § 2243(a). A two-level enhancement is provided in
subsection (b)(1) for a defendant who victimizes a minor under his supervision or care. However,
if the minor had not attained the age of 12 years, §2A3.1 (Criminal Sexual Abuse; Attempt to Commit
Criminal Sexual Abuse) will apply, regardless of the "consent" of the minor.
Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 93); November 1, 1991
(see Appendix C, amendment 392); November 1, 1992 (see Appendix C, amendment 444); November 1, 1995 (see Appendix C, amendment
511); November 1, 2000 (see Appendix C, amendment 592); November 1, 2001 (see Appendix C, amendment 615); November 1, 2004
(see Appendix C, amendment 664).
§2A3.3. Criminal Sexual Abuse of a Ward or Attempt to Commit Such Acts
(a) Base Offense Level: 12
(b) Specific Offense Characteristics
§2A3.3 GUIDELINES MANUAL November 1, 2005
– 60 –
(1) If the offense involved the knowing misrepresentation of a participant’s
identity to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce a minor to engage in
prohibited sexual conduct, increase by 2 levels.
(2) If a computer or an interactive computer service was used to persuade,
induce, entice, or coerce a minor to engage in prohibited sexual conduct,
increase by 2 levels.
Commentary
Statutory Provision: 18 U.S.C. § 2243(b). For additional statutory provision(s), see Appendix A
(Statutory Index).
Application Notes:
1. Definitions.—For purposes of this guideline:
"Computer" has the meaning given that term in 18 U.S.C. § 1030(e)(1).
"Interactive computer service" has the meaning given that term in section 230(e)(2) of the
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. § 230(f)(2)).
"Minor" means an individual who had not attained the age of 18 years.
"Participant" has the meaning given that term in Application Note 1 of the Commentary to
§3B1.1 (Aggravating Role).
"Prohibited sexual conduct" has the meaning given that term in Application Note 1 of the
Commentary to §2A3.1 (Criminal Sexual Abuse; Attempt to Commit Criminal Sexual Abuse).
"Ward" means a person in official detention under the custodial, supervisory, or disciplinary
authority of the defendant.
2. Application of Subsection (b)(1).—The enhancement in subsection (b)(1) applies in cases
involving the misrepresentation of a participant’s identity to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce
a minor to engage in prohibited sexual conduct. Subsection (b)(1) is intended to apply only to
misrepresentations made directly to a minor or to a person who exercises custody, care, or
supervisory control of the minor.
The misrepresentation to which the enhancement in subsection (b)(1) may apply includes
misrepresentation of a participant’s name, age, occupation, gender, or status, as long as the
misrepresentation was made with the intent to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce a minor to
engage in prohibited sexual conduct. Accordingly, use of a computer screen name, without
such intent, would not be a sufficient basis for application of the enhancement.
3. Application of Subsection (b)(2).—Subsection (b)(2) provides an enhancement if a computer
or an interactive computer service was used to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce a minor to
engage in prohibited sexual conduct. Subsection (b)(2) is intended to apply only to the use of
November 1, 2005 GUIDELINES MANUAL §2A3.4
– 61 –
a computer or an interactive computer service to communicate directly with a minor or with
a person who exercises custody, care, or supervisory control of the minor.
Background: The offense covered by this section is a misdemeanor. The maximum term of
imprisonment authorized by statute is one year.
Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 94); November 1, 1995
(see Appendix C, amendment 511); November 1, 2000 (see Appendix C, amendment 592); November 1, 2001 (see Appendix C, amendment
615); November 1, 2004 (see Appendix C, amendment 664).
§2A3.4. Abusive Sexual Contact or Attempt to Commit Abusive Sexual Contact
(a) Base Offense Level:
(1) 20, if the offense involved conduct described in 18 U.S.C. § 2241(a) or
(b);
(2) 16, if the offense involved conduct described in 18 U.S.C. § 2242; or
(3) 12, otherwise.
(b) Specific Offense Characteristics
(1) If the victim had not attained the age of twelve years, increase by 4 levels;
but if the resulting offense level is less than 20, increase to level 20.
(2) If the base offense level is determined under subsection (a)(1) or (2), and
the victim had attained the age of twelve years but had not attained the
age of sixteen years, increase by 2 levels.
(3) If the victim was in the custody, care, or supervisory control of the
defendant, increase by 2 levels.
(4) If the offense involved the knowing misrepresentation of a participant’s
identity to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce a minor to engage in
prohibited sexual conduct, increase by 2 levels.
(5) If a computer or an interactive computer service was used to persuade,
induce, entice, or coerce a minor to engage in prohibited sexual conduct,
increase by 2 levels.
(c) Cross References
(1) If the offense involved criminal sexual abuse or attempt to commit
criminal sexual abuse (as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 2241 or § 2242), apply
§2A3.1 (Criminal Sexual Abuse; Attempt to Commit Criminal Sexual
Abuse).
§2A3.4 GUIDELINES MANUAL November 1, 2005
– 62 –
(2) If the offense involved criminal sexual abuse of a minor or attempt to
commit criminal sexual abuse of a minor (as defined in 18 U.S.C.
§ 2243(a)), apply §2A3.2 (Criminal Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under the
Age of Sixteen Years (Statutory Rape) or Attempt to Commit Such Acts),
if the resulting offense level is greater than that determined above.
Commentary
Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. § 2244(a)(1), (2), (3). For additional statutory provision(s), see
Appendix A (Statutory Index).
Application Notes:
1. Definitions.—For purposes of this guideline:
"Computer" has the meaning given that term in 18 U.S.C. § 1030(e)(1).
"Interactive computer service" has the meaning given that term in section 230(e)(2) of the
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. § 230(f)(2)).
"Minor" means (A) an individual who had not attained the age of 18 years; (B) an individual,
whether fictitious or not, who a law enforcement officer represented to a participant (i) had not
attained the age of 18 years, and (ii) could be provided for the purposes of engaging in sexually
explicit conduct; or (C) an und
Online Attorney
Read this important disclaimer
If you experience unusual problems with this site please email the webmaster.
Copyright: David Matheny, 2006-2008.
|
|