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Guideline · 2026 Manual

§ 2J1.4.

Impersonation

United States Sentencing Commission · Effective November 1, 2026

(a) Base Offense Level: 6

(b) Specific Offense Characteristic

(1) If the impersonation was committed for the purpose of conducting an unlawful arrest, detention, or search, increase by 6 levels.

(c) Cross Reference

(1) If the impersonation was to facilitate another offense, apply the guideline for an attempt to commit that offense, if the resulting offense level is greater than the offense level determined above.

Commentary

Statutory provisions

Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. §§ 912, 913.

Background

Background: This section applies to impersonation of a federal officer, agent, or employee; and impersonation to conduct an unlawful search or arrest.

Historical note

Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (amendment 176).

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From the United States Sentencing Commission's 2026 Guidelines Manual, effective November 1, 2026. This site is an independent presentation of the Commission's text, not affiliated with the Commission.

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