The Perils of "Relevant Conduct" in Federal Sentencing
Crimes prosecuted in federal court often result in harsher sentences than what may be expected in the state judicial system. Much of this can be attributed to the fact that many federal laws have mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes. But surprisingly, mandatory minimums often are not the biggest problems that defendants face. In other words, federal sentencing is not as straightforward as reading a statute to determine a prospective sentencing range. It is far more complex and nuanced.