2026 D.C. Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines Manual Released
Summary
The DC Sentencing Commission released the 2026 edition of the D.C. Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines Manual featuring substantive and non-substantive changes. Substantive changes include rankings for three previously unranked felony offenses and reranking of three Title 48 offenses from the Main Grid to the Drug Grid. The 2026 guidelines take effect for all pleas and verdicts entered on or after January 1, 2026.
What changed
The 2026 D.C. Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines Manual includes substantive changes to felony offense rankings and grid placements. Three previously unranked felony offenses now have established rankings, while three Title 48 offenses have been moved from the Main Grid to the Drug Grid. Non-substantive changes were made to clarify and streamline the Manual.
For defense attorneys, prosecutors, and judges in DC courts, these changes affect how felony sentences are calculated and negotiated. Parties handling cases with affected offenses must ensure their sentencing calculations reflect the 2026 rankings for pleas and verdicts entered after January 1, 2026. Defense counsel should particularly review Title 48 Drug Grid cases to determine if reranking impacts sentencing ranges.
What to do next
- Legal professionals should review the 2026 Manual for updated felony offense rankings
- Defense counsel and prosecutors should familiarize themselves with Title 48 Drug Grid placements
- Apply 2026 guidelines to all pleas and verdicts entered on or after January 1, 2026
Archived snapshot
Apr 16, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Thursday, December 11, 2025 The D.C. Sentencing Commission is pleased to present the 2026 edition of the D.C. Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines Manual (“Manual”). This year’s edition features both substantive and non-substantive changes to the Manual. The non-substantive changes to the Manual were made to further clarify and streamline it, making the Guidelines easier to understand and apply.
The Manual's substantive changes provide rankings for three previously unranked felony offenses. In addition, three Title 48 offenses, which were ranked on the Main Grid, were reranked and placed on the Drug Grid.
The 2026 D.C. Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines go into effect for all pleas and verdicts entered on or after January 1, 2026.
Click here to view it.
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