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. 

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