The DC Sentencing Commission’s latest Issue Paper focusing on the "Role of Prior Misdemeanor Convictions." Although the Guidelines only apply to felony offenses sentenced in the District, prior misdemeanor convictions do play a role in the calculation of an individual’s criminal history score. This Issue Paper focuses on explaining when prior misdemeanors count in criminal history and the impact they can have on sentencing under the Guidelines. The Commission hopes this publication will increase your understanding of the Guidelines.