How to Calculate Federal Criminal History Points
The FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) division is responsible for maintaining a database of criminal history records for individuals who have been convicted of a crime. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) calculates criminal history points based on the severity and type of crimes committed. Understanding how to calculate these points is crucial for individuals applying for federal licenses, positions, or benefits, such as law enforcement jobs or gun permits.
Understanding the FBI’s Point System
The FBI’s criminal history point system is a numerical scoring system that assigns a point value to each felony conviction. The total number of points is then used to determine an individual’s criminal history. The system is designed to provide a standardized way of evaluating an individual’s criminal history, taking into account the severity and type of crimes committed.
Categories of Crimes and Point Assignments
The FBI assigns points to crimes based on their severity and type. The following categories are used to determine point assignments:
- Aggravated Felonies: 16 points per conviction
- Category I Felonies: 8 points per conviction
- Category II Felonies: 4 points per conviction
- Category III Felonies: 2 points per conviction
- Misdemeanors: 1 point per conviction
Calculating Federal Criminal History Points
To calculate federal criminal history points, you need to count the number of points associated with each felony conviction, and then add them together. Here’s an example of how to calculate points:
| Category | Points per Conviction |
|---|---|
| Aggravated Felony | 16 |
| Category I Felony | 8 |
| Category II Felony | 4 |
| Category III Felony | 2 |
| Misdemeanor | 1 |
Let’s say you have the following convictions:
- 1 Aggravated Felony (16 points)
- 2 Category I Felonies (8 points each)
- 1 Category II Felony (4 points)
Total Points:
16 (Aggravated Felony) + 16 (Category I) + 16 (Category I) + 4 (Category II) = 52 points
Interpretation of the Point System
The number of points assigned to an individual’s criminal history plays a significant role in the decision-making process for licensing, employment, and benefit applications. Here are some general guidelines on the interpretation of the point system:
- Less than 4 points: Typically, individuals with less than 4 points have a minimal criminal history and are considered low-risk.
- 4-7 points: Individuals with 4-7 points have a moderate criminal history and may be considered medium-risk.
- 8 or more points: Individuals with 8 or more points have a significant criminal history and are typically considered high-risk.
Important Exceptions and Considerations
When calculating federal criminal history points, there are some important exceptions and considerations to keep in mind:
- Pardons and Expungements: If you have received a pardon or expungement for a conviction, the points may not be counted.
- Juvenile Offenses: Juvenile offenses may not be counted if you were under the age of 18 at the time of the offense.
- Misdemeanor Convictions: Misdemeanor convictions may be counted as 1 point each, but some misdemeanor convictions may not be counted at all.
Conclusion
Calculating federal criminal history points is a crucial step in determining an individual’s criminal history. Understanding the FBI’s point system and how to calculate points can help individuals better assess their criminal history and prepare for licensing, employment, and benefit applications. Remember to consider exceptions and interpretations when calculating points, as these can significantly impact an individual’s criminal history evaluation.
