A "career offender" refers to one of the Sentencing Guidelines. Someone who was at least 18 when he committed a new crime of violence or drug crime, and has at least two earlier felony convictions for a crime of violence or a drug crime, will be a "career offender." That means a much longer sentence, sometimes up to 30 years to life (all without parole). It is like "three strikes, you're out" laws.

Go Back to: Frequently Asked Questions