UCMJ Offenses by Sentencing Category

This page groups every punitive article on this site by the way Appendix 12C of the Manual for Courts-Martial classifies it for sentencing parameters: a numbered Offense Category, the list of sentencing criteria offenses, or “dependent on the underlying offense.” For grouping by subject matter, see the category pages linked from each article.

Two cautions apply to every entry:

• The category is not the maximum punishment. Each article page states the maximum authorized punishment separately. Where the authorized maximum confinement is shorter than the category’s upper limit, the shorter period is the recommended maximum, so two offenses in the same category can have very different ceilings.
• Parameters apply only in some cases. The sentencing-parameter system applies, subject to the capital-case rules, when the accused is convicted only of offenses committed after 27 December 2023. See How UCMJ Sentencing Rules Apply.

Many articles have forms in more than one group. Each article is listed in every group that one of its forms falls into, with the forms named.

Category 6

Confinement parameter: confinement for life with eligibility for parole.

• UCMJ Article 118: Murder — Article 118(1) or (4)

Category 5

Confinement parameter: 240–480 months.

• UCMJ Article 103: Spies
• UCMJ Article 103a: Espionage
• UCMJ Article 118: Murder — Article 118(2) or (3)
• UCMJ Article 120b: Rape and Sexual Assault of a Child — rape of a child

Category 4

Confinement parameter: 120–240 months.

• UCMJ Article 82: Solicitation — soliciting espionage
• UCMJ Article 119: Manslaughter — voluntary manslaughter
• UCMJ Article 120: Rape and Sexual Assault Generally — rape
• UCMJ Article 120b: Rape and Sexual Assault of a Child — sexual assault of a child
• UCMJ Article 134: Child Pornography — producing

Category 3

Confinement parameter: 30–120 months.

• UCMJ Article 82: Solicitation — soliciting mutiny, sedition, or misbehavior before the enemy, not committed or attempted
• UCMJ Article 115: Communicating Threats — threats and false threats involving explosives or similar means
• UCMJ Article 116: Riot or Breach of Peace — riot
• UCMJ Article 119: Manslaughter — involuntary manslaughter
• UCMJ Article 119b: Child Endangerment — by design resulting in grievous bodily harm
• UCMJ Article 120: Rape and Sexual Assault Generally — sexual assault; aggravated sexual contact
• UCMJ Article 120b: Rape and Sexual Assault of a Child — sexual abuse of a child
• UCMJ Article 120c: Other Sexual Misconduct — forcible pandering
• UCMJ Article 122: Robbery
• UCMJ Article 123: Offenses Concerning Government Computers — unauthorized distribution of classified information; causing damage
• UCMJ Article 125: Kidnapping
• UCMJ Article 126: Arson; Burning Property With Intent to Defraud — aggravated arson
• UCMJ Article 128: Assault — aggravated assault with a loaded firearm or on a child under 16; assault with intent to commit specified offenses
• UCMJ Article 128a: Maiming
• UCMJ Article 128b: Domestic Violence — strangulation or suffocation of a child under 16
• UCMJ Article 129: Burglary; Unlawful Entry — burglary with intent to commit a listed offense
• UCMJ Article 134: Child Pornography — possessing with intent to distribute; distributing

Category 2

Confinement parameter: 1–36 months.

• UCMJ Article 83: Malingering — intentional self-inflicted injury
• UCMJ Article 85: Desertion — intent to avoid hazardous duty or shirk important service; other cases terminated by apprehension
• UCMJ Article 87: Missing Movement; Jumping From Vessel Into the Water — missing movement by design
• UCMJ Article 87a: Resistance, Flight, Breach of Arrest, and Escape — escape from post-trial confinement
• UCMJ Article 89: Disrespect Toward, and Assault of, a Superior Commissioned Officer — striking or offering violence, other than in time of war
• UCMJ Article 90: Willfully Disobeying a Superior Commissioned Officer — other than in time of war
• UCMJ Article 91: Insubordinate Conduct Toward a Warrant Officer, Noncommissioned Officer, or Petty Officer — striking a warrant officer or superior noncommissioned or petty officer
• UCMJ Article 92: Failure to Obey Order or Regulation — dereliction resulting in death or grievous bodily harm
• UCMJ Article 93a: Prohibited Activities With Military Recruit or Trainee by Person in Position of Special Trust
• UCMJ Article 96: Release of Prisoner Without Authority; Drinking With Prisoner — release without authority; escape through design
• UCMJ Article 97: Unlawful Detention
• UCMJ Article 104: Public Records Offenses
• UCMJ Article 104a: Fraudulent Enlistment, Appointment, or Separation
• UCMJ Article 104b: Unlawful Enlistment, Appointment, or Separation
• UCMJ Article 105: Forgery
• UCMJ Article 105a: False or Unauthorized Pass Offenses — making, altering, counterfeiting, tampering, selling; use or possession with intent to defraud or deceive
• UCMJ Article 106: Impersonation of Officer, Noncommissioned or Petty Officer, or Agent or Official — with intent to defraud
• UCMJ Article 107: False Official Statements; False Swearing — false official statement
• UCMJ Article 108: Military Property — Loss, Damage, Destruction, or Wrongful Disposition — sale or willful loss or damage of more than $1,000, or of any firearm or explosive
• UCMJ Article 108a: Captured or Abandoned Property — more than $1,000, or any firearm or explosive
• UCMJ Article 109: Waste, Spoilage, or Destruction of Non-Military Property — more than $1,000
• UCMJ Article 109a: Mail Matter — Wrongful Taking, Opening, etc.
• UCMJ Article 110: Improper Hazarding of Vessel or Aircraft — negligent
• UCMJ Article 112a: Wrongful Use, Possession, etc., of Controlled Substances — manufacture or introduction of other listed substances; distribution, intent to distribute, importation, or exportation
• UCMJ Article 113: Drunken or Reckless Operation of a Vehicle, Aircraft, or Vessel — resulting in personal injury
• UCMJ Article 115: Communicating Threats — threats and false threats generally
• UCMJ Article 117a: Wrongful Broadcast or Distribution of Intimate Visual Images
• UCMJ Article 119b: Child Endangerment — by design without grievous bodily harm; by culpable negligence resulting in harm or grievous bodily harm
• UCMJ Article 120: Rape and Sexual Assault Generally — abusive sexual contact
• UCMJ Article 120a: Mails — Depositing Obscene Matter
• UCMJ Article 120c: Other Sexual Misconduct — indecent recording; broadcasting or distributing
• UCMJ Article 121: Larceny and Wrongful Appropriation — larceny of more than $1,000, or of a vehicle, aircraft, vessel, firearm, or explosive
• UCMJ Article 121a: Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and Other Access Devices — more than $1,000
• UCMJ Article 121b: False Pretenses to Obtain Services — more than $1,000
• UCMJ Article 122a: Receiving Stolen Property — more than $1,000
• UCMJ Article 123: Offenses Concerning Government Computers — unauthorized access and obtaining information
• UCMJ Article 123a: Check, Draft, or Order Without Sufficient Funds — intent to defraud, more than $1,000
• UCMJ Article 124: Frauds Against the United States — Article 124(1) and (2); Article 124(3) and (4), more than $1,000
• UCMJ Article 124a: Bribery
• UCMJ Article 124b: Graft
• UCMJ Article 126: Arson; Burning Property With Intent to Defraud — simple arson, more than $1,000; burning with intent to defraud
• UCMJ Article 127: Extortion
• UCMJ Article 128: Assault — simple assault with an unloaded firearm; assault on a commissioned or warrant officer, sentinel, or law enforcement person; battery on a child under 16; aggravated assault, other cases
• UCMJ Article 128b: Domestic Violence — violating a protection order; strangulation or suffocation, other cases
• UCMJ Article 129: Burglary; Unlawful Entry — burglary with intent to commit any other offense
• UCMJ Article 130: Stalking
• UCMJ Article 131: Perjury
• UCMJ Article 131a: Subornation of Perjury
• UCMJ Article 131b: Obstructing Justice
• UCMJ Article 131c: Misprision of Serious Offense
• UCMJ Article 131d: Wrongful Refusal to Testify
• UCMJ Article 131f: Noncompliance With Procedural Rules — failing to enforce or comply
• UCMJ Article 131g: Wrongful Interference With Adverse Administrative Proceeding
• UCMJ Article 132: Retaliation
• UCMJ Article 134: Animal Abuse — sexual act with an animal; causing serious injury or death
• UCMJ Article 134: Child Pornography — possessing, receiving, or viewing
• UCMJ Article 134: Indecent Conduct
• UCMJ Article 134: Indecent Language — communicated to a child under 16
• UCMJ Article 134: Negligent Homicide
• UCMJ Article 134: Pandering and Prostitution — pandering
• UCMJ Article 134: Sexual Harassment

Category 1

Confinement parameter: 0–12 months.

• UCMJ Article 82: Solicitation — soliciting desertion, not committed or attempted
• UCMJ Article 83: Malingering — feigning illness, disablement, or mental lapse
• UCMJ Article 84: Breach of Medical Quarantine — both forms
• UCMJ Article 85: Desertion — other cases terminated otherwise than by apprehension
• UCMJ Article 86: Absence Without Leave
• UCMJ Article 87: Missing Movement; Jumping From Vessel Into the Water — missing movement through neglect; jumping from vessel
• UCMJ Article 87a: Resistance, Flight, Breach of Arrest, and Escape — resisting, flight, breaking arrest, escape from custody or pretrial confinement
• UCMJ Article 87b: Offenses Against Correctional Custody and Restriction
• UCMJ Article 88: Contempt Toward Officials
• UCMJ Article 89: Disrespect Toward, and Assault of, a Superior Commissioned Officer — disrespect
• UCMJ Article 91: Insubordinate Conduct Toward a Warrant Officer, Noncommissioned Officer, or Petty Officer — striking another noncommissioned or petty officer; disobedience; contempt or disrespect
• UCMJ Article 92: Failure to Obey Order or Regulation — orders and regulations; dereliction without death or grievous bodily harm
• UCMJ Article 93: Cruelty and Maltreatment
• UCMJ Article 95: Offenses by Sentinel or Lookout — other cases
• UCMJ Article 95a: Disrespect Toward Sentinel or Lookout
• UCMJ Article 96: Release of Prisoner Without Authority; Drinking With Prisoner — escape through neglect; drinking with prisoner
• UCMJ Article 105a: False or Unauthorized Pass Offenses — other cases
• UCMJ Article 106: Impersonation of Officer, Noncommissioned or Petty Officer, or Agent or Official — other cases
• UCMJ Article 106a: Wearing Unauthorized Insignia, Decoration, Badge, Ribbon, Device, or Lapel Button
• UCMJ Article 107: False Official Statements; False Swearing — false swearing
• UCMJ Article 107a: Parole Violation
• UCMJ Article 108: Military Property — Loss, Damage, Destruction, or Wrongful Disposition — sale or willful loss or damage of $1,000 or less; any loss or damage through neglect
• UCMJ Article 108a: Captured or Abandoned Property — $1,000 or less
• UCMJ Article 109: Waste, Spoilage, or Destruction of Non-Military Property — $1,000 or less
• UCMJ Article 111: Leaving Scene of Vehicle Accident
• UCMJ Article 112: Drunkenness and Other Incapacitation Offenses
• UCMJ Article 112a: Wrongful Use, Possession, etc., of Controlled Substances — use or possession; any conduct involving phenobarbital or Schedule IV or V substances other than distribution-type offenses
• UCMJ Article 113: Drunken or Reckless Operation of a Vehicle, Aircraft, or Vessel — no personal injury
• UCMJ Article 114: Endangerment Offenses
• UCMJ Article 116: Riot or Breach of Peace — breach of the peace
• UCMJ Article 117: Provoking Speeches or Gestures
• UCMJ Article 119b: Child Endangerment — other cases by culpable negligence
• UCMJ Article 120c: Other Sexual Misconduct — indecent viewing; indecent exposure
• UCMJ Article 121: Larceny and Wrongful Appropriation — larceny of $1,000 or less; wrongful appropriation
• UCMJ Article 121a: Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and Other Access Devices — $1,000 or less
• UCMJ Article 121b: False Pretenses to Obtain Services — $1,000 or less
• UCMJ Article 122a: Receiving Stolen Property — $1,000 or less
• UCMJ Article 123a: Check, Draft, or Order Without Sufficient Funds — intent to defraud, $1,000 or less; intent to deceive
• UCMJ Article 124: Frauds Against the United States — Article 124(3) and (4), $1,000 or less
• UCMJ Article 126: Arson; Burning Property With Intent to Defraud — simple arson, $1,000 or less
• UCMJ Article 128: Assault — simple assault generally; battery; assault on a noncommissioned or petty officer
• UCMJ Article 129: Burglary; Unlawful Entry — unlawful entry
• UCMJ Article 131e: Prevention of Authorized Seizure of Property
• UCMJ Article 131f: Noncompliance With Procedural Rules — unnecessary delay
• UCMJ Article 134: Animal Abuse — abuse, neglect, or abandonment
• UCMJ Article 134: Bigamy
• UCMJ Article 134: Dishonorably Failing to Pay a Debt
• UCMJ Article 134: Disloyal Statements
• UCMJ Article 134: Disorderly Conduct, Drunkenness
• UCMJ Article 134: Extramarital Sexual Conduct
• UCMJ Article 134: Firearm Discharging Through Negligence
• UCMJ Article 134: Fraternization
• UCMJ Article 134: Gambling With Subordinate
• UCMJ Article 134: Indecent Language — other cases
• UCMJ Article 134: Pandering and Prostitution — prostitution; patronizing a prostitute
• UCMJ Article 134: Self-Injury Without Intent to Avoid Service — other cases
• UCMJ Article 134: Straggling
• UCMJ Article 134: Worthless Check Offenses (Dishonorable Failure to Maintain Funds)

Sentencing criteria offenses

No numbered range. The military judge considers the applicable sentencing criteria (Appendix 12D). Any Article 134 offense that is not one of the 18 listed offenses is also classified as a sentencing-criteria offense (“134 General article”).

• UCMJ Article 82: Solicitation — soliciting desertion in time of war, not committed or attempted
• UCMJ Article 83: Malingering — either form in time of war or in a hostile fire pay zone
• UCMJ Article 85: Desertion — in time of war
• UCMJ Article 89: Disrespect Toward, and Assault of, a Superior Commissioned Officer — striking or offering violence in time of war
• UCMJ Article 90: Willfully Disobeying a Superior Commissioned Officer — in time of war
• UCMJ Article 94: Mutiny or Sedition
• UCMJ Article 95: Offenses by Sentinel or Lookout — in time of war or while receiving special pay
• UCMJ Article 98: Misconduct as Prisoner
• UCMJ Article 99: Misbehavior Before the Enemy
• UCMJ Article 100: Subordinate Compelling Surrender
• UCMJ Article 101: Improper Use of Countersign
• UCMJ Article 102: Forcing a Safeguard
• UCMJ Article 103b: Aiding the Enemy
• UCMJ Article 108a: Captured or Abandoned Property — looting or pillaging
• UCMJ Article 110: Improper Hazarding of Vessel or Aircraft — willful and wrongful
• UCMJ Article 133: Conduct Unbecoming an Officer
• UCMJ Article 134: Self-Injury Without Intent to Avoid Service — in time of war or in a hostile fire pay zone

Dependent on the underlying offense

No classification of its own; the sentencing treatment follows the offense involved.

• UCMJ Article 77: Principals
• UCMJ Article 78: Accessory After the Fact
• UCMJ Article 79: Conviction of Offense Charged, Lesser Included Offenses, and Attempts
• UCMJ Article 80: Attempts
• UCMJ Article 81: Conspiracy
• UCMJ Article 82: Solicitation — soliciting desertion, mutiny, sedition, or misbehavior before the enemy that is committed or attempted; soliciting any other offense
• UCMJ Article 119a: Death or Injury of an Unborn Child
• UCMJ Article 128b: Domestic Violence — violent offense; offense against a person or property with intent to threaten or intimidate

Sources

• Manual for Courts-Martial, United States, 2024 edition, Appendix 12B, Appendix 12C, and Appendix 12D
• Executive Order 14103, 2023 Amendments to the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States