---
kind: "section"
citation: "18 U.S.C. § 3571"
title: "18"
title_heading: "Crimes and Criminal Procedure"
number: "3571"
heading: "Sentence of fine"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/18/3571"
units:
  - "Part II — Criminal Procedure"
  - "Chapter 227 — Sentences"
  - "Subchapter C — Fines"
---

# §3571. Sentence of fine

- (a) **In General.—** A defendant who has been [found guilty](/usc/18/3673.md?p=1) of an [offense](/usc/18/3156.md?p=a-2) may be sentenced to pay a fine.
- (b) **Fines for Individuals.—** Except as provided in [subsection (e)](#e) of this section, an individual who has been [found guilty](/usc/18/3673.md?p=1) of an [offense](/usc/18/3156.md?p=a-2) may be fined not more than the greatest of—
  - (1) the amount specified in the law setting forth the [offense](/usc/18/3156.md?p=a-2);
  - (2) the applicable amount under [subsection (d)](#d) of this section;
  - (3) for a [felony](/usc/18/3156.md?p=a-3), not more than $250,000;
  - (4) for a misdemeanor resulting in death, not more than $250,000;
  - (5) for a Class A misdemeanor that does not result in death, not more than $100,000;
  - (6) for a Class B or C misdemeanor that does not result in death, not more than $5,000; or
  - (7) for an infraction, not more than $5,000.
- (c) **Fines for Organizations.—** Except as provided in [subsection (e)](#e) of this section, an organization that has been [found guilty](/usc/18/3673.md?p=1) of an [offense](/usc/18/3156.md?p=a-2) may be fined not more than the greatest of—
  - (1) the amount specified in the law setting forth the [offense](/usc/18/3156.md?p=a-2);
  - (2) the applicable amount under [subsection (d)](#d) of this section;
  - (3) for a [felony](/usc/18/3156.md?p=a-3), not more than $500,000;
  - (4) for a misdemeanor resulting in death, not more than $500,000;
  - (5) for a Class A misdemeanor that does not result in death, not more than $200,000;
  - (6) for a Class B or C misdemeanor that does not result in death, not more than $10,000; and
  - (7) for an infraction, not more than $10,000.
- (d) **Alternative Fine Based on Gain or Loss.—** If any person derives pecuniary gain from the [offense](/usc/18/3156.md?p=a-2), or if the [offense](/usc/18/3156.md?p=a-2) results in pecuniary loss to a person other than the defendant, the defendant may be fined not more than the greater of twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss, unless imposition of a fine under this subsection would unduly complicate or prolong the sentencing process.
- (e) **Special Rule for Lower Fine Specified in Substantive Provision.—** If a law setting forth an [offense](/usc/18/3156.md?p=a-2) specifies no fine or a fine that is lower than the fine otherwise applicable under this section and such law, by specific reference, exempts the [offense](/usc/18/3156.md?p=a-2) from the applicability of the fine otherwise applicable under this section, the defendant may not be fined more than the amount specified in the law setting forth the [offense](/usc/18/3156.md?p=a-2).

## Source credit

(Added Pub. L. 98–473, title II, § 212(a)(2), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1995; amended Pub. L. 100–185, § 6, Dec. 11, 1987, 101 Stat. 1280.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Prior Provisions

For a prior section 3571, applicable to offenses committed prior to Nov. 1, 1987, see note set out preceding section 3551 of this title.

### Amendments

1987—Pub. L. 100–185 amended section generally, revising and restating as subsecs. (a) to (e) provisions formerly contained in subsecs. (a) and (b).

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date

Section effective Nov. 1, 1987, and applicable only to offenses committed after the taking effect of this section, see section 235(a)(1) of Pub. L. 98–473, set out as a note under section 3551 of this title.