18 U.S.C. § 953 – Private Correspondence with Foreign Governments (Logan Act)
A rarely charged statute limiting unauthorized diplomacy by private U.S. citizens.
What § 953 covers.
Section 953—commonly known as the Logan Act—prohibits U.S. citizens, anywhere in the world, from engaging in unauthorized correspondence or communication with foreign governments or their officials when done with the intent to:
- Influence a foreign government’s actions regarding disputes or controversies with the United States, or
- Undermine or defeat official measures of the United States government
The statute applies whether the communication is direct or indirect and does not require the use of force, threats, or coercion.
Who the statute applies to.
Only private U.S. citizens are covered. Authorized government officials acting within the scope of their duties are excluded.
Important limitation.
The statute expressly preserves a citizen’s right to seek personal redress from a foreign government for injuries or grievances. Communications aimed at resolving individual harms, rather than influencing U.S. foreign policy, fall outside the prohibition.
Penalties.
A violation of § 953 is punishable by:
- Up to 3 years in federal prison
- Fines under federal law
Why § 953 matters.
Although prosecutions under the Logan Act are extremely rare, the statute is often referenced in politically sensitive investigations involving foreign contacts. Questions of intent, authorization, and constitutional limits are central in any analysis.
If § 953 is raised in connection with foreign communications or political activity, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our federal criminal defense attorneys to evaluate exposure and defenses.
