18 U.S.C. § 2382 – Misprision of Treason
Criminal liability for concealing known acts of treason.
What § 2382 covers.
Section 2382 makes it a federal crime for a person who owes allegiance to the United States to knowingly conceal an act of treason and fail to report it to the appropriate authorities.
The offense is not committing treason itself, but knowingly failing to disclose it once aware that treason has occurred.
Duty to disclose.
A person with knowledge of treason must report it as soon as may be to one of the following:
- The President of the United States
- A judge of the United States
- The governor of a State
- A judge or justice of a State
Deliberate concealment or silence, rather than delay for practical reasons, is the conduct targeted by this statute.
Who can be charged.
- U.S. citizens
- Others owing legal allegiance to the United States
Penalties.
A violation of § 2382 is punishable by:
- Up to 7 years in federal prison
- Fines imposed under federal law
Misprision of treason charges often arise in investigations involving national security, foreign influence, or classified activity. If § 2382 is implicated, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our federal criminal defense attorneys to assess reporting obligations and potential exposure.
