18 U.S.C. § 2383 – Rebellion or Insurrection
A federal offense targeting participation in or support of rebellion against U.S. authority.
What § 2383 addresses.
Section 2383 criminalizes conduct that incites, assists, participates in, or supports a rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States or the enforcement of its laws.
The statute reaches beyond direct combat or violence. Providing aid or comfort to a rebellion or insurrection—whether through encouragement, logistical support, or active participation—can trigger liability.
Covered conduct.
- Inciting or encouraging rebellion or insurrection
- Organizing or helping set one in motion
- Actively engaging in rebellious or insurrectionary acts
- Providing aid or comfort to such efforts
The government does not need to show that the rebellion succeeded—participation or support alone is sufficient.
Penalties.
A conviction under § 2383 carries:
- Up to 10 years in federal prison
- Fines imposed under federal law
- Permanent disqualification from holding any office under the United States
Why § 2383 matters.
This statute is often cited in cases involving large-scale civil unrest, coordinated resistance to federal authority, or allegations of organized efforts to undermine the enforcement of federal law.
Charges involving rebellion or insurrection raise high-stakes constitutional, intent, and evidentiary issues. If § 2383 is implicated, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our federal criminal defense attorneys to evaluate the scope of the allegations and available defenses.
