- Joined
- Jun 21, 2008
- Messages
- 4,556
- Reaction score
- 2,446
https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/federal-crimes-trespass-on-the-u-s-capitol.htmlWhat is the penalty typically for trespassing?
Trespassing on the U.S. Capitol
Federal law provides misdemeanor and felony penalties for trespassing acts occurring in Capitol buildings and on Capitol grounds. These acts range from unlawful entry to discharging weapons.
A person who commits the following acts faces up to six months' imprisonment and a $5,000 fine (NOTE BEFORE YOU START CRONING OVER THIS BEING A SLAP ON THE WRIST CONTINUE READING THE CLASS E FELLONY TRESSPASS PENALTIES AND BELOW!):
- enters or remains on the floor or in the gallery of the U.S. Senate or House chambers without authorization
- obstructs or impedes passage through or within the Capitol building or grounds
- damages or destroys property in Capitol buildings or on Capitol grounds, or
- assaults an individual in a Capitol building or on Capitol grounds.
- carrying, having readily accessible, discharging, or transporting any firearm, dangerous weapon, or explosive on in Capitol buildings or on Capitol grounds, or
- with force or violence, entering or remaining on the floor of either chamber.
(18 U.S.C. § 1752; 40 U.S.C. §§ 5104, 5109 (2020).)
Obstruction of Duties Performed by the Capitol Police
Capitol Police are charged with policing and protecting the U.S. Capitol buildings and grounds and members of Congress. Any person who knowingly and willfully obstructs, resists, or interferes with a member of the Capitol Police engaged in their duties commits a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one years' imprisonment and a $300 fine.
(2 U.S.C. §§ 1961, 1966 (2020).)
Obstruction of Congressional Proceedings
Criminal penalties also apply to disruption and obstruction of official Congressional business.
Misdemeanor penalties apply to acts that intentionally disrupt Congressional business on the House or Senate floor or in any committee or hearing held by either or both chambers. Such acts include unauthorized entry or trespass within the Capitol buildings, as well as engaging in loud, threatening, disruptive, or abusive language or conduct. A conviction can result in up to six months' imprisonment.
A person who corruptly or by threats or force obstructs or impedes a Congressional proceeding faces up to five years in prison. If the act involved domestic terrorism (acts that appear to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion), the penalty increases to an eight-year felony and up to a $250,000 fine.
(18 U.S.C. §§ 1505, 2331 (2020).)
So ...
These jokers:
*Violently entered the the capitol -punishment up to 5 years and up to a $250K fine.
*While the vice president was there -double the punishment to 10 years and a cool $500K fine
*Obstructed /resisted capitol police -one year in jail and $300 fine.
*By force obstructed a congressional proceeding -5 years
If the obstruction was to influence government policy by intimidation this increase to 8 years and $250K fine
Theoretically they can get 19 years and fines of $750300
Now these are the maximum penalties and I do not think they will get that. But it sure is harsher than the slap on the wrist some righties pretend might be the worst punishment possible.
(edited to correct typo)
Last edited: