Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal ProcedureRelease 119-83
§798B Unauthorized Access to Intelligence Community Property
Title 18 › Part I— CRIMES › Chapter 37— ESPIONAGE AND CENSORSHIP › § 798B
Summary
It is illegal in the United States to knowingly go onto a closed or restricted place that you know is part of the intelligence community, without permission, if you intend to collect information that would harm the United States. Element of the intelligence community — a part of U.S. intelligence organizations. People who are convicted can be fined under section 3571 and jailed: first conviction—up to 6 months; second—up to 2 years; third or later—up to 5 years.
Full Legal Text
Title 18, §798B
Crimes and Criminal Procedure — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)It shall be unlawful, within the jurisdiction of the United States, without authorization to willfully go upon any property—
(1)with intent to gather intelligence or information to the detriment of the United States; and
(2)while knowing that such property is—
(A)under the jurisdiction of an element of the intelligence community (as defined in section 3(4) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003(4)); and
(B)closed or restricted.
(b)Any person who violates subsection (a) shall—
(1)in the case of the first offense, be fined under section 3571 of this title, imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both;
(2)in the case of a second offense after a prior conviction under subsection (a) has become final, be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both; and
(3)in the case of a third or subsequent offense after a prior conviction under subsection (a) has become final, be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
18 U.S.C. § 798B
Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Last Updated
Apr 18, 2026
Release point: 119-83