Title 18, Crimes and Criminal ProcedureRelease 119-110
§798B Unauthorized Access to Intelligence Community Property
Title 18 › PART I — CRIMES › CHAPTER 37 — ESPIONAGE AND CENSORSHIP › § 798B
Summary
It is illegal to go, without permission, onto property inside the United States that is controlled by a U.S. intelligence agency if you plan to gather information that would hurt the country and you know the place is closed or restricted. Penalties: first offense — a fine under section 3571, up to 6 months in jail, or both; second offense — a fine under this title, up to 2 years in jail, or both; third or later — a fine under this title, up to 5 years in jail, or both.
Full Legal Text
Title 18, §798B
Crimes and Criminal Procedure, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)Prohibited Activity.—
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)Penalties.—
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
Sep 22, 2026
Release point: 119-110