§124n–1 Penalties

Summary

Raises punishments when someone uses a drone in a crime. If a person is convicted of a felony (other than a charge based only on flying the drone) and they knowingly used an unmanned aircraft during or to help the crime, the top prison sentence for that felony is doubled or increased by 5 years, whichever is less. If someone is convicted of the federal crime of giving a prohibited object to a prisoner and they used a drone to do it, the maximum prison time goes up by 5 years. Unmanned aircraft — see the meaning in 49 U.S.C. 44801. The U.S. Sentencing Commission must raise guideline punishment ranges during its amendment cycle in progress when the law is enacted: if the doubled/5-year rule applies, increase the base offense level by at least 6 levels; otherwise increase it by at least 4 levels. Authorized counter-drone actors who act without required federal coordination can face a civil fine up to $100,000 per violation or lose their counter-UAS authority until reviewed by the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security. The Attorney General may sue to collect fines. These rules take effect 30 days after December 18, 2025.