Federal · Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure

18 U.S.C. § 1654: Arming or serving on privateers

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

A U.S. citizen who arms a private warship or privateer intended to attack Americans or their property, commands such a vessel, or invests in one faces fines or up to ten years imprisonment.

Read the full statutory text

Whoever, being a citizen of the United States, without the limits thereof, fits out and arms, or attempts to fit out and arm or is concerned in furnishing, fitting out, or arming any private vessel of war or privateer, with intent that such vessel shall be employed to cruise or commit hostilities upon the citizens of the United States or their property; or Whoever takes the command of or enters on board of any such vessel with such intent; or Whoever purchases any interest in any such vessel with a view to share in the profits thereof— Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.

Verify at the official source: Federal legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

Start your matter free Ask Law Link about this code

This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.