Federal · Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure

18 U.S.C. § 1659: Attack to plunder vessel

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

Federal law criminalizes attacking vessels on U.S. waters with intent to plunder money, goods, or merchandise. Conviction carries up to 10 years imprisonment and/or fines.

Read the full statutory text

Whoever, upon the high seas or other waters within the admiralty and maritime jurisdiction of the United States, by surprise or open force, maliciously attacks or sets upon any vessel belonging to another, with an intent unlawfully to plunder the same, or to despoil any owner thereof of any moneys, goods, or merchandise laden on board thereof, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.

Verify at the official source: Federal legislative text

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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.