Federal · Title 6 — Domestic Security

6 U.S.C. § 124n: Penalties

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

This statute increases maximum prison sentences for felons who use unmanned aircraft during their crimes, and for prisoners who use drones to smuggle contraband into prisons. It also authorizes civil fines and suspensions of counter-UAS authority.

Read the full statutory text
In this section, the term “unmanned aircraft” has the meaning given the term in section 44801 of title 49 . If a person who is convicted of a felony offense (other than an offense based solely on the operation of an unmanned aircraft) knowingly operated an unmanned aircraft during, in relation to, or in furtherance of such offense, the maximum imprisonment otherwise provided by law for that offense shall be doubled or increased by 5 years, whichever is less. If a defendant who is convicted under section 1791 of title 18 knowingly used an unmanned aircraft to provide a prohibited object to an inmate of a prison, the maximum imprisonment otherwise provided by law for that offense shall be increased by 5 years. promulgate guidelines, or amendments to guidelines, that substantially increase the sentencing range for all offenses involving the use of an unmanned aircraft; and as necessary, promulgate policy statements, or amendments to policy statements to assist in the application of this section. In any case in which the enhanced penalties of subsection (c) apply, the guidelines and amendments issued under paragraph (1) shall call for an increase of at least 6 levels in the base offense level and in all other cases, the base offense level shall be increased by at least 4 levels. a civil fine up to $100,000 per violation; or suspension of counter-UAS authority pending review by the Attorney General or Secretary of Homeland Security. The Attorney General is authorized to bring a civil action in a United States district court to collect fines and enforce civil penalties imposed under this section. This section and the amendments made by this section shall take effect 30 days after December 18, 2025 .

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.

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.