Espionage
Espionage is the act of spying or using spies to gain information—usually this used by governments to gain political or military information domestically or internationally. Congress passed the Espionage Act after the United States entered WWI to prevent any person from conveying information intended to interfere with the US Armed Forces prosecution of the war effort, or to promote the success of the country’s enemies.
Federal espionage charges are harshly punishable offenses under federal law. It is vital you retain an experienced federal criminal defense attorney, if you or a loved one are charged with espionage or any federal offense in an Oklahoma federal court.
Federal Statute
The statute for Espionage is 18 U.S.C. § 793, which lists the following violations of the Espionage Act: entering or obtaining information about any place connected with national defense for the purpose of obtaining information respecting national defense with intent or reason to believe that the information is to be used to the injury of the United States or to the advantage of any foreign nation; For one who has lawful possession of certain documents, photographs, models, and similar material to transmit such material to one not authorized to receive it; Making, copying, or attempting to make or copy, any sketch, photograph, plan, and the like of anything connected with national defense for such purpose; or receiving, agreeing, or attempting to receive from any person such materials when the recipient has reason to believe that they were taken in violation of the Espionage Act.
Elements of the Crime
In order to be convicted of Espionage, the prosecution must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt. The criminal defense attorneys at Cannon & Associates are FIERCE ADVOCATES for every client and will hold the government to their burden in your case. In order to be convicted of this crime; the government must prove:
1) Information transmitted is classified government information or relates to national defense ;
2) The accused acted with the intent or reason to believe the information will harm the United States or help a foreign nation (not necessarily an “enemy” of the United States); and
3) There was a willful communication, transfer, or receipt of the information; OR
4) There was an overt act in furtherance of a conspiracy to commit espionage.
What the Skilled Lawyers at Cannon & Associates Can Do For You
Being charged with Espionage is a serious matter. The Oklahoma criminal defense attorneys at Cannon & Associates are Fierce Advocates for Families and Freedom and will fight for you! At Cannon & Associates, we have extensive criminal defense experience, and will be with you every step of the way. We will take care to explain the issues and options to get you to your desired result and support you in this difficult time.
Contact – Cannon & Associates: Oklahoma Criminal Defense
Cannon & Associates is dedicated to Fierce Advocacy for Oklahoma criminal defendants and will fight for you. Founder John Cannon has been recognized as a Super Lawyer and Top 40 under 40. Contact Cannon & Associates to protect your rights and fight your criminal case in Oklahoma. Complete the CONTACT FORM ON THIS PAGE NOW or CALL at 405-657-2323 for a free confidential case evaluation.