Impersonating a Federal Agent Penalty
Authored by Taelonnda Sewell, LegalMatch Legal WriterLocate a Local Criminal Lawyer
Impersonating a Federal Agent
A federal agent is an individual who works for a government agency, such as the FBI or DEA. Impersonating a federal agent to receive some advantage or deceive other people is a specific intent crime.
How Does the U.S. Government Define Impersonating a Federal Agent?
The federal government defines impersonating a federal agent as falsely pretending or assuming to be an employee or officer acting under the authority of the United States, agency, or department.
Is It a Crime to Pretend to be a Federal Agent for Fun?
The federal statute requires an individual arrested for impersonating a federal agent either demand or obtain:
- Papers
- Money
- Documents
- Anything else of value
What Is the Penalty for Impersonating a Federal Agent?
An individual convicted of impersonating a federal agent may receive a fine and up to three years in prison.
What If I Did Not Obtain Anything of Value?
It is still a crime if the impersonator pretended to be a federal agent in order to perform a search:
- On a person
- In a building or other property
- Of a person’s property
The impersonator may receive up to three years in prison and a fine.
What about the Penalty for Impersonating a Police Officer?
The penalty for impersonating a police officer varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. For example, in Texas, impersonating a public servant with the intent to cause someone to submit to his authority is a crime. The typical punishment for impersonating a police officer depends on whether the crime is s a felony or a misdemeanor, and may include:
- Probation
- Fines of up to $1,000
- At least five years in prison
Should I Contact an Attorney about Impersonation Charges?
The penalties for impersonating a federal agent or anyone employed by the federal government are severe. If you have been charged with this crime, you need to talk to a criminal defense attorney about resolving the issue.
Consult a Lawyer - Present Your Case Now!
Last Modified: 06-08-2015 08:19 AM PDT
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