Treason is known to be the highest crime in law. It even goes above murder. This is because murder includes harm to a single person or a small group, but treason includes harm to the entire nation and its welfare. Even though treason is a well-defined crime in the United States of America today, only a few Treason Lawyers Fargo ND take up these difficult cases. Ward K Johnson Law Firm is one of the few that provides this bold service to its clients. Although treason is a rare crime, our Treason Law Firm Fargo ND defends your rights and integrity. 

The Crime of Treason

Treason is the only crime that is defined in the Constitution of the United States of America. According to Article 3, Section 3, Clause 1: 

Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open court.

Treason is typically committed at the federal level. Although state prosecutions of treason are infrequent, states follow the provisions provided in the Constitution. So far, there have been 40 federal prosecutions and three state prosecutions of treason. The lower number of state treasons is because treason is a threat to the entire country and not just the state. Treason Lawyers Fargo ND assists their clients on such a rare occasion at every step. 

The Constituents of Treason

In order to call a particular crime treason, it should fulfill the following conditions under state and federal law:

• The defendant owes the government loyalty.
• Intentionally betraying that allegiance, the defendant either declares war on the government or engages in criminal activity against the government, or gives aid to the government’s enemies.

Thus, based on the elements of treason, it is clear that there are two ways in which an individual can commit treason. These are, levying war against the government or giving comfort to the government’s enemies. Levying war is considered a group activity where people actually assemble to intend to use force to have an execution of public law. In addition to this, when providing comfort to an enemy, the act is considered treason when it affects and further weakens the position of the United States of America. As this crime threatens the entire country, a Treason Law Firm Fargo ND can provide legal counsel during such a time.

Crimes similar to treason

As treason is a severe and rare crime, offenders may be charged with a different offense or additional offense in addition to treason. Though these crimes seem similar, they are related to treason but should not be confused. Some of them are as follows:

1. Sedition
2. Insurrection
3. Terrorism
4. Conspiracy to declare war
5. Espionage 
6. Misprision of treason

Keeping in mind the interchangeability, the offender must get in touch with Treason Lawyers Fargo ND to avoid severe charges and further reduce the penalty.

Sentencing and Penalties

Due to the severity of the crime, if found guilty of treason, the accused may suffer a death sentence or shall be serving jail time of at least five years and a fine of $10,000. Furthermore, they will not be permitted to hold any office in the United States of America.  

Why choose Ward K Johnson Law Firm?

We have been the leading law firm that is client-focused, and all our services are committed to the best interest of our clients. In a crime as severe as treason, it is imperative for you to get in touch with only the best Treason Law Firm Fargo ND. There are very few law firms that even provide this service due to the rarity of the case. Our licensed and certified attorneys at the federal, state, and judicial levels offer nothing but the best results that safeguard’s your future.