Treason Lawyer Fauquier County — Federal Criminal Defense
Treason is a uniquely serious federal offense under Article III of the U.S. Constitution and 18 U.S.C. § 2381, potentially punishable by death. If you are under investigation in Fauquier County for acts against the United States, immediate legal counsel is critical. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense, leveraging our federal court experience. We offer 24/7 consultations at (888) 437-7747.
Last verified: April 2026 | Verify with lead attorney | Virginia General Assembly
What is Treason Under Federal Law?
The crime of treason is specifically defined in the U.S. Constitution and codified in federal statute. It is one of the few crimes mentioned in the Constitution itself, underscoring its gravity. Article III, Section 3 states: “Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort.” This definition is enacted into law by 18 U.S.C. § 2381.
To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove two elements beyond a reasonable doubt. First, the defendant owed allegiance to the United States. Second, the defendant committed an overt act that constitutes either levying war against the U.S. or adhering to its enemies by providing them aid and comfort. Crucially, the Constitution requires testimony from two witnesses to the same overt act, or a confession in open court. This high evidentiary standard reflects the founding fathers’ intent to prevent the charge from being used as a political tool.
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has built a practice focused on complex federal defense. Our attorneys understand the severe implications of a treason accusation and the intensive investigation conducted by agencies like the FBI.
Official Legal Resources
Understanding the precise language of the law is essential. You can review the federal treason statute at the official government website: 18 U.S.C. § 2381 (official U.S. Code). For procedures in federal courts serving Virginia, refer to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
- Initial Investigation & Contact: Federal agents may contact you or execute search warrants. Do not speak to them without an attorney. Contact our firm immediately at (888) 437-7747.
- Case Assessment: We will conduct a thorough review of the allegations, the evidence known to us, and your background to build a strategic defense.
- Grand Jury Proceedings: For a treason charge, a federal grand jury must return an indictment. We can advise on your rights and the process during this secretive phase.
- Arraignment & Plea: If indicted, you will be arraigned in U.S. District Court. We will enter a plea of not guilty and begin formal discovery.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Strategy: We file motions to challenge the evidence, the constitutionality of the charges, and seek to have the case dismissed or evidence suppressed.
- Trial or Resolution: We prepare for a rigorous trial, where the government’s two-witness requirement must be met, or negotiate for a resolution that minimizes the extreme penalties.
In Fauquier County and across the United States, a treason conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 2381 can result in the death penalty or a minimum sentence of five years to life in prison, along with a fine of at least $10,000 and permanent loss of the right to hold public office.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treason | Federal Capital Crime | Death, or 5 years to life | $10,000+ | Ineligible for public office; permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Federal Defense
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We focus on high-stakes federal criminal defense, including charges that threaten national security. Our approach is built on meticulous preparation and understanding the tactics of federal prosecutors.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific case results are confidential, our firm has a documented history of advocating for clients facing serious federal allegations. We work to challenge the government’s evidence, protect our clients’ constitutional rights, and pursue every available defense. In federal cases, secondary attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including former death penalty certification, often collaborates to bring additional trial experience to the defense team.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Treason Lawyer Near Fauquier County
Our Fairfax Location serves clients at federal courts relevant to Fauquier County cases. We are accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. We serve communities including Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Treason Defense FAQs
What is the legal definition of treason?
Treason is defined in the U.S. Constitution and 18 U.S.C. § 2381 as levying war against the United States or adhering to its enemies by giving them aid and comfort. It requires an overt act and testimony from two witnesses to the same act.
Can someone be charged with treason for protesting?
It depends. Peaceful protest is protected speech under the First Amendment and does not constitute levying war. However, if protests involve violent insurrection or providing material support to a declared enemy of the state, it could potentially lead to related charges, though a pure treason charge would be extremely rare and require meeting the high constitutional standard.
What is the difference between treason and sedition?
Treason, as defined above, requires aiding an enemy during wartime. Sedition, criminalized under laws like 18 U.S.C. § 2384, involves conspiring to overthrow the government, use force to prevent law execution, or seize federal property. It is a separate, though also serious, felony. A sedition defense lawyer Fauquier County would address charges under these different statutes.
What should I do if contacted by the FBI about a national security matter?
Do not answer questions. Politely state you wish to speak with an attorney and immediately contact a lawyer. You have the right to remain silent, and anything you say can be used against you. Call our treason lawyer Fauquier County team at (888) 437-7747 for a confidential consultation.
What are the possible defenses to a treason charge?
Defenses can include challenging the “overt act,” proving the absence of intent to betray the U.S., demonstrating that the alleged enemy is not legally recognized as such, attacking the credibility or sufficiency of the two witnesses, or asserting that the conduct was authorized by the government. Each case is fact-specific.
Contact a Federal Defense Attorney
If you or a loved one is facing allegations of treason or related national security crimes, the time to act is now. The federal investigative process moves quickly. For more information on related defenses, see our page on Federal Criminal Lawyer in Fauquier County. For general criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. You can also learn about our Fairfax office location.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.