Treason lawyer DC

Treason is the only crime specifically defined in the United States Constitution (Article III, Section 3) and codified at 18 U.S.C. § 2381. The statute makes it a federal offense to levy war against the United States or adhere to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort. The Constitution requires the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act or a confession in open court for a conviction. The maximum penalty upon conviction is death, though the court may also impose a term of imprisonment and a fine. In Washington, D.C., federal treason charges are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and adjudicated in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Because the federal system has no parole and sentencing is governed by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, the stakes are extraordinarily high. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends clients facing federal criminal investigations and charges, including treason allegations, throughout the District of Columbia. Reach our Arlington location at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Treason Means in Washington, D.C.

Treason prosecutions are among the most serious matters a federal court can hear. Under 18 U.S.C. § 2381, the government must prove that the accused intentionally engaged in an overt act of levying war against the United States or intentionally adhered to an enemy of the United States by providing aid and comfort. The two‑witness requirement, drawn directly from the Constitution, means the prosecution’s case depends on direct evidence from at least two people who observed the same overt act, a procedural safeguard that makes these cases factually and evidentially complex.

In the District of Columbia, federal criminal cases are filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, located in the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse at 333 Constitution Avenue NW. Investigations are typically conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, and other federal agencies. A grand jury indictment is required before trial. The court applies the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Federal Rules of Evidence, and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Because the District is the seat of the federal government, many national‑security and politically sensitive investigations originate here, making experienced federal defense counsel essential.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves individuals and organizations in Washington, D.C., from its Arlington location, which is a short distance from the federal courthouse. The firm’s attorneys are admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and appear regularly in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Treason Cases

Defending a treason charge requires meticulous attention to the constitutional and statutory elements of the offense. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands how the government builds its case and where procedural and evidentiary weaknesses can arise. He works closely with the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys to mount a thorough defense focused on challenging the sufficiency of the evidence, the reliability of witness testimony, and the government’s compliance with constitutional safeguards.

The firm’s approach is methodical: early intervention during the investigation phase, careful review of grand jury materials, rigorous cross‑examination of witnesses on the two‑overt‑act requirement, and strategic motions practice. Because a treason prosecution often involves classified information or sensitive national‑security material, the team is experienced in handling matters governed by the Classified Information Procedures Act and in protecting clients’ rights while navigating the complexities of a federal security‑sensitive case. The goal is to safeguard the client’s constitutional protections at every stage, from initial investigation through trial and, if necessary, appeal.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He has been practicing since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. As a former prosecutor, he brings a firsthand understanding of how the government prepares and tries criminal cases. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys collaborate with Mr. Sris on federal criminal matters, contributing extensive combined legal experience in federal courtrooms. Together, they work to provide clients with a defense grounded in a thorough understanding of the governing statutes, constitutional principles, and the local practices of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is treason under federal law?

Treason is defined by 18 U.S.C. § 2381 as levying war against the United States or adhering to its enemies by giving them aid and comfort. The Constitution requires the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or a confession in open court, for a conviction. This high evidentiary standard makes treason cases uniquely challenging for the prosecution. The statute allows a court to impose a sentence of death, imprisonment, and a fine, and also provides for disqualification from holding any U.S. Office.

How are treason charges prosecuted in Washington, D.C.?

Federal treason charges in Washington, D.C., are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The case begins with an investigation by federal law enforcement agencies, followed by presentation to a federal grand jury. If the grand jury returns an indictment, the case proceeds through pretrial motions, discovery, and trial before a federal district judge. The Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines govern the proceedings.

What are the penalties for a treason conviction?

A conviction for treason under 18 U.S.C. § 2381 carries a maximum penalty of death, imprisonment for any term of years or for life, and a fine. The court may impose any combination of these penalties. In practice, sentences are determined under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the offense level, criminal history, and any aggravating or mitigating factors. A conviction also results in disqualification from holding any federal office.

Do I need a lawyer if I am being investigated for treason?

Yes. Anyone who is the subject of a federal treason investigation should immediately retain experienced federal criminal defense counsel. Early representation can help protect constitutional rights during interviews, searches, and grand jury proceedings. A lawyer can advise you on how to respond to subpoenas, whether to cooperate, and how to preserve potential defenses. The earlier counsel is involved, the more options may be available to influence the direction of the investigation.

How does the firm defend against treason charges?

The firm defends treason charges by examining the government’s evidence for constitutional and procedural deficiencies, particularly the two‑witness requirement and the sufficiency of proof of an overt act. Because the Constitution demands two witnesses to the same overt act, the defense focuses on challenging the credibility and consistency of witness accounts. The firm also scrutinizes the grand jury process, the handling of classified information, and any violations of the client’s Fourth, Fifth, or Sixth Amendment rights.

What should I do if federal agents contact me?

If federal agents contact you, you have the right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney before answering any questions. Do not consent to a search or provide any statement without counsel present. Politely state that you wish to speak with a lawyer and then contact a federal criminal defense attorney. Anything you say can be used against you in a criminal proceeding, so protecting your right to silence is critical.

Official sources: U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia; 18 U.S.C. § 2381.

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