Us Code § 1202 - Ransom money

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 1202 — Ransom money, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1202. Ransom money

(a) Whoever receives, possesses, or disposes of any money or other property, or any portion thereof, which has at any time been delivered as ransom or reward in connection with a violation of section 1201 of this title, knowing the same to be money or property which has been at any time delivered as such ransom or reward, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.

(b) A person who transports, transmits, or transfers in interstate or foreign commerce any proceeds of a kidnapping punishable under State law by imprisonment for more than 1 year, or receives, possesses, conceals, or disposes of any such proceeds after they have crossed a State or United States boundary, knowing the proceeds to have been unlawfully obtained, shall be imprisoned not more than 10 years, fined under this title, or both.

(c) For purposes of this section, the term "State" has the meaning set forth in section 245(d) of this title.

(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 760; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXII, §320601(b), title XXXIII, §330016(1)(L), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2115, 2147.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §408c–1 (June 22, 1932, ch. 271, §4, as added Jan. 24, 1936, ch. 29, 49 Stat. 1099).

Words "in the penitentiary" after "imprisoned" were omitted in view of section 4082 of this title committing prisoners to the custody of the Attorney General. (See reviser's note under section 1 of this title.)

Minor changes were made in phraseology.


Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–322, §320601(b), designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsecs. (b) and (c).

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–322, §330016(1)(L), substituted "fined under this title" for "fined not more than $10,000".

About This Section

18 U.S.C. § 1202 is part of Title 18 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 18 U.S.C. § 1202. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 1202

What does United States Code § 1202 cover?

Section 1202 ("Ransom money") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 1202?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 1202" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 1202 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.