Us Code § 5905 - Penalty for certain acts

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 5905 — Penalty for certain acts, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5905. Penalty for certain acts

Whoever wrongfully withholds from any claimant or beneficiary any part of a benefit or claim allowed and due to the claimant or beneficiary, shall be fined as provided in title 18, or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.

(Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1239, §3405; Pub. L. 99–576, title VII, §701(81), Oct. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 3298; Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title I, §104(b), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4109; renumbered §5905 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–83, §5(c)(1), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 406; Pub. L. 109–461, title I, §101(g), Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3408.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2006—Pub. L. 109–461 struck out "(1) directly or indirectly solicits, contracts for, charges, or receives, or attempts to solicit, contract for, charge, or receive, any fee or compensation except as provided in sections 5904 or 1984 of this title, or (2)" after "Whoever".

1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 3405 of this title as this section and substituted "5904" for "3404".

Pub. L. 102–83 substituted "1984" for "784".

1988—Pub. L. 100–687 substituted "shall be fined as provided in title 18, or imprisoned not more than one year, or both" for "shall be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned at hard labor for not more than two years, or both".

1986—Pub. L. 99–576 substituted "to the claimant or beneficiary" for "him".


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–687 effective Sept. 1, 1989, see section 401(a) of Pub. L. 100–687, set out as an Effective Date note under section 7251 of this title.

About This Section

38 U.S.C. § 5905 is part of Title 38 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 38 U.S.C. § 5905. 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

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 5905

What does United States Code § 5905 cover?

Section 5905 ("Penalty for certain acts") 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 § 5905?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 5905" (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 § 5905 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.