§ 1074

Flight to avoid prosecution for damaging or destroying any building or other real or personal property

Up to 5 years Courts & Justice None sentenced (FY2025) Ch. 49 · Fugitives From Justice

Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term

(a) Whoever moves or travels in with intent either (1) to avoid prosecution, or custody, or confinement after conviction, under the laws of the place from which he flees, for attempting to or damaging or destroying by fire or explosive any building, structure, facility, vehicle, dwelling house, synagogue, church, religious center or educational institution, public or private, or (2) to avoid giving testimony in any criminal proceeding relating to any such offense shall be or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.

(b) Violations of this section may be prosecuted in the Federal judicial district in which the original crime was alleged to have been committed or in which the person was held in custody or confinement: Provided, however, That this section shall not be construed as indicating an intent on the part of Congress to prevent any State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession of the United States of any jurisdiction over any offense over which they would have jurisdiction in the absence of such section.

History: (Added Pub. L. 86–449, title II, §201, May 6, 1960, 74 Stat. 86 (PDF, 1.3 MB); amended Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(K), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147 (PDF, 52 MB).)

Simplified explanation

It is a federal crime to travel to another state or country to avoid prosecution, jail, or testifying in a case about damaging or destroying a building, vehicle, home, church, school, or other property by fire or explosives.