18 U.S.C. 1503 addresses specified interference with federal jurors, court officers, and the due administration of justice. The government must prove the charged form of obstruction; ordinary criticism of a court or an unsuccessful legal position is not automatically a crime. [1]
Elements and penalties
For an individual convicted of the ordinary felony, the general fine ceiling is $250,000, separate from any aggravated imprisonment tier. [2] The ordinary statutory maximum is ten years. Attempted killing and certain juror cases can carry twenty years, and a killing invokes homicide penalties. In a criminal-trial case involving threats or physical force, another statutory provision can raise the maximum. The proceeding and required connection to it matter. [1]
The omnibus clause focuses on the administration of federal justice, while other clauses specifically address jurors and court officers. A threat may trigger the special criminal-trial sentencing provision even where the ordinary maximum would be lower. Whether the alleged act could obstruct the relevant proceeding and the accused person’s awareness of that relationship can be central issues under controlling decisions. Distinguish completed success from an alleged endeavor. [1]
What to examine in the actual case
- Match the indictment to the juror, court-officer, or omnibus theory.
- Identify the federal proceeding and the accused person’s knowledge of it.
- Preserve entire conversations and timing evidence rather than an isolated sentence about a witness or document.
Practical example
A threatening message to a juror may support a different charge and penalty analysis from an allegation that someone concealed a record. The subsection and facts control.
For related situations, see federal criminal contempt and destruction of federal records.
Primary sources
Sources checked: October 31, 2026.