§ 2B2.3.
Trespass
(a) Base Offense Level: 4
(b) Specific Offense Characteristics
(1) (Apply the greater) If—
(A) the trespass occurred (i) at a secure government facility; (ii) at a nuclear energy facility; (iii) on a vessel or aircraft of the United States; (iv) in a secure area of an airport or a seaport; (v) at a residence; (vi) at Arlington National Cemetery or a cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration; (vii) at any restricted building or grounds; or (viii) on a computer system used (I) to maintain or operate a critical infrastructure; or (II) by or for a government entity in furtherance of the administration of justice, national defense, or national security, increase by 2 levels; or
(B) the trespass occurred at the White House or its grounds, or the Vice President’s official residence or its grounds, increase by 4 levels.
(2) If a dangerous weapon (including a firearm) was possessed, increase by 2 levels.
(c) Cross Reference
(1) If the offense was committed with the intent to commit a felony offense, apply §2X1.1 (Attempt, Solicitation, or Conspiracy) in respect to that felony offense, if the resulting offense level is greater than that determined above.
Historical note
Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (amendments 108 and 109); November 1, 1997 (amendment 551); November 1, 2001 (amendment 617); November 1, 2002 (amendment 637); November 1, 2003 (amendment 654); November 1, 2007 (amendments 699 and 703); November 1, 2013 (amendment 777); November 1, 2015 (amendment 791); November 1, 2024 (amendment 827); November 1, 2026 (amendment 837).
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Commentary
Statutory provisions
Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. §§ 1030(a)(3), 1036, 2199; 38 U.S.C. § 2413; 42 U.S.C. § 7270b. For additional statutory provision(s), see Appendix A (Statutory Index).
Application Note:
1. Definitions.—For purposes of this guideline:
“Airport” has the meaning given that term in section 47102 of title 49, United States Code.
“Critical infrastructure” means systems and assets vital to national defense, national security, economic security, public health or safety, or any combination of those matters. A critical infrastructure may be publicly or privately owned. Examples of critical infrastructures include gas and oil production, storage, and delivery systems, water supply systems, telecommunications networks, electrical power delivery systems, financing and banking systems, emergency services (including medical, police, fire, and rescue services), transportation systems and services (including highways, mass transit, airlines, and airports), and government operations that provide essential services to the public.
“Felony offense” means any offense (federal, state, or local) punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, whether or not a criminal charge was brought or a conviction was obtained.
“Firearm” and “dangerous weapon” are defined in the Commentary to §1B1.1 (Application Instructions).
“Government entity” has the meaning given that term in 18 U.S.C. § 1030(e)(9).
“Restricted building or grounds” has the meaning given that term in 18 U.S.C. § 1752.
“Seaport” has the meaning given that term in 18 U.S.C. § 26.
Background
Background: Most trespasses punishable under federal law involve federal lands or property. The trespass section provides an enhancement for offenses involving trespass on secure government installations (such as nuclear facilities) and other locations (such as airports and seaports) to protect a significant federal interest. Additionally, an enhancement is provided for trespass at a residence.