Civilians

With recent indictments and prosecutions for issues related to classified information and growing international tensions with Russia, China, and Iran, national security law had taken on greater importance in recent years. National security law is, quite simply, the law that protects the nation’s security, including its secrets. Some of these laws include the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the Espionage Act (protecting classified information), the Economic Espionage Act, as well as others.

 

In recent years, foreign agents in the U.S. have been active in approaching U.S. businesses and U.S. citizens. Sometimes these foreign agents will approach U.S. citizens to gain information. They may offer employment in an American front company to draw in unsuspecting subjects. These people may find themselves at the center of an investigation by the FBI.

 

The U.S. also used IEEPA to further its foreign policy interest. IEEPA allows the U.S. Treasury to impose sanctions on companies and individuals, making it illegal for Americans to conduct financial transactions with sanctioned entities. If Americans violate these sanctions, they subject themselves to serious civil and criminal sanctions.

 

The good news is that if you find yourself involved in one of these investigations, we can help. We have been working on cases with national security concerns for decades. National security cases are different from other cases in several significant ways. First, there may be issues other than potential criminal charges that need to be considered. Security clearances and careers are often at risk. Classified information is often at play and must be handled with care.

 

Most national security investigations do not end in indictments; however, if the representation is not handled properly in the investigative stage, the possibility of charges is greatly increased.

 

Dennis Boyle began his legal career with the U.S. Department of Justice working on espionage cases in Maryland (United States v. John Walker, United States v. Ronald Pelton, and United States v. Samuel Morrison). After that, he gained extensive experience in national security cases as a Judge Advocate in the United States Navy. After serving in the United States and overseas, as well as on board an aircraft carrier during the First Persian Gulf War, Dennis retired from the Navy Reserve with the rank of Commander. His last assignment was as a Commissioner on the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals. He has deep experience in the field of national security law.

 

Feel free to contact us with any questions. We can help.