§3811. Offenses and penalties
(a) In general
Any member of the Selective Service System or any other person charged as herein provided with the duty of carrying out any of the provisions of this chapter, or the rules or regulations made or directions given thereunder, who shall knowingly fail or neglect to perform such duty, and any person charged with such duty, or having and exercising any authority under said chapter, rules, regulations, or directions who shall knowingly make, or be a party to the making, of any false, improper, or incorrect registration, classification, physical or mental examination, deferment, induction, enrollment, or muster, and any person who shall knowingly make, or be a party to the making, of any false statement or certificate regarding or bearing upon a classification or in support of any request for a particular classification, for service under the provisions of this chapter, or rules, regulations, or directions made pursuant thereto, or who otherwise evades or refuses registration or service in the armed forces or any of the requirements of this chapter, or who knowingly counsels, aids, or abets another to refuse or evade registration or service in the armed forces or any of the requirements of this chapter, or of said rules, regulations, or directions, or who in any manner shall knowingly fail or neglect or refuse to perform any duty required of him under or in the execution of this chapter, or rules, regulations, or directions made pursuant to this chapter, or any person or persons who shall knowingly hinder or interfere or attempt to do so in any way, by force or violence or otherwise, with the administration of this chapter or the rules or regulations made pursuant thereto, or who conspires to commit any one or more of such offenses, shall, upon conviction in any district court of the United States of competent jurisdiction, be punished by imprisonment for not more than five years or a fine of not more than $10,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment, or if subject to military or naval law may be tried by court martial, and, on conviction, shall suffer such punishment as a court martial may direct. No person shall be tried by court martial in any case arising under this chapter unless such person has been actually inducted for the training and service prescribed under this chapter or unless he is subject to trial by court martial under laws in force prior to June 24, 1948.
(b) Making or possession of false identification or representation; forgery, destruction, or mutilation of certificate; knowing violation or evasion of provisions
Any person (1) who knowingly transfers or delivers to another, for the purpose of aiding or abetting the making of any false identification or representation, any registration certificate, alien's certificate of nonresidence, or any other certificate issued pursuant to or prescribed by the provisions of this chapter, or rules or regulations promulgated hereunder; or (2) who, with intent that it be used for any purpose of false identification or representation, has in his possession any such certificate not duly issued to him; or (3) who forges, alters, knowingly destroys, knowingly mutilates, or in any manner changes any such certificate or any notation duly and validly inscribed thereon; or (4) who, with intent that it be used for any purpose of false identification or representation, photographs, prints, or in any manner makes or executes any engraving, photograph, print, or impression in the likeness of any such certificate, or any colorable imitation thereof; or (5) who has in his possession any certificate purporting to be a certificate issued pursuant to this chapter, or rules and regulations promulgated hereunder, which he knows to be falsely made, reproduced, forged, counterfeited, or altered; or (6) who knowingly violates or evades any of the provisions of this chapter or rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto relating to the issuance, transfer, or possession of such certificate, shall, upon conviction, be fined not to exceed $10,000 or be imprisoned for not more than five years, or both. Whenever on trial for a violation of this subsection the defendant is shown to have or to have had possession of any certificate not duly issued to him, such possession shall be deemed sufficient evidence to establish an intent to use such certificate for purposes of false identification or representation, unless the defendant explains such possession to the satisfaction of the jury.
(c) Expeditious prosecution by Department of Justice
The Department of Justice shall proceed as expeditiously as possible with a prosecution under this section, or with an appeal, upon the request of the Director of Selective Service System or shall advise the House of Representatives and the Senate in writing the reasons for its failure to do so.
(d) Statute of limitations
No person shall be prosecuted, tried, or punished for evading, neglecting, or refusing to perform the duty of registering imposed by section 3802 of this title unless the indictment is found within five years next after the last day before such person attains the age of twenty-six, or within five years next after the last day before such person does perform his duty to register, whichever shall first occur.
(e) Information furnished for purpose of enforcement
The President may require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to furnish to the Director, from records available to the Secretary, the following information with respect to individuals who are members of any group of individuals required by a proclamation of the President under section 3802 of this title to present themselves for and submit to registration under such section: name, date of birth, social security account number, and address. Information furnished to the Director by the Secretary under this subsection shall be used only for the purpose of the enforcement of this Act.
(f) Assistance provided under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965; failure to register; statement of compliance
(1) Except as provided in subsection (g), any person who is required under section 3802 of this title to present himself for and submit to registration under such section and fails to do so in accordance with any proclamation issued under such section, or in accordance with any rule or regulation issued under such section, shall be ineligible for any form of assistance or benefit provided under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.].
(2) In order to receive any grant, loan, or work assistance under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.), a person who is required under section 3802 of this title to present himself for and submit to registration under such section shall file with the institution of higher education which the person intends to attend, or is attending, a statement of compliance with section 3802 of this title and regulations issued thereunder.
(3) The Secretary of Education, in agreement with the Director, shall prescribe methods for verifying such statements of compliance filed pursuant to paragraph (2). Such methods may include requiring institutions of higher education to provide a list to the Secretary of Education or to the Director of persons who have submitted such statements of compliance.
(4) The Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Director, shall issue regulations to implement the requirements of this subsection. Such regulations shall provide that any person to whom the Secretary of Education proposes to deny assistance or benefits under title IV [20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.] for failure to meet the registration requirements of section 3802 of this title and regulations issued thereunder shall be given notice of the proposed denial and shall have a suitable period (of not less than thirty days) after such notice to provide the Secretary with information and materials establishing that he has complied with the registration requirement under section 3802 of this title. Such regulations shall also provide that the Secretary may afford such person an opportunity for a hearing to establish his compliance or for any other purpose.
(g) Failure to register; termination or inapplicability of requirement; absence of knowledge and willfulness
A person may not be denied a right, privilege, or benefit under Federal law by reason of failure to present himself for and submit to registration under section 3802 of this title if-
(1) the requirement for the person to so register has terminated or become inapplicable to the person; and
(2) the person shows by a preponderance of the evidence that the failure of the person to register was not a knowing and willful failure to register.
(June 24, 1948, ch. 625, title I, §12,
Editorial Notes
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b), was in the original "this title", meaning title I of act June 24, 1948, ch. 625,
This Act, referred to in subsec. (e), is act June 24, 1948, ch. 625,
The Higher Education Act of 1965, referred to in subsec. (f), is
Codification
Section was formerly classified to section 462 of the former Appendix to this title prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.
Amendments
1986-Subsec. (f)(1).
Subsec. (g).
1984-Subsec. (a).
1982-Subsec. (f).
1981-Subsec. (e).
1971-Subsec. (d).
1967-Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (c).
1965-Subsec. (b)(3).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1982 Amendment
Executive Documents
Proc. No. 4313. Program for Return of Vietnam Era Draft Evaders and Military Deserters
Proc. No. 4313, Sept. 16, 1974, 39 F.R. 33293,
The United States withdrew the last of its forces from the Republic of Vietnam on March 28, 1973.
In the period of its involvement in armed hostilities in Southeast Asia, the United States suffered great losses. Millions served their country, thousands died in combat, thousands more were wounded, others are still listed as missing in action.
Over a year after the last American combatant had left Vietnam, the status of thousands of our countrymen-convicted, charged, investigated or still sought for violations of the Military Selective Service Act [see References in Text note set out under section 3801 of this title] or of the Uniform Code of Military Justice [10 U.S.C. 801 et seq.]-remains unresolved.
In furtherance of our national commitment to justice and mercy these young Americans should have the chance to contribute a share to the rebuilding of peace among ourselves and with all nations. They should be allowed the opportunity to earn return to their country, their communities, and their families, upon their agreement to a period of alternate service in the national interest, together with an acknowledgment of their allegiance to the country and its Constitution.
Desertion in time of war is a major, serious offense; failure to respond to the country's call for duty is also a serious offense. Reconciliation among our people does not require that these acts be condoned. Yet, reconciliation calls for an act of mercy to bind the Nation's wounds and to heal the scars of divisiveness.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the United States, pursuant to my powers under Article II, Sections 1, 2 and 3 of the Constitution, do hereby proclaim a program to commence immediately to afford reconciliation to Vietnam era draft evaders and military deserters upon the following terms and conditions:
1. Draft Evaders-An individual who allegedly unlawfully failed under the Military Selective Service Act [see References in Text note set out under section 3801 of this title] or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder, to register or register on time, to keep the local board informed of his current address, to report for or submit to preinduction or induction examination, to report for or submit to induction itself, or to report for or submit to, or complete service under section 6(j) of such Act [50 U.S.C. 3806(j)] during the period from August 4, 1964 to March 28, 1973, inclusive, and who has not been adjudged guilty in a trial for such offense, will be relieved of prosecution and punishment for such offense if he:
(i) presents himself to a United States Attorney before March 31, 1975,
(ii) executes an agreement acknowledging his allegiance to the United States and pledging to fulfill a period of alternate service under the auspices of the Director of Selective Service, and
(iii) satisfactorily completes such service.
The alternate service shall promote the national health, safety, or interest. No draft evader will be given the privilege of completing a period of alternate service by service in the Armed Forces.
However, this program will not apply to an individual who is precluded from re-entering the United States under 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(22) or other law. Additionally, if individuals eligible for this program have other criminal charges outstanding, their participation in the program may be conditioned upon, or postponed until after, final disposition of the other charges has been reached in accordance with law.
The period of service shall be twenty-four months, which may be reduced by the Attorney General because of mitigating circumstances.
2. Military Deserters-A member of the armed forces who has been administratively classified as a deserter by reason of unauthorized absence and whose absence commenced during the period from August 4, 1964 to March 28, 1973, inclusive, will be relieved of prosecution and punishment under Articles 85, 86 and 87 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice [10 U.S.C. 885, 886, 887] for such absence and for offenses directly related thereto if before March 31, 1975 he takes an oath of allegiance to the United States and executes an agreement with the Secretary of the Military Department from which he absented himself or for members of the Coast Guard, with the Secretary of Transportation, pledging to fulfill a period of alternate service under the auspices of the Director of Selective Service. The alternate service shall promote the national health, safety, or interest.
The period of service shall be twenty-four months, which may be reduced by the Secretary of the appropriate Military Department, or Secretary of Transportation for members of the Coast Guard, because of mitigating circumstances.
However, if a member of the armed forces has additional outstanding charges pending against him under the Uniform Code of Military Justice [10 U.S.C. 801 et seq.], his eligibility to participate in this program may be conditioned upon, or postponed until after, final disposition of the additional charges has been reached in accordance with law.
Each member of the armed forces who elects to seek relief through this program will receive an undesirable discharge. Thereafter, upon satisfactory completion of a period of alternate service prescribed by the Military Department or Department of Transportation, such individual will be entitled to receive, in lieu of his undesirable discharge, a clemency discharge in recognition of his fulfillment of the requirements of the program. Such clemency discharge shall not bestow entitlement to benefits administered by the Veterans Administration.
Procedures of the Military Departments implementing this Proclamation will be in accordance with guidelines established by the Secretary of Defense, present Military Department regulations notwithstanding.
3. Presidential Clemency Board-By Executive Order I have this date established a Presidential Clemency Board which will review the records of individuals within the following categories: (i) those who have been convicted of draft evasion offenses as described above, (ii) those who have received a punitive or undesirable discharge from service in the armed forces for having violated Article 85, 86, or 87 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice [10 U.S.C. 885, 886, 887] between August 4, 1964 and March 28, 1973, or are serving sentences of confinement for such violations. Where appropriate, the Board may recommend that clemency be conditioned upon completion of a period of alternate service. However, if any clemency discharge is recommended, such discharge shall not bestow entitlement to benefits administered by the Veterans Administration.
4. Alternate Service-In prescribing the length of alternate service in individual cases, the Attorney General, the Secretary of the appropriate Department, or the Clemency Board shall take into account such honorable service as an individual may have rendered prior to his absence, penalties already paid under law, and such other mitigating factors as may be appropriate to seek equity among those who participate in this program.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of September in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and ninety-nineth.
Gerald R. Ford.
Proc. No. 4483. Pardon for Violations of Act, August 4, 1964 to March 28, 1973
Proc. No. 4483, Jan. 21, 1977, 42 F.R. 4391,
Acting pursuant to the grant of authority in Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution of the United States, I, Jimmy Carter, President of the United States, do hereby grant a full, complete and unconditional pardon to: (1) all persons who may have committed any offense between August 4, 1964 and March 28, 1973 in violation of the Military Selective Service Act [see References in Text note set out under section 3801 of this title] or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder; and (2) all persons heretofore convicted, irrespective of the date of conviction, of any offense committed between August 4, 1964 and March 28, 1973 in violation of the Military Selective Service Act, or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder, restoring to them full political, civil and other rights.
This pardon does not apply to the following who are specifically excluded therefrom:
(1) All persons convicted of or who may have committed any offense in violation of the Military Selective Service Act, or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder, involving force or violence; and
(2) All persons convicted of or who may have committed any offense in violation of the Military Selective Service Act, or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder, in connection with duties or responsibilities arising out of employment as agents, officers or employees of the Military Selective Service system.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 21st day of January, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and seventy-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and first.
Jimmy Carter.
Ex. Ord. No. 11803. Clemency Board To Review Certain Convictions and Discharges
Ex. Ord. No. 11803, Sept. 16, 1974, 39 F.R. 33297, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 11837, Jan. 30, 1975, 40 F.R. 4895; Ex. Ord. No. 11842, Feb. 28, 1975, 40 F.R. 8935; Ex. Ord. No. 11857, May 7, 1975, 40 F.R. 20261; Ex. Ord. No. 11878, Sept. 10, 1975, 40 F.R. 42731, provided:
By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States by Section 2 of Article II of the Constitution of the United States, and in the interest of the internal management of the Government, it is ordered as follows:
Gerald R. Ford.
Ex. Ord. No. 11804. Delegation of Certain Functions of President to Director of Selective Service
Ex. Ord. No. 11804, Sept. 16, 1974, 39 F.R. 33299, provided:
By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States, pursuant to my powers under Article II, Sections 1, 2 and 3 of the Constitution, and under Section 301 of Title 3 of the United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Gerald R. Ford.
Ex. Ord. No. 11878. Assigning Responsibilities Relating to Activities of Presidential Clemency Board
Ex. Ord. No. 11878, Sept. 10, 1975, 40 F.R. 42731, provided:
By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the United States of America, and as President of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:
"The Board shall submit its final recommendations to the President not later than September 15, 1975, at which time it shall cease to exist."
Gerald R. Ford.
Ex. Ord. No. 11967. Implementation of Pardon for Violations of Act, August 4, 1964 to March 28, 1973
Ex. Ord. No. 11967, Jan. 21, 1977, 42 F.R. 4393, provided:
The following actions shall be taken to facilitate Presidential Proclamation of Pardon of January 21, 1977 [Proc. No. 4483, set out above]:
1. The Attorney General shall cause to be dismissed with prejudice to the Government all pending indictments for violations of the Military Selective Service Act [see References in Text note set out under section 3801 of this title] alleged to have occurred between August 4, 1964 and March 28, 1973 with the exception of the following:
(a) Those cases alleging acts of force or violence deemed to be so serious by the Attorney General as to warrant continued prosecution; and
(b) Those cases alleging acts in violation of the Military Selective Service Act by agents, employees or officers of the Selective Service System arising out of such employment.
2. The Attorney General shall terminate all investigations now pending and shall not initiate further investigations alleging violations of the Military Selective Service Act [see References in Text note set out under section 3801 of this title] between August 4, 1964 and March 28, 1973, with the exception of the following:
(a) Those cases involving allegations of force or violence deemed to be so serious by the Attorney General as to warrant continued investigation, or possible prosecution; and
(b) Those cases alleging acts in violation of the Military Selective Service Act by agents, employees or officers of the Selective Service System arising out of such employment.
3. Any person who is or may be precluded from reentering the United States under [former] 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(22) or under any other law, by reason of having committed or apparently committed any violation of the Military Selective Service Act [see References in Text note set out under section 3801 of this title] shall be permitted as any other alien to reenter the United States.
The Attorney General is directed to exercise his discretion under 8 U.S.C. 1182(d)(5) or other applicable law to permit the reentry of such persons under the same terms and conditions as any other alien.
This shall not include anyone who falls into the exceptions of paragraphs 1(a) and (b) and 2(a) and (b) above.
4. Any individual offered conditional clemency or granted a pardon or other clemency under Executive Order 11803 [set out above] or Presidential Proclamation 4313, dated September 16, 1974 [set out above], shall receive the full measure of relief afforded by this program if they are otherwise qualified under the terms of this Executive Order.
Jimmy Carter.