Man Found Illegally Boarding Ship to South Korea at Port of Oakland (18 United States Code 2199)

Last Modified: October 13, 2020
December 10, 2014 | Rabin Nabizadeh | Federal Crime

A man (name withheld to protect the accused) was recently discovered on a ship leaving the Port of Oakland.  This German national had evidently allowed his passport to expire and believed that he had no other way to get to South Korea to spend time with his wife, who is evidently pregnant with their child.  Authorities say that this man evidently rowed out to the ship in an inflatable boat he bought from a retail outlet that sells sporting goods.  He was charged with a federal crime, that of being a stowaway, though he insists that he bought a ticket from a gentleman in Chinatown for the amount of $500.

It sounds archaic, but illegally boarding a ship is a federal crime18 U.S. Code 2199 (“Stowaways on vessels or aircraft”) dictates that any person who boards a vessel intending to travel on that vessel, but does not have permission to do so can be charged with this particular violation of federal law.  In fact, an individual who is a stowaway could spend up to 5 years in federal prison for attempting to hitch a ride on a ship or airplane on which they do not belong.  If a stowaway has boarded a vessel with the intent of seriously harming someone on board, penalties rise to 20 years in a federal facility.

The question in the above case will be whether the German national actually believed that he had purchased a ticket in good faith.  The evidence against him, however, may rest mainly with the manner in which he reached the ship, which was, from some perspective, surreptitious.  It remains to be seen how this case will ultimately be handled.

 

latest news

February 27, 2024
What to Do if You’ve Been Arrested for a DUI in San Jose
Being arrested for a DUI in San Jose, CA, can have severe penalties, potentially resulting in jail time, losing your driver's license, and other serious consequences. Here's what to do if facing a DUI conviction after being accused of driving over the legal limit and how a California DUI lawyer can help you resolve your case with [...]
February 25, 2024
What Happens When You Get a DUI?
Getting a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) can be a stressful and life-changing event. It starts the moment a law enforcement officer suspects you've been drinking and driving. This can lead to being pulled over, undergoing a field sobriety test, and possibly being arrested. The consequences of a DUI arrest include legal action, potential jail [...]
February 6, 2024
What Can I Expect After Being Arrested for a DUI in San Jose?

Getting arrested for a DUI in San Jose can be a stressful and confusing experience. You might have many questions about what happens next and what you should do. Knowing the process and what to expect can help you navigate this challenging situation. It’s important to remember that a DUI arrest is severe, and the […]