Defending Against Federal “Doxing” Crimes (18 U.S.C. § 119)

The act of publishing or broadcasting someone's private personal information online—commonly known as “doxing”—has evolved from an internet harassment tactic into a serious criminal offense.

While many states address doxing through civil remedies or limited criminal statutes, federal law goes much further when the target is a person protected under federal law.

Under 18 U.S.C. § 119, doxing a protected individual with the required criminal intent is a federal felony, punishable by years in federal prison, substantial fines, and lifelong collateral consequences.

If you are under investigation or have been charged with a federal doxing offense, early intervention by experienced federal defense counsel is critical.

Eisner Gorin LLP defends individuals accused of complex federal crimes involving online conduct, threats, and alleged intimidation of government officials. Schedule your consultation at (818) 781-1570 or contact us here.

What Is Federal Criminal Doxing Under 18 U.S.C. § 119?

18 U.S.C. § 119 is a narrow but powerful statute. It does not criminalize general online speech or the publication of information about private citizens.

Instead, it targets a very specific form of conduct involving protected individuals and restricted personal information, combined with specific criminal intent.

Statutory Definition

Under the statute, it is illegal to knowingly make restricted personal information publicly available about a “covered person” or their immediate family member when done with prohibited intent.

The government must prove that the disclosure was made with either:

The intent to threaten, intimidate, or incite a federal crime of violence, or
The knowledge and intent that the information would be used to threaten, intimidate, or facilitate a federal crime of violence, such as assault on a federal officer.

Merely posting information—even sensitive information—is not enough. The prosecution must prove specific intent beyond a reasonable doubt.

Who Is Considered a “Covered Person”?

Federal doxing laws do not apply to the general public. They are designed to protect individuals involved in federal government operations and the administration of justice.

Covered persons include, but are not limited to:

Federal judges (including magistrates and bankruptcy judges)
Federal law enforcement officers (e.g., FBI, DEA, ATF agents)
Federal prosecutors and government attorneys
Federal employees across all branches of government
Grand and petit jurors in federal court
Federal witnesses, victims, and informants
State or local officers assisting in federal investigations

Protection of Immediate Family Members

The statute also protects immediate family members, recognizing that threats against family can be a powerful form of intimidation.

Immediate family includes:

Spouse
Parent
Sibling
Child
Any related household member

What Counts as “Restricted Personal Information”?

Not all personal information qualifies. The statute contains a specific and limited definition of what information is prohibited.

Restricted personal information includes:

Social Security numbers
Home addresses
Personal phone numbers (home or mobile)
Personal email addresses
Home fax numbers
School or employer information of immediate family members

Information outside these categories—such as public office addresses, official work emails, or publicly available biographies—generally does not qualify under § 119, though it may still trigger other federal charges in certain circumstances.

The Most Important Element: Criminal Intent

The mens rea (intent) requirement is the central battleground in federal doxing cases.

For a conviction, prosecutors must prove that the defendant intended the disclosure to:

Threaten
Intimidate
Incite violence
Or knowingly facilitate a crime of violence by others

Accidental sharing, negligence, political criticism, or general advocacy does not automatically meet this standard.

First Amendment Considerations

Federal doxing cases often raise serious First Amendment issues. Courts must distinguish between:

Protected political speech or protest, and
“True threats” or conduct intended to incite violence

A strong defense may argue that the defendant's actions, when viewed in full context, constituted protected expression, not criminal intimidation.

Penalties for Federal Doxing Under 18 U.S.C. § 119

A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 119 carries severe penalties:

Statutory Penalties

Up to 5 years in federal prison
Fines up to $250,000

Collateral Consequences

A federal felony conviction may also result in:

Loss of firearm rights
Loss of voting rights
Ineligibility for certain employment or licenses
Difficulty obtaining housing
Permanent reputational harm

Sentence Enhancements

If the doxing results in an actual crime of violence, prosecutors may add:

These additional charges can materially increase the range of possible sentences.

Related Federal Charges Often Filed With § 119

Federal prosecutors frequently “stack” charges. A doxing investigation may also include:

18 U.S.C. § 115 – Threatening or retaliating against federal officials
18 U.S.C. § 2261A – Cyberstalking
18 U.S.C. § 875 – Interstate threats

Defending these cases requires a coordinated strategy addressing multiple statutes simultaneously.

Common Defense Strategies in Federal Doxing Cases

An indictment under 18 U.S.C. § 119 is serious—but it is not a conviction. Effective defenses often include:

Lack of specific intent
First Amendment protection
Information already in the public domain
Mistake of fact (lack of knowledge of protected status)
Insufficient evidence of facilitation or threat

Each case turns on context, digital evidence, and the government's ability to prove intent.

Why Federal Defense Experience Matters

Federal doxing cases are prosecuted aggressively and investigated extensively before charges are filed. By the time an indictment is issued, the government often has months—or years—of evidence.

Experienced federal defense counsel can:

Intervene during investigations
Challenge intent and constitutional issues
Suppress unlawfully obtained evidence
Negotiate charge reductions
Prepare a defense for trial

Attempting to navigate a federal case without specialized representation can have irreversible consequences.

Speak With a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

If federal agents have contacted you, served a subpoena, or charged you with a doxing offense under 18 U.S.C. § 119, do not wait. Early legal guidance can protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.

Contact Eisner Gorin LLP, located in Los Angeles, California, for a confidential consultation.

📞 Call (818) 781-1570 to begin building your federal defense strategy.

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Doxing Crimes