According to the FBI, sovereign citizens are “anti-government extremists who believe that even though they physically reside in this country, they are separate or ‘sovereign’ from the United States.” Sovereign citizen status is not something that is applied for, but rather, it is a group with whom individuals self-identify.
Those who self-identify as sovereign citizens believe that they do not have to answer to any government authority, “including courts, taxing entities, motor vehicle departments, or law enforcement,” because all governmental entities are illegitimate and have no authority over them as sovereign citizens.
Being a sovereign citizen is seen by the courts as an identity rather than a legal status. Therefore, courts do not recognize this status as legitimate, causing it to have no legal basis as a defense in court. Sovereign citizens are held to the same legal standards as all United States citizens and noncompliance with the court process can result in further criminal charges.
If you or someone you know finds yourself charged with a crime, call us, we can help: (763) 421-6366.