In recent years, the term “sovereign citizen” has gained increased attention in law enforcement, legal circles and mainstream media. Often associated with anti-government views and non-compliance with laws, sovereign citizens can pose unique challenges to public safety and the legal system. This article answers common questions to help you understand who sovereign citizens are, what symbols they use, and how they interact with the law.
What is a sovereign citizen?
A sovereign citizen is an individual who believes they are not subject to government laws, courts or authority, particularly those of the United States. Adherents reject the legitimacy of federal, state and local governments, and may claim to be governed only by their interpretation of “common law” or natural rights.
While not part of a centralized organization, sovereign citizens often rely on a mix of pseudo-legal arguments, historical misinterpretations and conspiracy theories. Their beliefs can manifest in actions such as refusing to pay taxes, rejecting driver’s licenses, filing frivolous lawsuits, and creating counterfeit documents.
Sovereign citizens often deny being sovereign citizens despite using tactics and rhetoric consistent with the ideology. They may refer to themselves as: U.S. National, Non-Resident Alien, Non-Citizen National, Diplomat, American National, State National, or American State National (ASN). Verbal common cues or phrases used among those who adhere to ideology include: living man or living woman, natural woman or natural man, free person on the land, flesh and blood person, or secure party creditor. While they may use different terms to refer to themselves and even emphasize that they are different from sovereign citizens, their expressed ideology and behavior remain consistent with the broader movement.
What is a sovereign citizen tag?
A sovereign citizen tag typically refers to unauthorized or unofficial license plates used by individuals claiming sovereign status. These plates often look homemade and may include phrases like “Private” or “Private Property,” “Non-Domestic,” “Sovereign Citizen,” “Not for Commerce,” “Exempt,” or reference to a fictitious republic or tribal nation. Some may even include their US Department of Transportation (USDOT) numbers on their plates.
These tags are not recognized by any U.S. state, and driving with one can result in citations, arrest, or vehicle impoundment. Law enforcement officers are trained to recognize these tags as potential indicators of non-compliance or higher risk during traffic stops.
What is a sovereign citizen license plate?
A sovereign citizen license plate is a variation of a sovereign citizen tag. It’s a fabricated plate meant to replace official government-issued plates. Some plates display affiliations with fictional governments, such as the “Republic of Texas,” or reference fringe beliefs, such as maritime or admiralty law. Others may carry tribal or religious identifiers, like “Moorish National” or “Yahweh Nation.”
These plates are often used as a form of protest or attempt to evade traffic laws, registration fees or tolls. Their use is illegal and has no legal standing in any U.S. jurisdiction.
What is a Moorish sovereign citizen?
Moorish sovereign citizens blend sovereign citizen ideology with beliefs drawn from the Moorish Science Temple of America, an early 20th-century religious movement. Individuals in this group often identify as “Moorish Nationals,” “Moorish Americans,” or members of a fictitious “Moorish Nation.”
They may claim immunity from U.S. laws based on alleged treaties between the U.S. and the Moroccan Empire. Like other sovereign citizens, Moorish adherents may engage in fraudulent filings, claim ownership of foreclosed properties or assert diplomatic immunity. Despite religious or historical references, their legal arguments remain invalid in court.
What is a sovereign citizen defense?
A sovereign citizen defense is a pseudo-legal strategy used by some defendants to challenge the authority of a court or dismiss charges. Common tactics include:
- Claiming the court has no jurisdiction over them
- Declaring themselves a “natural person” or “secured party creditor”
- Filing nonsensical legal documents filled with legal jargon
- Refusing to recognize their name as spelled in all capital letters
These defenses have no basis in law and are routinely rejected by judges. In fact, using sovereign arguments can frustrate court proceedings and may lead to contempt charges or increased sentencing.
Can a sovereign citizen be arrested?
Yes. Sovereign citizens can be arrested like any other individual who breaks the law. Their beliefs do not exempt them from legal consequences. In fact, attempts to resist arrest or challenge police authority using sovereign language may escalate the situation.
Many sovereign citizens have been arrested for offenses ranging from traffic violations and fraud to weapons charges and even violent crimes. Law enforcement agencies are trained to handle these encounters cautiously, as some sovereign citizens have been involved in ambushes or deadly confrontations.
Can a sovereign citizen get a traffic ticket?
Yes. Despite their claims, sovereign citizens are not immune to traffic laws. They can be ticketed for offenses such as speeding, driving without a license, or operating an unregistered vehicle.
Some sovereign citizens attempt to avoid tickets by presenting fake documents or invoking phrases like “I do not consent” or “I am traveling, not driving.” These arguments have no legal merit and typically result in additional citations or charges for obstruction or fraud.
How do the courts view sovereign citizens?
Federal and state courts across the country have repeatedly rejected sovereign citizen arguments as frivolous and without merit. The following cases illustrate how judges have responded to defendants who claim exemption from U.S. law based on sovereign or pseudo-legal reasoning:
- United States v. Jagim (1992): In this case, the defendant was convicted on drug trafficking charges and, during trial, attempted to challenge the court’s authority by presenting sovereign citizen-style arguments. He claimed the federal government had no jurisdiction over him. The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected these arguments, describing them as “completely without merit” and “patently frivolous.” The court made clear that simply declaring oneself outside the law does not negate the government’s authority. Read the case.
- Bryant v. Washington Mutual Bank (2007): A self-identified Moorish national attempted to void a foreclosure by claiming he was not subject to U.S. law. The court rejected his claims, labeling them as typical of the sovereign citizen movement and legally baseless. Read the case.
- United States v. Mitchell (2005): Mitchell argued he was a sovereign and not a U.S. citizen, therefore not liable for federal tax laws. The court upheld jurisdiction and ruled that sovereign status is not a valid legal defense. Read the case.
Conclusion
Sovereign citizens represent a complex challenge for the legal system, often blurring the line between unconventional beliefs and criminal behavior. While many consider themselves peaceful, the movement has been associated with anti-government extremism and has prompted safety concerns for law enforcement and court officials. Understanding the terminology and tactics used by sovereign citizens is essential for legal professionals, first responders and the general public alike.
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