Legal Question in Criminal Law in North Carolina

Is claiming "sovereign citizen" something real? Can you legally choose not to recognize Common Law? I'm not talking about the type that's considered as domestic terrorist by the FBI but rather the hippie type that try to avoid tax's and fines. I found just as much confirms this as that deny. Do you know of any weird loopholes of the law or some out of date law that could be used as a legal defense present day(trivial)?


Asked on 11/19/13, 7:44 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

No. There is no such thing and people who try to do this could wind up in trouble depending on how it is used. Some try to claim that they are "sovereign citizens" and don't have to pay taxes. The IRS will laugh at that and be happy to put you in jail if you try this. Others try to use the "sovereign citizen" defense to get out of paying valid debts. That does not work either and the creditors can still sue if you do not pay. Finally, some try to use the "sovereign citizen" and related loopholes to file frivolous legal actions against judges and other public officials. Some states have made this a crime. I have not researched NC as I don't practice criminal law here. I know GA has made it a crime.

Bottom line - the internet is a wonderful tool that I use daily to do my work. But you can't believe everything you read on the internet and anyone spouting this "sovereign citizen" BS is either out to scam you or is going to get you in trouble if you follow this nonsense.

Nobody likes paying taxes or debts but its what we must do in order to have an orderly society. But if there is no magic sovereign citizen wand that you can wave to escape debts or taxes.

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Answered on 11/19/13, 9:19 pm


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