Mueller Investigation Predictions

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60. A general internet view on espionage offenses

http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-charges/espionage.html

Generally, an espionage conviction requires U.S. prosecutors to prove the following elements:

Information transmitted is classified government information or relates to national defense ; and
The accused acted with the intent or reason to believe the information will harm the United States or help a foreign nation (not necessarily an "enemy" of the United States); and
There was a willful communication, transfer, or receipt of the information; or
There was an overt act in furtherance of a conspiracy to commit espionage.
Furthermore, it is not necessary for the act in question to actually cause any harm to the United States (or help any foreign nations), nor does the government have to prove that the disclosed information actually was closely held and a threat to national security. So if the accused were to leak or share information that is actually incorrect or otherwise not a threat to national security, they still could be convicted if all other elements are proven.