If you consider that the founding fathers were still under
British rule, yes they did.
During there time, The Decleration Of Independence could have
been considered as An Anct of Treason.
Additionally, because Paul Revere road on horse back in
"civilian attire" proclaiming "The British are coming, the British
are coming!" He could have been tried as a spy.
John Hancock: "In 1768 his sloop Liberty was impounded by
customs officials at Boston Harbor, on a charge of running
contraband goods. A large group of private citizens stormed the
customs post, burned the government boat, and beat the officers,
causing them to seek refuge on a ship off shore. Soon afterward,
Hancock abetted the Boston Tea Party." Source:
http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/hancock.htm
Bunch of criminals, I say! Harumph! Harumph!