Terrorist Threats

Since the events of September 11, 2001, Terrorist Threats have taken on prominence in U.S. jurisprudence. Very serious and stringent laws have been enacted at the Federal and State level concerning Terrorist Threats. A Threat is considered a Terrorist Threat when a person threatens to commit a crime of violence with the purpose of terrorizing a community or group of individuals or with the purpose of causing evacuation of a building, place of assembly, or facility of public transportation, or to otherwise cause serious public inconvenience or in reckless disregard of causing evacuation or inconvenience.

If a person is convicted of Terrorist Threats, penalties can include long prison sentences. Fines and assessments can also be imposed. Other penalties can be imposed as well.

Additionally upon the conviction of any felony, a person loses the right to keep and carry a firearm. As soon as an act occurs which could give rise to an Terrorist Threats charge, it is critical that a trained and competent attorney be retained in order to go to the scene and take photographs, interview witnesses, gather evidence, conduct tests, and conduct other important actions, all of which could play a vital role in exonerating the accused. Early defense work cannot be underestimated.

Possible defenses against Terrorist Threats charges can include showing mistaken identity, insufficient evidence, and factually proving innocence, as well as other possible defenses. Anything you say can be used against you in court. Do not discuss the matter with anyone until you have talked with a lawyer.

This page provides general information, not legal advice. Every situation depends on its own facts, and reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship.