New Jersey Terrorist Threat Defense Attorneys
In the wake of the World Trade Center attacks on 9/11, the crime of terrorist threats has become an even more serious offense than it used to be. Terrorist or criminal threats are defined as threats to commit an act of violence intended to threaten or intimidate another individual with reckless disregard of the risks. Even when these threats turn out to be little more than hoaxes, the consequences can be very serious. Federal statutes exist defining the making of criminal threats, and those convicted of them can be made to pay a fine of $250,000 and spend five years in a federal prison.
The common legal definition of a terrorist threat consists of five elements:
- Someone willfully threatens to commit a crime that will result in death or great harm.
- The threat was made with the intent that it be taken as a threat.
- The threat is so unequivocal and specific as to convey a grave purpose and immediate prospect of execution.
- The threat actually caused fear in the victim.
- The fear caused was reasonable.
Recently, state and federal law enforcement agencies have used the charge of “terrorist” or “criminal” threat to prosecute a variety of different crimes. Among them are instances involving hate crimes, domestic violence, bomb threats, and school violence. The exact definition and instances where these charges apply varies from state to state. For this reason, along with the serious nature of the offenses, it is of vital importance that those charged with these crimes contact an experienced New Jersey Terrorist Threat attorneys to discuss the specifics of their case.
Making any sort of criminal or terrorist threat is a major crime in New Jersey. Even people who make terrorist threats in jest can be prosecuted. The punishment they face depends on the severity of the threat and where it occurred. Individuals convicted of making criminal threats can face jail time, loss of constitutional rights like voting and being able to purchase a firearm, parole or probation, and forced rehabilitation.
If you or someone you love has been accused of making terrorist or criminal threats in New Jersey, contact the attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free consultation.
