In our post 9/11 world, some people worry that another attack could occur like the ones on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on that dreadful day in September 2001. The government keeps a watchful eye out for anyone who is involved in illegal or suspicious terrorist activities. In fact, the Department of Homeland Security was created to prevent a tragedy like 9/11 from ever happening again. When we hear the word “terrorist,” most people think of someone from a distant country, but unfortunately, we have terrorists right here on our own soil: domestic terrorists are just as serious a threat as foreign terrorists.
Being under investigation for terrorist threats can be frightening. Your best course of action is to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who will devise a course of action to protect your rights.
Terrorist Threats as a Crime
A terrorist threat is a very serious crime. A terrorist act is considered:
- When a person threatens to commit an act of violence with the sole intent of terrorizing another individual or with the complete disregard of the possible risks of committing such acts
- When a person threatens to commit an act of violence with the sole purpose of causing the evacuation of a place of assembly such as a church, school, a public transportation facility, or a crowded building such as Grand Central Station or a government building such as a Capitol or courthouse.
- When a personal threatens violence to cause extreme public inconvenience
Penalties Associated with Terrorist Threats
There are factors that determine the severity of penalties in a terrorist threat conviction. A prior criminal record or any parole or probation can add time to your sentence. The penalties you may face if you are charged with making a terrorist threat include:
- Time served in a state or federal prison
- Loss of the right to possess a weapon or other Constitutional rights
- Probation
- Mandatory rehabilitation
- Rigorous fines
- Financial restitution
- Criminal conviction on your record
Being charged and/or convicted of a terrorist threat can cause tremendous personal harm and anguish. If you are charged with this but not convicted, the arrest may remain on your record.
If you are facing the penalties or charges of a terrorist threat, please contact the criminal defense lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers to schedule a consultation right away. Your rights are in jeopardy, and only an experienced lawyer will be able to help you fight to protect your rights. We have offices throughout the U.S.