Whether it is from some foreign national with a vendetta against the US government or a radical group within the country, Terroristic threats lead to serious charges. Eric Thole attorney at law highlights, even though freedom of speech is a constitutionally protected right, it does not provide blanket protection for all possible instances, manner, and speech.

Most US states have anti-terrorism laws and procedures. Further, federal law also forbids terrorism and terroristic threats. Eric Thole emphasis people understand what it means by the act of terrorism and terroristic threat.

What is Terrorism?

According to Federal Law 18 US Code, Chapter 113B, terrorism is defined as acts or attempted acts of violence with the intention to

●     Intimidate or coerce a civilian populace

●     Influence the policy of a government by intimidating or coercing;

●     Seize the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping

A crime committed with the intended goal of causing fear in others is known as terrorism.

What is a Terroristic Threat?

When people threaten to commit a crime that results in death, terror, critical injury, or severe physical property damage, it becomes a terroristic threat.

Terroristic Threat Case - Eric Thole Attorney at Law

Most acts of terrorism or terroristic threats are a crime regardless of the intent. Eric Thole affirms that acts like shootings, bombings, and other acts of violence would result in criminal liability, regardless of the intention behind it. But it’s a terroristic threat when civilians and the government are intimidated using it.

In other crimes, the burden of proving the intent lies on the prosecution. Whereas in terrorism or terroristic threat cases, EricThole highlights that acts which “appear to be intended” to intimidate or coerce might qualify as terroristic crimes without additional evidence.

Therefore, you need an expert criminal defense lawyer who would understand the details of the state law and court cases surrounding it.

Terrorist Threat Penalties

If convicted of a terroristic threat, you can face a range of possible penalties. A state can categorize it as - a misdemeanor/felony or both depending upon the nature of the incident.

●    Incarceration

Misdemeanor - one year in a county jail Felony - prison sentence of a year or more

A prison sentence can be 40, even 100, or more years, depending on the nature of the treat. Federal Law can also prevent you from serving these sentences concurrently with others.

●    Fines

Some states impose no minimum fine, while others impose from $200 to $10,000. Note, in a terroristic threat case, such a fine can exceed $250,000.

●    Restitution

The court can ask you to pay restitution for making a terroristic threat. You pay it to the victims, compensating for any damages due to the crime.

●    Probation

The length differs depending on the circumstances of the case and state sentencing rules. It can last six months or more with a jail sentence/fine/restitution.

Conclusion

Being charged with terroristic threats is a severe offense. Therefore, Eric Thole, attorney at law, advises you to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows about dealing with the local courts, judges, and prosecutors.

Source: https://ericthole.blogspot.com/2021/06/terroristic-threat-cases-eric-thole.html