We have all been involved in a heated argument or two in our lives. Sometimes we get so angry that we say things we do not mean. Arguments can quickly escalate from angry insults to threats of violence. Depending on what you say and how you say it, you could face criminal charges for terroristic threats in New Jersey. Charges for terroristic threats are the result of threats to commit violent acts or crimes against another person. It is important to understand the difference between an insult hurled at your opponent in a heated argument and a terroristic threat.
Charges for terroristic threats are not taken lightly in New Jersey. It might not seem like a big deal, especially when the threat was never carried out. However, people charged with terroristic threats may face lengthy prison terms in convicted. It is crucial to hire an experienced attorney who can help you fight your charges and defend your rights in court. Call our skilled New Jersey terroristic threats defense attorney at the Lombardo Law Group, LLC. Call (609) 445-4300 to schedule a free legal consultation as soon as possible.
Definition of Terroristic Threats in New Jersey
Terroristic threats are defined as threats to commit acts of violence or crimes against someone else with the intent to terrorize them. Terroristic threats also include similar threats of violence or criminal activity for the purpose of causing a building, place of assembly, or area of public transportation to be evacuated. Terroristic threats may be to terrorize other people or to cause public inconvenience.
Precisely how charges of terroristic threats are categorized depends on the nature of the threats and their impact. General threats of crime or violence with the intent of terrorizing other people may be charged as a third-degree crime. The same goes for terroristic threats that cause public nuisance or evacuation. However, if terroristic threats are made against the public during a time of national or state emergency, the charges will be upgraded to reflect a crime of the second-degree.
Threats to kill someone are treated slightly differently than other kinds of terroristic threats. A threat to kill another person might be charged as a third-degree crime if the threat was made with the intent of putting the other person in imminent fear of death. The circumstances surrounding the incident must also reasonably cause the victim to believe in the threat and the probability that it will be carried out. If you have been accused of or charged with making terroristic threats, contact our New Jersey terroristic threats defense lawyer for assistance.
Acts That May Be Considered Terroristic Threats in New Jersey
Terroristic threats may arise under any number of different circumstances. Most often, these threats occur between two individuals in a more private setting. However, public terroristic threats are taken just as seriously. You may be charged with terroristic threats for threatening a member of your family, a friend, neighbors, coworkers, classmates, or anyone else. The threats may be threats of physical violence against the other person, their property, or against a third party close to the victim. It is crucial to remember that terroristic threats are serious threats, not just angry outbursts or harsh words. Our New Jersey terroristic threats defense attorney can explain why your actions may constitute terroristic threats.
Common examples of terroristic threats against another person are threats to injure or kill. Telling someone “I’m going to kill you” may be a terroristic threat if it is said with seriousness and the victim believes the threat to be real. Threats could also be against someone’s property. For example, threatening to set someone’s home on fire may be a terroristic threat. Terroristic threats can also include bomb threats against public or private spaces resulting in evaluation or public inconvenience.
The threat need not be carried out for you to be charged. It is sufficient that the threat is made in a way that indicates you are serious and not merely expressing anger or outrage. The victim must also believe the threat to be serious and be in fear of imminent harm or danger. Call our New Jersey terroristic threats defense attorney if you have been charged with making terroristic threats.
Penalties for Charges of Terroristic Threats in New Jersey
A defendant convicted of making terroristic threats may be guilty of a second or third-degree crime. In either circumstance, the defendant faces at least a few years behind bars.
If you are convicted of a second-degree crime for making terroristic threats, you face a prison term of 5 to 10 years. Making terroristic threats is only charged as a second-degree crime when the country or state is in a state of emergency and the threats are of a public nature. It is much more common for terroristic threats to be charged as a third-degree crime.
If you are guilty of a third-degree crime for making terroristic threats, you may face a prison term of 3 to 5 years. This charge is a bit more common and would likely apply to threats between individuals, not threats against the public. For example, telling someone you will beat them up would probably be charged as a third-degree crime. If you have been accused of making terroristic threats, contact our New Jersey terroristic threats defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact Our New Jersey Terroristic Threats Defense Attorney for a Free Legal Consultation
Charges for making terroristic threats should not be taken lightly. Terroristic threats are taken very seriously as they put people in genuine fear of harm or even death. Terroristic threats made against the public, such as a bomb threat, can cause massive problems and great public inconvenience. If you or someone you know has been charged with making terroristic threats of any kind, you should contact our experienced New jersey terroristic threats defense lawyer. Call the Lombardo Law Group, LLC at (609) 445-4300 to schedule a free legal consultation with a qualified attorney.
