What Are Terroristic Threats?

Terroristic threats might commonly be thought of as making a bomb threat or something along those lines. Under New Jersey law, a prosecutor can charge an individual with making terroristic threats if the threats include:

A threat to commit violence with the purpose of terrorizing someone;
Threats that cause the evacuation of a building or other public facility; or
A threat to kill.

Terroristic threats can arise with a variety of people and situations. The main element of the crime of making terroristic threats includes a threat of violence that is made either directly or indirectly. The threat has to be considered serious to qualify as a terroristic threat. Terroristic threats can be charged as either a third-degree felony or a second-degree felony depending on the facts and circumstances of the alleged offense. Regardless of the degree, being accused of making terroristic threats is a serious criminal charge in New Jersey. If you are facing a terroristic threats charge, then it is important that you speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney right away.

What Are the Possible Punishments for Making Terroristic Threats?

Jail/Prison: A conviction for making terroristic threats can result in a jail or prison sentence depending on the degree of the crime charged. A third-degree terroristic threats conviction can carry up to five years in prison, while a second-degree felony terroristic threats conviction can result in up to 10 years in prison.
Probation: Probation is a judge’s alternative to sending you to jail. If you are given the opportunity to be on probation, then it is likely the only chance you will have to stay out of jail for being convicted of a serious offense such as making terroristic threats. If you follow the judge’s requirements while on probation and don’t violate your responsibilities, then you will be able to stay out of jail to serve your sentence.
Restitution: If your alleged conduct resulted in any costs, injuries, or damage to anyone or anything, then the judge will order you to pay those costs back in the form of restitution.
Fines: Fines for a third-degree terroristic threats conviction can be as high as $15,000, while a judge can order as much as $150,000 in fines for a second-degree terroristic threats conviction.
Other: Having a criminal record with a conviction like making terroristic threats is obviously something that you would like to avoid. The collateral consequences for such a conviction can be significant, even preventing you from being able to find and maintain work or even being approved to live in certain places.

Facing Criminal Charges? We Can Help.

Schedule A Free Consultation

Speak to an Attorney Now

908.676.6679

What Are Some Examples of Terroristic Threats?

Under New Jersey law, some common examples of terroristic threats include:

Calling in a bomb threat
Texting an ex and threatening to kill him/her
Posting a photo or video on social media brandishing a weapon along with a threat
Yelling over the phone that you are going to beat someone up

This is a partial list of examples of the type of conduct that can result in a terroristic threats charge. It is important to know the specific allegations being made against you if you are accused of such conduct, the alleged threat, and how it was alleged to have been made are important factors when preparing a defense.

What Are the Possible Defenses?

For a prosecutor to properly convict someone of terroristic threats, the prosecutor must demonstrate that a threat was made, and that threat involved violence meant to terrorize someone. An expression of anger is not enough to sustain a charge of terroristic threats. An actual specific threat must be made that is meant to make the alleged victim fear some sort of imminent or incoming harm. If the alleged threat could have been interpreted in other ways, then that could be a defense to the charge of terroristic threats. The threat has to also be something that a reasonable person will believe is real. If you threaten to blow up the sun, for instance, then that threat would likely not be considered a real one unless it can be shown you have some ability to do so. The facts and circumstances surrounding any alleged threat will be extremely important in formulating your defense if you are charged.

Why Forrester Law Stands Above the Rest in Criminal Defense

Attorney Amber Forrester has been certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a certified criminal trial attorney, a distinction less than 2% of attorneys achieve. Less than 250 of the over 80,000 lawyers in New Jersey share this certification with Ms. Forrester. In over a dozen years as a criminal defense attorney, she has represented thousands of people, with many facing serious potential consequences. Ms. Forrester’s skills, experience, and reputation are evident in the results she consistently achieves for her clients. You have a choice in who represents you, make sure you make the right choice with a call to Forrester Law.