Lustberg Law Offices, LLC

New Jersey terroristic threat protocol

When most people hear the word “terrorist,” they imagine sinister forces that infringe upon our national security. These images are further fueled by thrilling suspense novels and movies. However, the reality is that terrorism is far more common and much closer to home than most realize. Terroristic threats NJ are commonly charged as predicate offenses in cases of domestic violence or during disputes that escalate quickly and involve physical aggression. Terroristic threats NJ is defined as any kind of verbal or written threat of violence that causes serious fear and terror to the victim. This is a very serious offense and, if convicted, could lead to harsh legal repercussions.

Whether it is in the form of a Facebook post, phone call, or in person, any kind of threat to kill another person can be considered terroristic threats NJ. The law does not address short-lived expressions of anger that are uttered in the heat of the moment and not meant to be carried out. Instead, a terroristic threat must be intended to put the other party in imminent fear of death under circumstances that reasonably cause them to believe the immediacy of the threat and the likelihood that it will be carried out.

If you are convicted of terroristic threats NJ, you could face 3 to 5 years in prison and fines up to $15,000. It is crucial for anyone facing these charges to contact a skilled criminal defense attorney immediately.

An experienced terroristic threats NJ lawyer can help you understand the charges and the evidence against you and your options for fighting them. Proven defense strategies can often eliminate a terroristic threat charge or, at the very least, reduce the penalty to probation or community service.

It is important to note that any type of threat against a public place of worship can result in a panic and immediate action from the police. The police and FBI will act quickly to ensure that any and all threats are thoroughly investigated. The recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic is only highlighting just how serious this issue really is and the quick action that can be taken to protect those who gather to worship.

As a result, many individuals are being accused of making terroristic threats in the wake of the coronavirus scare. The state’s definition of this crime is very broad and includes threatening to commit any type of violence that would cause an evacuation of buildings, places of assembly or public transportation or a significant amount of public inconvenience. The prosecution will be attempting to prove all three elements of this offense, and an experienced defense attorney will be able to cast doubt on any one or more of them. This could be the difference between winning or losing your case. If you or someone you love is facing charges of terroristic threats, please do not hesitate to request a consultation with an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney. 

New Jersey terroristic threat charge defense

When people think of terroristic threats, they may immediately picture the events of September 11th. However, this crime actually covers a broad range of activities and can be committed in many different ways. Those who are arrested for this offense face serious penalties, which is why it is so important to seek the right terroristic threats NJ charge defense as soon as possible.

Terroristic threats NJ are a third degree felony punishable by up to five years in state prison. In addition to this, if convicted of this offense, you could be ordered to attend counseling sessions, serve probation, and pay thousands of dollars in fines and restitution.

Most terroristic threats NJ cases occur between individuals who know each other, and they typically result from domestic disputes or road rage incidents. These issues frequently arise in temper tantrums, bursts of anger, and arguments fueled by alcohol. In these situations, it is easy for the accused to utter irrational statements such as "I'm going to kill you." The law does not regard this type of language as mere expressions of anger and treats them as criminal threats that carry harsh legal consequences.

A skilled lawyer can mount a strong terroristic threats NJ charge defense by challenging any of the three elements required for this charge to stick. Whether it be challenging the credibility of witnesses or arguing that your statement did not qualify as a threat, an attorney can often dispel any allegations of this nature.

If you are facing terroristic threats NJ, our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys can provide a full range of legal services for you. Contact us right away for a consultation.

Our firm has a proven track record of success in defending our clients against terroristic threat charges, which are commonly based on one person's word against another. The penalties for this type of offense can be severe, but our team is ready to stand up for your rights and fight for your freedom in court.  

Consequences of a terroristic threat in New Jersey

Whether it’s a threat to blow up a building, place of worship or public transportation or simply a verbal warning like “I’m going to kill you,” terroristic threats NJ is nothing to roll your eyes at. This third-degree felony is a serious matter, and it’s punishable by a state prison term of up to five years, thousands of dollars in fines, and ancillary consequences such as probation, counseling and restraining orders.

While the most sensationalized terroristic threats NJ cases involve bomb threats and shooting threats, many of these allegations arise from domestic violence situations. In addition, road rage incidents, alcohol-fueled arguments, and even arguments between perfect strangers can result in terroristic threats NJ charges.

A conviction for terroristic threats NJ offense can have catastrophic results for your life, including straining personal relationships and destroying your reputation.

The definition of terroristic threats NJ under NJ Criminal Code 2C:12-3 (2002) states that you commit this crime when you make a threat to do something that is likely to terrorize someone. To be found guilty of this crime, there needs to be three elements: (1) you actually made a threat; (2) the victim knew it was a true threat; and (3) the victim feared for their life as a result of the threat.

One of the most important things that a good New Jersey criminal defense attorney can do for his client is to cast doubt on any of these elements. If we can prove that the victim didn’t fear for their life or that you did not intend to terrorize them, then you will be acquitted. It’s also our job to show that the threat was not a reasonable one, which can include proving that you did not realize that your actions could cause a severe inconvenience.

Another way that a criminal lawyer can help in a terroristic threats case is by investigating whether the defendant qualifies for pretrial intervention (PTI). This program, which is available to first-time offenders of third and fourth degree crimes, allows you to avoid a conviction and jail time if you successfully complete a year of probation. If you’re a first-time offender, a skilled New Jersey criminal defense attorney can investigate the circumstances of your case to determine if you are eligible for PTI.  

Lustberg Law Offices, LLC

Lustberg Law Offices, LLC

One University Plaza Dr Suite 210, Hackensack, NJ 07601, United States

(201) 880-5311