Terrorism Charges

Any criminal charges involving terrorism or terrorist threats will be severely prosecuted. As these are most often classified as federal offenses, such agencies as the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency), Terrorist Threat Integration Center, FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) and ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement) may become involved, conducting exhaustive investigations in order to uncover and prosecute alleged terrorist acts. A primary goal of these federal agencies is to protect the United States by finding and capturing terrorists, and thus investigators and agents will show no leniency to suspects.

Some examples of terrorism charges and terrorist threats include the following attacks:

  • Biological attacks
  • Bombings / car bombings
  • Weapons of mass destruction
  • Radioactive materials
  • Chemical attacks

A defendant who faces federal charges for an alleged terrorist threat is likely to face harsh penalties. Prison time is likely. A defendant may also face heavy fines and a loss of certain constitutional rights, such as the right to own a firearm or to vote. A person who has been accused of making a threat of terrorism may also be subject to continual monitoring and surveillance for the rest of his or her life.

Making Willful Threats of Violence

In some jurisdictions, the term "terrorist threats" does not necessarily only involve acts of terrorism. Rather, it may relate to domestic violence, hate crimes or threatened violence at a school. It is therefore crucial to review charges of this nature with a criminal defense lawyer in your area. By reviewing the circumstances surrounding your case and applying his or her knowledge of state and/or federal law on the matter, an attorney can offer knowledgeable insight that will help you make informed choices about your case.

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