Ater 9/11/2001, all of the terrorism statutes were updated to better secure the country against possible future attacks. Even without the statutes being updated, crimes that are considered terroristic in nature are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and this means having a highly experienced Minneapolis terroristic threat attorney to help you navigate the legal system. Whether you made a threat or not, you are facing possible penalties that have been increased over the original maximum sentence that existed before the September 11th attacks.
Types Of Terroristic Threats
There are different types of terroristic threats and they include:
- Threatened violence, which is a direct or indirect threat to commit a violent crime with the intent to terrorize another person. This can involve causing the evacuation of a building or no regard to causing terror within other people. The sentence for this can be up to five years in prison and/or a fine of $10,000.
- Showing a fake gun is also considered a terroristic threat because it invokes fear within the person the fake pistol, shotgun, revolver, rifle, sawed-off shotgun, or other such firearm is being pointed out. It is a threatening situation that causes terror and constitutes a felony with a sentence of up to 366 days in jail and/or a fine of $3,000.
- Bomb threats are terroristic threats in that they cause the evacuation of buildings, neighborhoods, and they bring about terror within the individuals on the receiving end of the threat. This is considered a felony with a prison sentence of up to three years and/or a fine of $3,000.
Furtherance Of Terrorism
In Minnesota, the premeditated felony involving violence to individuals or property that is committed with the intent to intimidate or terrorize multiple members of the public in addition to the intended victims of the violent act or the threatened use of violence. Furtherance of terrorism is also considered when the act disrupts government, the right to lawful assembly, or commerce. If convicted of terrorism and of furtherance of terrorism, the sentence may be increased by 50%.
In the case of terroristic threats, they are sometimes open to interpretation. Perhaps those on the receiving end or law enforcement perceives the threat as terroristic. Proving that it was not meant as such is the responsibility of your Minnesota terroristic threat lawyer and this can result in the charges being dismissed.
Minneapolis Terroristic Threat Attorney
Terroristic threats are very serious, which is why even a perceived threat is investigated and prosecuted aggressively. If you have been accused of making a terroristic threat, whether you are simply accused or statements made by you were taken out of context, you need an attorney who can create a strategic and persuasive defense on your behalf. To learn more about how Mark Herman, Attorney at Law can help you, call 24/7 at 612-382-4545 for a free consultation.
