Making terrorist threats is a relatively new crime, with Criminal Law in Angola Indiana being enacted after the events of September 11, 2001. These laws are very broad; they can be used to punish terrorists, but they can also be used in cases of hate crimes, bomb threats, domestic and school violence. In many areas, the word “terrorist” has been changed to mean “criminal”.
Elements of a Terrorist Threat
The common definition of a terrorist threat has five distinct elements:
- A willful threat. For the charges to stick, someone must willfully threaten to commit a crime that may result in bodily harm or death.
- Intent. A threat must be made with the intent that it should be regarded as a threat. Although this element of the crime may seem redundant, it is intended to convey that the threat is illegal even if there is no intent to go forward. The only necessary intent is the criminal’s intent to make a threat.
- Specificity. The threat must specific enough to convey a purpose and a potential of execution.
- It causes fear. The threat must instill fear in the intended victim, and it must be believable.
- Reasonability. If a person says they will use a UFO to blow up the Capitol Building, it’s unlikely that the threat will be taken seriously.
Consequences of Terrorist Threats
The punishment for making a terrorist threat under Criminal Law in Angola Indiana depends on the defendant’s location, and the nature of the charges. Some defendants can receive as low as a year in county jail, but under federal law punishments can be much more severe. Those who threaten usage of biological poisons can get a life sentence.
Calling an Attorney
In America after 9/11/01, something like calling in a bomb threat to avoid an exam can land the caller in prison for 20 years. The crime is not taken lightly by federal or state authorities. If a person is charged with the making of a terrorist threat, it is vital that they speak to a criminal defense attorney with Grimm & Grimm to discuss their legal options.
