Juvenile Arrested in Bergen County for Making a Terrorist Threat
A 14-year-old Wyckoff girl has been arrested after allegedly vowing to "launch a terrorist attack" on her high school. According to a WPIX news report, the girl attends Ramapo High School in Bergen County. Officials made the arrest after a teacher was notified about the message posted by the girl on her personal Facebook page. Officials have not stated how they determined that she posted the threat or if she had an intent to carry out the threat.
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3: "A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if he threatens to commit any crime of violence with the purpose to terrorize another or to cause evacuation of a building, place of assembly, or facility of public transportation, or otherwise to cause serious public inconvenience, or in reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror or inconvenience."
When a minor makes a terrorist threat in New Jersey, there are a number of questions that need to be asked. What is the criminal history of the juvenile? Did the youth possess dangerous weapons? Has the youth faced similar charges in the past? A skilled juvenile defense attorney will fight for lesser penalties and to keep the case in juvenile court.
The Princeton juvenile crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a proven track record of successfully handling juvenile cases in New Jersey. We understand the impact such charges can have on your child and his or her future. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation.
