New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

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.

New Jersey law defines terrorist threats as a threat of violence intended to intimidate an individual or group, with a disregard for public safety. An actual act of violence does not have to occur for someone to be charged with making a terrorist threat. As long as the defendant willfully threatened someone and a victim felt fear because of that threat, there may be charges filed. Since the terrorist attacks in New York on September 11, these charges have become even more serious and the definition of “terrorist activity” has evolved and expanded. Anyone facing these serious allegations would be well-advised to seek the advice of an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney.

The severity of the penalties a defendant faces depends upon the severity of the threat and the defendant’s criminal history. Common penalties for terrorist threat charges include extended jail time, loss of the right to vote or buy a gun, and fines of up to $250,000.

A skilled criminal defense lawyer can take apart wrongful terrorist threat charges by examining the evidence against the defendant. Did the defendant willfully make the threat? Did the alleged victim actually feel fear and was that fear reasonably justified? Did the threat actually suggest grave purpose? Cases involving false allegations, mistaken identities, and misunderstandings should not result in a conviction for terrorist threat charges.

The Princeton terrorist threat criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein represent New Jersey residents facing serious allegations. We offer free consultations to anyone charged with making criminal and terrorist threats. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to better understand your legal rights and schedule a free consultation.