The federal government prosecutes certain specific types of crimes. Frequently, those offenses involve interstate matters or possibly crimes involving the federal government or its resources.
Individuals accused of interstate or international drug crimes may face federal prosecution. Those accused of acts of fraud that make use of federal infrastructure are also vulnerable to federal prosecution.
In scenarios where people make threats against the government or against the populace in the United States, federal charges could follow. Those who regularly troll online and activists embedded in highly-active advocacy groups might find themselves facing accusations of making terroristic threats. Such charges frequently lead to federal prosecution.
What constitutes a terroristic threat?
Terroristic threats can come in many different forms. Verbal statements in public that leave others in fear of violence could constitute terroristic threats. Online activity, such as threatening to bomb a political rally or engage in an act of mass violence at a religious gathering, could constitute terroristic threats.
Any written, published or verbal statement threatening harm in a manner intended to manipulate human behavior could constitute a terroristic threat. Students might even make terroristic threats if they engage in exaggerated speech over their frustration with a teacher.
What are the penalties for terroristic threats?
Federal prosecutors do not necessarily need proof that an individual was capable of following through on a terroristic threat to prosecute them. Proof of the terroristic threat itself and the arguable intent of the person accused can be enough to warrant prosecution.
Particularly in cases where threats lead to federal prosecution, the penalties can be quite severe. Threats directed at a specific person that require the threatening party to cross state lines could lead to up to five years in federal prison.
Threats targeting federal authority figures, including lawmakers or the president, could also lead to up to five years in prison. False bomb threats can carry up to 10 years in prison, even without any evidence that the person in question was capable of creating a bomb or obtaining one.
People accused of making terroristic threats can easily underestimate the severity of the allegations they’re facing and the penalties that the courts might impose in the event of a conviction. Reviewing pending allegations with a legal professional can be critical for the protection of those accused of serious federal crimes, including making terroristic threats against the public, property, events or politicians.