TERRORISTIC THREATS IN PA

If you've made a threatening remark to another person, you may find yourself charged with terroristic threats, even though you had no intention of carrying out the threat.

TERRORISTIC THREATS DEFINED

The crime of terroristic threats is found under Title 18 Section 2706 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, and is graded as either a 1st-Degree Misdemeanor or a 3rd-Degree Felony. A person commits a terroristic threat if he or she communicates a direct or indirect threat under the following circumstances:

  • 1st-Degree Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to 5 years in prison if the threat is to commit a crime of violence with the intent to terrorize another person;

  • 1st-Degree Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to 5 years in prison if the threat causes serious public inconvenience or terror, or causes serious public inconvenience with reckless disregard for the risk that your threat could cause terror or serious inconvenience.

  • 3rd-Degree Felony: Punishable by up to 7 years in prison if the threat leads to an evacuation of a building, place of assembly, or facility of public transportation, and the threat disrupts the customary operations of the location.

WHY AM I BEING CHARGED WITH TERRORISTIC THREATS?

The vast majority of terroristic threats cases involve statements when a person states that they will assault, injure or kill another person. You may find yourself charged with terroristic threats even if you were joking or otherwise had no intention of carrying out the threat.

Threatening statements made in a public location can lead to the felony graded charge, even if you threatened a single individual, or did not direct the threat towards a group of individuals.

These charges are serious and the cases are very fact-specific, requiring a careful analysis by an experienced criminal defense attorney.

WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF I’M FOUND GUILTY OF TERRORISTIC THREATS IN PA?

There are several negative consequences that may result from a Terroristic Threats conviction, which may include:

  • A maximum period of incarceration or probation of up to 5-7 years;

  • A permanent criminal record that can never be expunged from a state/FBI background check, and cannot be sealed under current PA law;

  • Inability to purchase a firearm or obtain a license to carry firearms;

  • Loss of employment or housing opportunities;

HOW THE ZUCKERMAN LAW FIRM CAN HELP

Not all threatening statements qualify as terroristic threats, and there are cases in Pennsylvania suggesting that off the cuff remarks don't qualify as terroristic threats. These cases are very fact specific, and it is critical to have a skilled criminal defense lawyer on your side.

As a former prosecutor of terroristic threats case, Attorney Dave Zuckerman critically reviews the allegations, working to prepare for trial or minimize the consequences of any terroristic threats case. For a free consultation, call the Zuckerman Law Firm today at 412-447-5580.