Terroristic Threats

We defend clients on harassment and terroristic threats charges all over the State of New Jersey, including in Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex Counties. Whether you have been charged with a simple harassment complaint or are facing harassment or terroristic threats charges in conjunction with a Domestic Violence issue, we can help! Call us today at (732) 842-7773 to discuss your case and set up a free consultation. We are standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Terroristic Threats in NJ: N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3

In New Jersey, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3 governs Terroristic Threats and states:

§ 2C:12-3. Terroristic threats

a. 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. A violation of this subsection is a crime of the second degree if it occurs during a declared period of national, State or county emergency. The actor shall be strictly liable upon proof that the crime occurred, in fact, during a declared period of national, State or county emergency. It shall not be a defense that the actor did not know that there was a declared period of emergency at the time the crime occurred.

b. A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if he threatens to kill another with the purpose to put him in imminent fear of death under circumstances reasonably causing the victim to believe the immediacy of the threat and the likelihood that it will be carried out.

Penalties for Terroristic Threats in New Jersey

As the above statute enumerates, Terroristic Threats in New Jersey is typically a Third Degree Offense. However, the charge is enhanced to a Second Degree Offense under the statute if the violation occurs during a period of national, State, or county emergency. Obviously, this type of enhancement is extremely rare and the most common Terroristic Threats charges are Third Degree crimes. Nevertheless, an individual charged with Third Degree Terroristic Threats is facing one (1) to five (5) years in prison along with a permanent criminal record. As a result, an experienced Terroristic Threats Attorney in NJ should be consulted to defend against these charges. The criminal defense lawyers at the Moriarty Law Firm are available immediately for a free initial consultation.

We Handle All Types of Criminal Charges

Criminal charges can be brought in either the Municipal or Superior court. The more severe the criminal charges the more likely they are to be handled in Superior Court, while minor charges are typically resolved in Municipal Court. We have a well deserved reputation for being the best in both arenas.

The severity of your charges is a determination made by the State and is usually based on a variety of factors. Penalties will vary based on the degree of the crime and whether or not there was a criminal conspiracy involved.

Call (732) 842-7773 to speak with one of the Moriartys 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to discuss your charges or you can contact us by e-mail to schedule a free initial consultation.