Making threats or stalking can lead to expensive fines and even jail time. Learn more about what constitutes terroristic threats and stalking charges in New Jersey.

What are Terroristic Threats?

Terroristic threats include any threats that indicate an intent to cause an evacuation of a building with the purpose of terrorizing. This may include bomb threats or any situation in which a victim is fearful that the threat will realistically be carried out.

What is Legally Considered Stalking?

Stalking is the act of maintaining physical closeness to a person, often with the addition of verbal or cyber threats. If a person has an active restraining order against someone else, and they continue to stalk them, they can be charged with a third-degree crime.

Potential Consequences of Terroristic Threats and Stalking

The details of the behaviors determine the potential consequences. However, in New Jersey, terroristic threats and stalking can lead to fines, probation, or even jail time.

Understanding Legal Charges With Terroristic Threats

A person can be charged with a third-degree crime in New Jersey for terroristic threats. The laws that regulate terroristic threats can be confusing at times, making it difficult to know what types of threats it includes, and doesn’t. Without physical proof, it can also come down to one person’s word against another. Because terroristic threats carry the potential consequence of 3-5 years in prison, it’s important to talk with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you learn about the charges against you. 

Understanding Legal Charges Related to Stalking

Stalking may not seem as serious as terroristic threats, but when it comes to the law, it can carry similar consequences. You can be charged with criminal stalking simply by showing up at the victim’s home or place of work. If a person knowingly engages in behaviors that could cause the victim reasonable fear for their safety, the defendant can be charged with a fourth-degree crime.

Criminal stalking may include sending verbal or written threats, including to the person’s family or friends. It may also include damaging the victim’s property, using technology to threaten someone, or sending unwanted communication, including texts or emails. The court may consider these accusations serious if they occur more than once. The penalties for stalking can lead to up to 18-months in prison. If charged with a third-degree charge rather than a fourth-degree one, this could mean prison time for up to five years. Accusations of criminal stalking can also lead to a temporary or permanent restraining order.

When to Talk With a Lawyer

The potential consequences of terroristic threats and stalking can be life-changing. While the purpose of these consequences is to prevent harmful threats and stalking from occurring, it can lead to some being wrongly charged. There can be a fine line between getting into a disagreement with someone and saying things that you don’t mean or never have the intention of carrying out, and someone who aims to threaten or harm others with threats or behaviors of stalking. This line can be blurred. If you’re dealing with charges, it’s important to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

Contact an Experienced Marlton Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Terroristic Threat Charges in New Jersey

Were you arrested or charged with terroristic threats in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The Law Office of John B. Brennan has successfully represented clients charged with terrorist threats in Cherry Hill, Marlton, Medford, Mt. Laurel, and throughout New Jersey. Call (856) 446-5123 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 10,000 Lincoln Dr. East, Suite 201, Marlton, NJ 08053.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.

Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.