Maryland Attorney for Making Terroristic Threats

Baltimore Crimianl Defense Lawyers

Our country has been marked by many situations involving mass violence. For this reason, many states have enacted laws that prohibit the act of making terroristic threats or threats of mass violence. Maryland is no exception. If you are charged with such a criminal offense, you may face dire consequences.

Our Maryland attorneys for making terroristic threats can help you fight against your charges and help you defend your rights. If you have been charged with this serious criminal offense, you need to act quickly. To learn more about your case in a free, confidential consultation, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras today at (410) 431-0911.

Understanding Terroristic Threats in Maryland

One of the first things to keep in mind is that there is no specific “terroristic threat” offense in Maryland. Instead, there is a legal statute that addresses criminal offenses related to threats of mass violence. Specifically, under Maryland Code of Criminal Law § 3-1001, the threat of mass violence refers to threats of committing a violent crime in places where many people may get injured or die. Generally, this type of criminal offense applies to situations where there are gatherings of five or more potential victims.

In addition to considering the number of people required to configure this specific criminal offense, additional elements are considered. The people who receive the threat must reasonably believe a crime will soon follow after the threat was made. Additionally, they should be forced to evacuate the premises that may be subject to a terroristic attempt and compelled to remain in a safe spot within the dwelling or public space they are visiting.

It is not necessary to carry out the crime after making a terroristic threat. The fact that someone made a threat, such as shooting everyone at a designated place, is enough to configure the crime contained on § 3-1001 of Maryland’s code of criminal law. If you have been charged with making a terroristic threat in Maryland, you need to act quickly. It is always in your best interest to hire an experienced Maryland attorney for terroristic threats.

Criminal Penalties for Making Terroristic Threats in Maryland

Making terroristic threats in Maryland can lead to devastating consequences for those who are convicted. Like many other states, Maryland divides crimes into different categories. These categories are known as misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors are known to be the lesser types of criminal offenses and felonies the most severe. Each type of crime carries a diverse range of criminal consequences and penalties.

Unlike many other jurisdictions, misdemeanors – the lesser criminal offenses – can carry harsh criminal penalties. Depending on your particular circumstances and the nature of your crime, a judge can impose a penalty as high as 20 years. This is one reason you should not take any criminal charges lightly, especially in Maryland, where penalties can be harsh.

Committing a threat of mass violence in Maryland is considered a misdemeanor. However, this doesn’t mean you will get a light penalty for a conviction under these circumstances. If you are found guilty and convicted of making a threat of mass violence, you may face up to ten years in prison and $10,000 in criminal fines.

In addition to these penalties, you may need to reimburse any expenses related to your arrest. Whenever someone calls to report a terroristic threat or threat of mass violence, law enforcement uses resources to take care of the situation. All of the costs associated with this effort can be passed on to the convicted felon, who will reimburse all the money spent. It is critical and in your best interest to hire an experienced Maryland attorney for terroristic threats who can guide you through your case.

Potential Defenses to Terroristic Threats or Threats of Mass Violence in Maryland

Defending yourself against threats of mass violence charges in Maryland is critical if you want to avoid all potential consequences. Our Maryland criminal defense attorneys can help you with this legal matter and make sure you get the quality legal representation you deserve. Fortunately, there are ways you can fight against your charges. These are some of the defense strategies you may use in your case:

Lack of Intent

The lack of intent can be a good defense strategy. While the statute related to mass violence threats doesn’t require intent as an element, you can still argue that you didn’t mean what was said. It is possible that your case involved a situation where your words could have been misinterpreted or taken out of context. This is where this defense may work in your favor. It is essential to hire our Maryland lawyer for terroristic threats to help you understand how this defense can work for you.

Statement Made as a Joke

There have been numerous instances where someone makes a statement that can be interpreted as a terroristic threat. However, these comments may have been made in a joking way, where the intention to cause actual harm never existed. In these situations, it is critical to place the court in place, time, and manner, to let them know your alleged “threat” was nothing more than a joke.

A Statement Made in the Heat of the Moment

There are also many circumstances where people may say different things in the heat of a discussion, scuffle, or fight. You might have said some words some people may understand as a threat. However, these are words that carry no weight because there is no intention behind them; they were said in the heat of the moment. Proving this defense can be challenging. However, we can help you.

Maryland Attorney for Terroristic Threats Offering Free Consultations

If you or a loved one was charged with making terroristic threats – or threats of mass violence – in Maryland, we can help. Our Maryland attorneys for terroristic threats can help you build a solid defense strategy to ensure your rights are preserved and challenge the prosecution’s case. Thanks to our many years of experience handling criminal cases, our Maryland criminal defense lawyers can provide you with the quality defense you require. To learn more about all of our legal services in a free, confidential consultation, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras today at (410) 431-0911.

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