Illinois Terroristic Threatening Defense Lawyer

Building a Strong Terroristic Threatening Defense

When most people think of laws related to terrorism, they think of federal statutes. However, state laws also cover charges of terrorism. If you are charged under one of these statutes, it’s vital to contact a knowledgeable terroristic threatening defense lawyer.

There are many different crimes under Illinois state law that relate to terrorism. One example is causing a catastrophe. When someone causes a catastrophe by creating a fire, flood, or an explosion, they may face charges of terrorism. This type of violation is a Class X felony. In order for these charges to be brought, at least five individuals must have suffered serious harm.

However, actions do not have to result in actual harm to other people to be classified as terrorism.

Facing a charge of terroristic threatening can derail your entire life. You may find yourself overwhelmed and wondering, “What is the penalty for terroristic threatening?” If you or someone you love is facing this type of charge, it is vital to contact an accomplished terroristic threatening defense lawyer. The skilled legal professionals at Wolfe & Stec have ample experience in defending clients who have been accused of making threats of terror.

We understand that facing a criminal charge can be frightening and stressful. That is why we will fight tirelessly to defend your rights. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact our office by calling 630-305-0222.

Understanding the Crime of Terroristic Threatening

Count on Our Skilled Attorneys for a Powerful Terroristic Threatening Defense

When most people think about the term “terrorism,” they usually think of international violent political and social groups. Unfortunately, there are many terrorist groups and individuals here on U.S. soil.

Domestic terrorism is a growing problem. Because of this, government organizations remain constantly vigilant to protect citizens against the possibility of terrorist attacks.

Terrorism encompasses many different types of actions and crimes. Federal statutes (18 U.S. Code, Chapter 113B) define terrorism as acts of violence used to:

  • Coerce or intimidate civilians
  • Influence government policy through coercion and intimidation
  • Change the conduct of government entities.

Most violent acts are illegal, regardless of the perpetrator’s intent. But when an action is meant to change the behavior of civilians or governmental agencies, it qualifies as terrorism.

Threats as a Form of Terrorism

Even without the use of violence, some threats can be classified as a form of terrorism. When someone threatens to commit a violent act in order to terrorize another person or group, they have committed terroristic threatening.

Sometimes, these threats are made with a particular goal in mind. For example, someone might make a threat in order to evacuate a public or private space. Imagine that a person calls in a bomb threat to a school. Even if there is no actual bomb, school administrators will need to clear everyone from the property.

A terroristic threat also might be used to evacuate these properties:

  • Churches and houses of worship
  • Public transportation facilities
  • Government buildings or facilities
  • Stores, malls, and shopping centers.

This type of act is illegal under both federal and Illinois state law. If you have been accused of terroristic threatening, contact our seasoned criminal defense attorneys. A criminal conviction can result in severe penalties and negative outcomes. When you are facing a charge of terroristic threatening, it is crucial to reach out to the accomplished legal team at Wolfe & Stec.

Is Terroristic Threatening a Felony in Illinois?

Don’t Let a Criminal Conviction Ruin Your Life

An allegation of terroristic threatening is incredibly serious. The consequences of a conviction for this charge are very severe. It is vital to put forth a sophisticated defense if you are facing this charge in the state of Illinois.

When you have been accused of making a terrorist threat, you may wonder what type of criminal charge you are facing. Is terroristic threatening a felony in Illinois? Yes.

Illinois Compiled Statutes (720 ILCS 5/29D-20) defines a terroristic threat as intimidating or attempting to coerce a group, knowingly threatening to commit or cause a terrorist act, and creating reasonable fear or expectation that an act of terror is imminent.

Terroristic Threatening Is a Class X Felony in Illinois

According to Illinois state law, making a terrorist threat is classified as a Class X felony. Aside from first-degree murder, a Class X felony is the most serious offense under Illinois state law. It is very important to present a strong terroristic threatening defense in the face of such a charge. A Class X felony conviction carries very extreme penalties.

So what is the penalty for terroristic threatening? If you are found guilty, it’s important to understand that the court is not permitted to sentence you to probation. A Class X felony conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentencing of 6 to 30 years in prison. The only way that probation is a possibility is if the prosecutor decides to amend the charge.

The prison sentence for a Class X felony in Illinois is not dependent on the person’s previous criminal record. Even a first-time offender will receive a sentence of 6 to 30 years.

In addition to prison time, a terroristic threatening conviction can also have drastic financial repercussions. According to Illinois state law (720 ILCS 5/29D-20), a person who is found guilty of terroristic threats of an explosive device in an educational setting will have to reimburse the government for any first responders or police officers that had to be sent to the school to investigate the threat.

Emergency response officers can include:

  • Police officers
  • Firefighters
  • Ambulance workers
  • And more.

As you can see, the consequences for a conviction of terroristic threatening in Illinois are incredibly dire. When the stakes are so high, make sure to contact our criminal defense law firm.

To discuss the facts of your criminal case with a terroristic threatening defense lawyer, call the skilled terroristic threat defense attorneys at Wolfe & Stec at 630-305-0222.

Frequently Asked Questions for Our Illinois Terroristic Threat Defense Attorneys

Our compassionate criminal defense attorneys understand that those who are faced with terroristic threat charges are often overwhelmed. With this in mind, we’ll answer some of the most common questions regarding your rights and options in the face of a criminal charge.

Are terroristic threats always made orally?

Even if a threat is made through some other form of communication, it can still qualify as a crime. For example, suppose that someone sent an email containing a bomb threat to a government employee in hopes of evacuating a certain building. Even though the intimidation was not delivered orally, it still qualifies as an instance of terroristic threatening.

Other possible forms of communication that can be used for terroristic threatening include:

  • Phone calls
  • Oral conversations
  • Text messages
  • Other electronic communications
  • Paper documents or letters.

No matter what method of communication was used, threatening someone in hopes of causing intimidation or coercion qualifies as a terrorist threat.

How do you beat a terroristic threat charge?

The specific approach to your terroristic threatening defense will depend on the circumstances of your case. When you are facing a criminal charge, our skilled lawyers will examine your situation to build a powerful defense for you.

There is usually not much that you can do to negotiate a plea bargain for a Class X felony charge. The most effective route is typically a strong defense at trial.

Our accomplished trial attorneys have a thorough knowledge of the Illinois statutes related to terrorism charges. We know what it takes to protect the rights of our clients and we will fight tirelessly for a positive outcome for you.

Can terroristic threatening charges be expunged from my record?

A person’s criminal record can be expunged under certain circumstances. However, a Class X felony conviction cannot be expunged. You may still be able to seal the record of your conviction, though. Sealing a record makes it unavailable for members of the public.

For answers to questions about expungement and sealing of your criminal record, contact the firm at Wolfe & Stec.

What should I look for in a criminal defense attorney?

An experienced Illinois defense attorney will have a thorough knowledge of the relevant state laws and statutes in your case. Our trusted lawyers will manage all of the relevant paperwork, deadlines, negotiations, and other requirements in your defense.

The Illinois defense attorneys at Wolfe & Stec know what it takes to present a powerful defense for our clients. When you hire our team, we will work diligently to protect your rights.

Why Choose Wolfe & Stec?

With so many criminal defense firms in Illinois, why should you choose the reputable firm of Wolfe & Stec? Our attorneys understand the stress and worry that accompany a criminal charge. We know that a conviction can derail your entire life. Because of this, we will leverage all our knowledge and resources to build the strongest case possible on your behalf.

If you are facing criminal charges in Illinois, contact Wolfe & Stec at 630-305-0222. Our attorneys will communicate with you every step of the way. We will ensure that you are treated fairly by the justice system.

Attorney Marc Wolfe

Marc Wolfe has been representing clients in criminal matters in Chicago and the entire State of Illinois for over 30 years. Mr. Wolfe has tried over 300 cases to verdict and represents clients facing investigation or prosecution for a broad range of state and federal criminal offenses, including murder, embezzlement, sexual abuse, drugs, marijuana and white collar crimes. [ Attorney Bio ]

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Woodridge, IL 60517
Phone: 630-305-0222

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