What if You’ve Been Charged with an “Act of Terrorism” in Maryland?

It seems like we read or hear about acts of terrorism every other day in our current times. The charges and penalties for an “act of terrorism” can be life-altering, but some individuals are falsely charged.

The first thing you should do if you have been charged with a terroristic act is to contact our experienced attorneys. Terrorism laws are typically written broadly, making it easy for the state to misapply them to situations where no threat was made or intended. Not only can Maryland charge you under its laws for making threats of mass violence, but the federal government can also bring charges, and both can convict defendants. Having a skilled firm on your side can be the difference between you and years in prison.

Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 for a free, confidential case review with our Maryland criminal defense lawyers.

What Do I Do if I Have Been Charged with an “Act of Terrorism” in Maryland?

Fewer criminal charges can completely upend your life like those for an “act of terrorism.” Acts of terrorism include actual violent actions and threats of violence. If you are facing charges for terroristic threats, contact our criminal defense attorneys in Maryland immediately to start fighting your case. Maryland state prosecutors can charge individuals, but the case will get much more serious if the federal government also brings charges against you. Federal and state governments have dual jurisdiction over terrorism crimes, so it is possible that both can convict a defendant.

It is crucial to take your defense seriously. Defendants convicted of terrorism crimes often face decades or life in prison. However, the laws are overbroad and can be misapplied to a situation where no threat was made. For instance, you might have been at a protest where others carried out violence, and you were caught up in the arrests. Our team will review the facts of your case to determine if it meets the definition provided by state and federal law and how we can challenge it.

Maryland Terrorism Charges

Maryland does not have a specific offense labeled as “terroristic threat.” Instead, Md. Code, Crim. Art., § 3-1001 addresses offenses related to “threats of mass violence.” This term refers to threats made regarding the potential for violent crimes in areas where many people could be harmed or killed. Generally, these offenses pertain to scenarios where there are five or more individuals who could potentially be victims.

Beyond just the number of people involved, several other factors come into play. For instance, the individuals who receive the threat must reasonably feel that a violent act will likely occur following the threat. They should also be compelled to evacuate the location that might be targeted and seek safety either within the premises or in a nearby public space to show that the threat is legitimate.

However, an actual crime need not be carried out after making such a threat. The mere act of threatening, such as saying one will shoot anyone at a specific location, is sufficient to constitute a crime. This holds true regardless of whether the threats were made in person, over the phone, or online. If you find yourself facing charges for making a terroristic threat in Maryland, it is crucial to respond swiftly and reach out to our attorneys for assistance. As mentioned, many people have been falsely charged with this offense following the wave of protests in 2020 and 2021, and you should not be punished for exercising your First Amendment rights.

Anyone who violates this law commits a misdemeanor crime. While misdemeanors usually represent lesser degrees of crimes, not so with threats of mass violence. If convicted, individuals can face imprisonment for up to 10 years, a fine of up to $10,000, or potentially both.

Federal Terrorism Charges

The federal government can also charge individuals in Maryland with “domestic terrorism” under 18 U.S.C. Ch. 113B § 2331(5). Domestic terrorism refers to activities that involve acts that pose a danger to human life and violate the criminal laws of the United States or any state, including Maryland.

These acts are intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influence government policy through fear or pressure, or impact government actions through mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping. It is “domestic” because the activities occur primarily within the territorial limits of the United States. Like Maryland law, you can be charged under this statute for committing an act or appearing to intend to commit the threat made.

The penalties for domestic terrorism are literally a matter of life and death. If a victim died in the act, a defendant could be punished with the death penalty or life in prison, according to 18 U.S.C. Ch. 113B § 2331(a)(1). Someone charged with attempted homicide under this statute could still spend up to 20 years in prison even if the act were never carried out. These laws are written broadly so prosecutors can apply them more easily to various situations, so reach out to our team immediately to determine if you have been falsely charged.

What Are Some Defenses to Terrorism Charges in Maryland?

Lacking the intent to commit the crime is often a strong defense strategy. Although the law governing threats of mass violence does not require proof of intent, you can still argue that your words were not meant to be taken seriously. It is possible that the situation surrounding your comments or actions might have led to a serious misunderstanding or misinterpretation.

There have also been many cases where a statement is perceived as a terroristic threat, yet those remarks were made in jest, with no real intention to cause harm. In these instances, our team can help clarify the situation in time and context to demonstrate that your purported “threat” was merely a joke.

Contact Our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Maryland Now for Help

Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 for a free case assessment with our Ellicott City criminal defense lawyers.