Today, nothing is a more dangerous political accusation for an act of violence than terrorism or being accused of acts of terrorism. The crime brings up images of assaults on American territory and casualties. The American government takes the investigation and prosecution of offenses related to terrorism very seriously. You have a higher chance of receiving a fair trial the sooner you talk with an attorney.
If you have been wrongly implicated in a terrorist attack, you must take quick action to protect your name. Before your case starts, the media may paint you guilty, and prosecutors will use all means necessary to make their case look patriotic and strong on crime. When you are accused of being a terrorist, you need a terrorism defense attorney who is highly skilled and is not hesitant to challenge the prosecution in court. Call the knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense team at David E. Stanley, APLC, for a free case evaluation if you have been detained and accused of terrorism or if someone you care about is in jail on terrorist-related charges in the Baton Rouge, Louisiana area. He knows the repercussions of being accused of terrorism or other acts of violence and how crucial it is to establish your innocence beyond a reasonable doubt.
What Is Terrorism?
At home and on the news, terrorism is addressed; nevertheless, if you are accused of acts of terrorism, you need to know what the law says about the offense. Both domestic and foreign terrorism is defined under Title 18, Chapter 113B of the United States Code. Domestic terrorism encompasses the following actions:
Mass destruction, acts of violence, killing, or abduction seem to be designed to frighten or compel the people, influence government policy, or effect government action, are harmful to human life, are a violation of federal or state criminal laws, occur predominantly inside the U.S.’s territorial authority.
International Terrorism
Any violent acts or actions that endanger human life violate federal or state criminal laws or would be considered crimes under federal or state law if they were carried out within national or state borders and appear to be intended to intimidate or coerce the public, influence government policy, or affect government action through mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping. In terms of the intended coercive targets, these crimes often cross international borders.
Domestic Terrorism
We experience domestic terrorism considerably more often inside our geographical authority. These are crimes that contravene American law and pose a threat to human life. To frighten public or private leaders, crimes such as killing, abduction, intimidation, and mass devastation may be committed. Within the boundaries of the United States, domestic terrorism occurs.
Here are only a few examples of the many offenses that may be connected to terrorist activities and terrorism-related cases. Numerous criminal behaviors fall under the umbrella of terrorism. Chapter 113B of Title 18 defines and forbids certain terrorist activities, such as:
- Using or threatening to use weapons of mass destruction
- Terrorist attacks that cross international borders
- Carrying out a financial transaction with a country that the U.S. Recognizes as supporting global terrorism
- The bombing of government buildings, transit hubs, and infrastructure
- Having a rocket or missile with a guidance system that is meant to kill airplanes, developing one, using one, or threatening to use one
- Having, using, or threatening to deploy radiological dispersion devices
the use, threat, or possession of nuclear weapons, technologies, or materials - Giving financial assistance to terrorists or international terrorist groups paying for terrorism
- Fostering or hiding terrorists
Patriot Act
You’ve probably heard of the Patriot Act, enacted in 2001 after the World Trade Center assault. The Patriot Act amended and changed various existing acts, notably Chapter 113B of Title 18, and enacted new federal laws. Modifications made by the Patriot Act are reflected in the offenses’ definitions and punishments above.
Possible Sanctions on Terrorism
The possible repercussions of a terrorist act depend on the statute you are accused of breaking and if any Americans were killed or gravely wounded. If Americans were murdered, the penalty depends on whether the killings were classified as murder, voluntary manslaughter, or involuntary manslaughter.
Numerous offenses included in Chapter 113B carry the possibility of the death penalty or a life sentence. For instance, an American who uses, threatens, or conspires to employ a weapon of mass destruction may get a death sentence or a life term, depending on the state’s death penalty statute. You may also face the death penalty or life in prison if your act of terrorism results in the murder of an American citizen. A murder attempt has a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail, whereas a murder plot involving at least two people carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. However, you might spend ten years in jail if death is deemed to result from voluntary manslaughter. Regardless of your unique situation, the charges could lead to a minimum of 10 years in jail.
Federal Organizations Involved in Terrorism Charges
You could have to work with more federal authorities throughout a terrorist charge case in addition to regular local, state, and federal law enforcement and investigation organizations. This is because cases involving terrorist accusations sometimes include many government agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Security Agency (NSA), and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Associated Criminal Penalties for Terrorism Charges
It’s difficult to predict what punishments someone convicted of terrorism-related offenses could be subjected to since terrorist activities might vary considerably. However, there is one thing you can count on. At this time, the United States takes crimes of terrorism extremely seriously. Therefore, if you are found guilty of any criminal charges related to your terrorist case, you will likely be subjected to the harshest possible punishments. This is why you must act quickly to enlist the services of an accomplished criminal defense lawyer. You can be sentenced to anything from a few years to life in prison or even the death penalty. In addition, even if you had no personal involvement in committing the act, you might spend up to 20 years in prison for financially supporting terrorism.
Both criminal and civil repercussions are possible for those charged with terrorism-related offenses in the United States. Any individual, company, or municipality that incurred personal injury or property damage due to your actions may file a lawsuit against you and criminal charges with the federal government. If the plaintiff prevails in a civil case, you would be required to pay court costs, attorney fees, and three times the compensable damages determined by the court.
If you are found guilty of a terrorist crime, your criminal record shows you committed a felony. You’ll probably struggle to find work and a place to live after being released from jail. A background check reveals your felony record for terrorism, which might result in social exclusion from your neighborhood.
Learn More About Arson Laws and Punishment in Louisiana
Don't Let Cultural Bias and Fear Put You in Prison
It’s unlikely that you could have an impartial, fair jury trial by your peers, with fear, cultural prejudice, and nationalism at an all-time high. Perhaps more than any other accusations, you need someone in your camp who can vigorously defend your rights and has a track record of success. You should get a fair trial, but that’s a difficult task in the modern world. Get in contact with a criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible, and make sure they are present before you speak with any federal investigators.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Does the Patriot Act Allow the Government to Do?
The Patriot Act allows investigators to acquire data while investigating various terrorist-related crimes, including chemical weapons, WMD usage, murdering Americans overseas, and terrorism funding.
Which Executive Department Works to Protect the Country Against Terrorism?
The dedication and determination of Americans throughout the country in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks gave birth to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its goal to ensure the safety of the American people.
What is a Terrorizing Charge in Louisiana?
Terrorism is the deliberate dissemination of information that a violent crime is being committed or is currently being planned or that a situation that poses a threat to human life already exists or is about to do so, intending to keep members of the general public in a state of sustained fear for their safety, or of forcing them to flee a building, a public structure, or a transportation facility, or of causing severe other disruption to the public.
The Help of a Terrorism Defense Attorney
You need more than a public defender can provide if you face federal charges for engaging in or supporting terrorism against the United States. You need a federal attorney in Louisiana who is knowledgeable about criminal law and an excellent advocate in court. David E. Stanley has been an attorney for almost three decades. Since he began his career as a prosecutor, he has approached client defense with a broad-based perspective. Attorney Stanley is aware of how prosecutors think and can foresee their tactics. As a result, he will create the greatest legal defense for you to defend your freedom and constitutional rights. For a free, private consultation to go through your legal options, contact the Law Offices of David E. Stanley, APLC.
Looking for A Terrorism Criminal Defense Attorney? David Stanley, APLC is a seasoned and trusted federal criminal defense attorney who can help and guide you through your legal battle. We serve the following areas:
Criminal Defense Attorney Ascension Parish, LA
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