New Jersey Criminal Lawyer for Individuals Charged with Making Terroristic Threats in Domestic Violence Cases
If you have been charged with threatening a current or former spouse, partner, or other “protected person” under New Jersey’s domestic violence law, you are facing serious consequences. Not only could a conviction result in substantial fines and prison time, but you could also face consequences before you get convicted. As a result, to protect yourself, you need to act immediately—and this starts with talking to a New Jersey defense attorney.
Cases involving alleged crimes committed against “protected persons” fall under the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA). Under the PDVA, when you are accused of a domestic violence crime—including terroristic threats—you can face an immediate restraining order in civil court. The judge can impose a restraining order even if you aren’t present, and if you violate the restraining order, you can face additional charges and penalties. This is true even if you are found not guilty of making terroristic threats at your criminal trial.
With this in mind, it is important that you discuss your case with an experienced New Jersey criminal lawyer as soon as possible.
What Is a “Terroristic Threat” in a New Jersey Domestic Violence Case?
Making terroristic threats is a crime under Section 2C:12-3 of the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice. So, what is a “terroristic threat”?
Under Section 2C:12-3, you can be charged with a third-degree indictable offense if you:
- “Threaten[] to commit any crime of violence with the purpose to terrorize another . . . or in reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror . . . ;” or,
- “Threaten[] to kill another with the purpose to put him [or her] in imminent fear of death under circumstances reasonably causing the victim to believe the immediacy of the threat and the likelihood that it will be carried out.”
Third-degree indictable offenses carry three to five years of prison time and up to a $15,000 fine—in addition to a restraining order in domestic violence cases. As a result, you need to defend yourself by all means available. While there are several potential defenses to domestic violence charges under the PDVA, choosing the right defenses for your case requires experienced legal representation.
When you schedule an appointment with a New Jersey defense attorney at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A., your attorney will examine the facts of your case to determine which defenses you have available. Your attorney will then use his or her experience to assert these defenses on your behalf. Depending on the facts of your case, your attorney may be able to help you avoid consequences entirely, or if necessary, your attorney can work to negotiate a plea deal that minimizes the consequences of your arrest as much as possible.
Discuss Your Terroristic Threats Case with a New Jersey Defense Attorney in Confidence
Have you been charged with making terroristic threats against a current or former spouse, partner or other “protected person” in New Jersey? If so, we can help. Call 877-435-6371 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A.
