Federal Criminal Defense – Domestic Terrorism

What is Domestic Terrorism?

After the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, the United States government passed a law called the Patriot Act. This law changed some of the rules about what is considered domestic terrorism. The government takes terrorism very seriously and has strict rules about what are considered acts of domestic terrorism. Allegations of domestic terrorism can lead to extremely serious consequences.

Federal law prohibits domestic terrorism under 18 USC § 2331(5). The threat of wide-scale harm due to a set of beliefs meant to influence, intimidate, or harm the United States or its population can lead to a domestic terrorism charge. Activities that are dangerous to human life and violate United States federal or state laws are defined as domestic terrorism. These activities are considered domestic terrorism if they seem intended to do any of the following:

  • Intimidate or coerce a civilian population;
  • Influence government policy through intimidation or coercion; or
  • Affect the conduct of the government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping.

If you are facing a domestic terrorism charge, then it is critical to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.

What are the Potential Penalties for Domestic Terrorism?

It is against the law to try to use any form of violence or threat of violence against a population based on a belief system. The threat of terrorism is one that the federal government does not take lightly. A conviction for domestic terrorism can have varying punishments that can result in a life sentence or even the death penalty. The main issue that determines the severity of a punishment related to a terrorism charge is whether someone was killed in the commission of the alleged act.

What are Some Examples of Domestic Terrorism?

For a terrorism charge to be considered domestic, it must take place on US soil or in a US-controlled area. Some of the most common examples of acts of domestic terrorism include:

  • Trying to damage or destroy an airplane, and harm or kill the people who fly it
  • Setting fires on purpose
  • Killing or attempting to kill a government official
  • Attacking a place where the government functions
  • Attacking public transportation like buses or trains
  • Using or placing a bomb
  • Attacking with poisonous gas
  • Using explosives
  • Taking hostages
  • Kidnapping a government official
  • Mass shooting
  • Using nuclear or biological weapons

If a person helps or aids a terrorist in any way, they can be charged with domestic terrorism. This includes if they help finance terrorist activity, provide support or services to terrorist organizations, or harbor a terrorist. Someone who has aided and abetted a terrorist can face charges as though they had completed the act of terrorism themselves under 18 U.S.C. 2.

What are Some Common Defenses of a Domestic Terrorism Charge?

There are several defenses that can be used if you are accused of domestic terrorism. Several defenses may be available depending on the answers to some of the following questions:

  • Did the police violate your constitutional rights?
  • Is this a case of mistaken identity?
  • Were comments made that were not meant to be seriously taken?
  • Is there a cultural bias?
  • Is the case actually terrorism or just an alleged act of violence?

The answers to these and other questions about the allegations in your case will help determine what potential defenses are available to you. Some terrorism defenses can only be put forward before a trial, while others can only be made during a trial. Make sure you have your case evaluated by an experienced federal criminal defense attorney to determine what your potential best defenses are and how to proceed with your case.

In What Court Will Your Case Be Heard?

Across the United State, federal criminal cases are processed in federal District Courts under federal law. In Pennsylvania, there are three federal Districts known as the Central, Middle, and Eastern Districts. These districts are set based on geographical location. All federal criminal cases in the state of Pennsylvania are heard in these districts based on location. If your case is alleged to have taken place in central or eastern Pennsylvania, then your criminal case will be heard in either the Middle District or Eastern District Court.

If you disagree with a decision or verdict in a federal district court, then you can file an appeal to a higher federal court of appeals. Appeals from the Middle and Eastern Districts are heard and decided in the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The only remaining appellate court higher than that is the United States Supreme Court. The Supreme Court chooses the cases it hears and decides. There is no right to be heard in the United States Supreme Court.

How Hiring an Experienced Attorney Can Help

If you have been charged with a crime such as domestic terrorism by the federal government, then it is critical to have an attorney who has experience with federal defense. Your attorney can help you understand the charges you are facing and how strong the evidence is against you. You will need to evaluate your case to determine your best defense strategy and decide if it is in your best interests to go to trial or make a deal. If you have questions, please contact us.

Why Hiring the LLF Law Firm is the Right Choice

If you are being investigated or prosecuted for domestic terrorism by the federal government, then it is important to speak to an experienced federal criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Our Criminal Law Team has helped people defend countless criminal charges in several jurisdictions. Call the LLF Law Firm Team today at 888-535-3686 to learn why hiring the LLF Law Firm is the right choice to help defend your federal case.

Contact Us Today!

The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

Menu