Terroristic Threats

The tragic events of September 11, 2001, made acts of terrorism an even greater concern for law enforcement agencies all over the United States. Minnesota takes terroristic threats very seriously, as these types of alleged crimes are felony offenses.

While the First Amendment to the United States Constitution protects a person’s right to free speech, it does not protect speech inciting or producing imminent lawless action. People who are accused of making terroristic threats in Minnesota often claim that their words were taken out of context, and it can be very difficult for prosecutors to convict such alleged offenders when there is no clear proof of the required purpose to terrorize.

Lawyer for Terroristic Threats Arrests in Apple Valley, MN

If you were arrested or think that you could be under investigation for allegedly making terroristic threats anywhere in the Twin Cities, it is in your best interest to not say a single thing to authorities until you have legal representation. James Blumberg Law aggressively defends clients accused of various crimes of violence in West St. Paul, Apple Valley, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, Mendota Heights, and many surrounding areas of Dakota County.

As a former prosecutor in the Criminal Division of the Dakota County Attorney’s Office, Apple Valley criminal defense attorney James Blumberg has experience handling these types of cases on both sides of the aisle. You can have our lawyer provide a complete evaluation of your case when you call (952) 431-7758 to receive a free, confidential consultation.

Overview of Terroristic Threats in Minnesota

Back to top

Terroristic Threats Charges in Dakota County

Terroristic threats crimes are usually prosecuted as violations of Minnesota Statute § 609.713. Under this statute, terroristic threats are divided into three tiers:

  • Threaten violence; intent to terrorize — Under Subdivision 1 of Minnesota Statute § 609.713, it is illegal for a person to threaten, directly or indirectly, to commit any crime of violence (defined as having the same the meaning given to “violent crime” in Subdivision 1, paragraph (d) of Minnesota Statute § 609.1095) with purpose to terrorize another or to cause evacuation of a building, place of assembly, vehicle or facility of public transportation or otherwise to cause serious public inconvenience, or in a reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror or inconvenience.
  • Communicates to terrorize — Subdivision 2 of Minnesota Statute § 609.713 establishes that it is illegal for a person to communicate to another with purpose to terrorize another or in reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror, that explosives or an explosive device or any incendiary device is present at a named place or location, whether or not the same is in fact present.
  • Display replica of firearm — Under Subdivision 3 of Minnesota Statute § 609.713, it is illegal for a person to display, exhibit, brandish, or otherwise employ a replica firearm or a BB gun in a threatening manner.

For purposes of Subdivision 3, a BB gun is defined as “a device that fires or ejects a shot measuring .18 of an inch or less in diameter.” A replica firearm is defined as “a device or object that is not defined as a dangerous weapon, and that is a facsimile or toy version of, and reasonably appears to be a pistol, revolver, shotgun, sawed-off shotgun, rifle, machine gun, rocket launcher, or any other firearm.” The term includes, but is not limited to, devices or objects that are designed to fire only blanks.

Back to top

Apple Valley Terroristic Threats Penalties

Terroristic threats crimes are generally punishable as follows:

  • Threaten violence; intent to terrorize — Up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000;
  • Communicates to terrorize — Up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000; and
  • Display replica of firearm — Up to one year and one day in prison and a fine of up to $3,000.

As crimes of violence in Minnesota, convictions for terroristic threats crimes also carry several other long-term consequences, including the loss of the right to possess a firearm.

Back to top

Terroristic Threats Resources in Minnesota

Homeland Security | Minnesota Department of Public Safety — The mission of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is “to lead the unified state effort to keep Minnesota secure and prevent acts of terrorism.” Visit this website to learn more about grants, task forces, and programs and initiatives. You can also find information about the division’s “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign.

Terrorism Recruitment in Minnesota | Minnesota Legislature — View the full text of this report to the Minnesota Legislature published by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. The report includes a summary of research, federal initiatives, and local stakeholder approaches. The report concludes that its guiding principles “are thematic, preliminary and based on international experience and the latest academic research.”

Back to top

James Blumberg Law | Apple Valley Terroristic Threats Defense Attorney

Do you believe that you might be under investigation or were you already arrested in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area for allegedly making terroristic threats? Even if you are completely confident about your innocence, you will still want to avoid saying anything to authorities until you have legal counsel. Contacted James Blumberg Law right away.

James Blumberg is an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Apple Valley who represents residents of and visitors to Rosemount, Burnsville, Farmington, Hastings, Lakeville, and many other surrounding areas of Ramsey County, Anoka County, Dakota County, and Hennepin County.

Call (952) 431-7758 or fill out an online contact form to have our attorney review your case and discuss all of your legal options during a free initial consultation.


Back to top