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Georgia
criminal law
Can a person be arrested for terrorist threats?
My mother was arrested for claiming that she texted my sister a terrorist threat, which she never threatened to do. And she claimed she made a threat on Facebook, which never happened. The sheriff’s department didn’t ask her any questions, just came up with an arrest warrant.
1
Attorney’s response
A: I’m sorry to hear about your mother. As for the allegation, terrorist threats require that a verbal threat to harm or kill someone be communicated to them through any medium. This can be done via SMS, phone, email or even through someone else. Normally, the police will not take an arrest warrant unless they confirm the threat. When it comes to messages, they usually need to view and copy the message. While it takes less evidence to arrest someone, a good attorney can often attack these allegations when the only evidence is oral or evidence is scarce. However, this is a criminal offense so you definitely need to make sure she has a good criminal lawyer fighting for her!
David West
chief prosecutor
David West & Associates
Marietta, GA
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