Third Degree Terroristic Threats Hanover NJ

Morris County Criminal Lawyers with offices in Morristown, New Jersey

Terroristic Threats

Need a lawyer for a terroristic threats charge in Morris County? We can help.

The Morris County Criminal Defense Lawyers at the Tormey Law Firm LLC recently represented a client in a domestic violence dispute who was charged with terroristic threats in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3A, a third degree crime, and criminal restraint in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:13-3, a disorderly persons charge. The client and his girlfriend had an argument in their vehicle where he allegedly threatened to “cut her fingers off” and then stood in front of her vehicle in an attempt to prevent her from leaving. Our client has no prior criminal history and is a young professional. Serious criminal charges like this could significantly impact his future employment opportunities. The third degree charge is a felony in New Jersey, punishable by 3-5 years in state prison, along with fines, possible probation, and a permanent felony conviction on his record. The disorderly persons offense is a misdemeanor charge punishable by up to six (6) months in the Morris County jail, a $1,000 fine, possible probation, and a permanent misdemeanor charge on his record.

Indictable (Felony) Charges Prosecuted by Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in the Morris County Superior Court (Criminal Division)

The indictable (felony) charge for Terroristic Threats must be handed at the Morris County Superior Court (Criminal Division) by the Morris County Prosecutor’s office. So, once the criminal complaints are issued (one felony and one misdemeanor), both charges are transferred up to Superior Court for prosecution. The prosecutor’s office can screen the case, downgrade it, list it for a pre-indictment conference for potential resolution, or present the case to the Grand Jury for an indictment.

First, we were able to convince the Morris County Prosecutor’s office to downgrade the criminal charge from a felony terroristic threats charge to a misdemeanor harassment charge and send the case back to the Hanover Municipal Court for disposition. Then, when we appeared in Hanover Court, the alleged victim spoke to the prosecutor and told him that she did not want to proceed with the case and she was not willing to testify against her boyfriend. Because they had no prior domestic violence calls to their home and the defendant has no prior criminal history, the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case. In addition, he could not prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt without the victim’s testimony.

Terroristic Threats Charge Dismissed Morris County NJ – Contact Us Now

The client is now eligible to file an expungement immediately to have the arrest removed from his record as well. This was a fantastic result for our client and our team of Morris County criminal defense lawyers. If you or someone you know needs assistance with a domestic violence case in Hanover, contact us now for immediate assistance. The initial consultation is always provided free of charge.