The majority of Americans know that murder is illegal and punishable by jail. But what many do not realize is that even the actionable threat of murder can be illegal and punishable in New Jersey. This is what happened in the case of a Bergen County man who was recently arrested for threatening the judge who was assigned to his case.
Bergen County Man Tracks Down Judge
Kaetz, of Bergen County, is being charged with threatening to injure a judge. These threats occurred while the judge was presiding over a pending civil case in which Kaetz is involved with. Kaetz’s threats began after he requested, via mail, that his case be moved up and that the presiding judge be replaced.
Reportedly, he was dissatisfied that the judge had delayed his civil matter and as a result, he tracked down her home address to send a letter. When the letter went unanswered, he then sent a voicemail to the judge, telling her that he wanted her removed from the case, and would not accept no for an answer. When that too went unanswered, he then left another voicemail, calling the judge a traitor and threatening her.
Threat of Assault Potential Charges in New Jersey
The potential consequences of threatening an individual, especially a federal judge, in New Jersey, are severe. The defendant faces potential jail time, as well as a permanent criminal record. This is not the first threat to a federal judge in recent news. Many followed the news of a gunman who broke into U.S. District Judge Esther Salas’ home, killing her son, and severely injuring her husband. This is the reason that serious legal consequences are issued for threats.
Terroristic threats in New Jersey also carry potential legal consequences of between 3-5 years in prison and legal fines of up to $15,000. Terroristic threat charges in New Jersey are actually common, but can be hard to prove, with it often being one person’s word against another’s. Recently New Jersey officials have discussed plans of improving the protection of federal judges, including protecting confidential information, like home addresses and phone numbers.
Proving a Threat in New Jersey
Terroristic threats in New Jersey require certain elements to be present:
- The individual must have made a threat
- The threat must have implied that the individual was going to commit a violent action
- The intent must have been done to terrorize the plaintiff
Some of these elements, however, can be harder to prove. If there is reasonable doubt, then you may have a defense. However, you need a good criminal defense lawyer to determine the details of the threat and to prove what really happened.
Are You Being Charged With Making Terroristic Threats in New Jersey?
New Jersey has strict laws when it comes to terroristic threats, meaning you may face significant legal consequences if you are convicted. If you were wrongly accused, it is important to reach out to a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could end up with jail time and a criminal record that can follow you for years. Reach out to a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact an Experienced Vineland Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Threat Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with making terroristic threats in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at Hercules Law Group, LLC have successfully represented clients charged with terroristic threats in Newark, Vineland, Freehold, New Brunswick, and throughout New Jersey. Call (856) 372-5922 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 76 E Euclid Ave Suite 101, Haddonfield, NJ 08033, as well as offices located in Hamilton Township, Freehold, Neptune City, Bridgewater, Hoboken, Jersey City, and Montclair, NJ.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.
