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06 Sep 2024

Anti-terrorism laws have gotten more and more comprehensive in recent decades, especially considering some events that have taken place during that time. Since then, anyone involved in suspect behaviour has become more likely to be accused of terrorism. This is even the case when they firmly believe they’re innocent.

Not everyone charged with a crime is inherently guilty of it. Defending against terrorism charges can feel like an uphill battle at the best of times.

At ABV Solicitors, we have a wealth of experience defending clients against a host of charges, including terrorism charges. We know how overwhelming the process can feel for them, especially when they’re innocent of any crime. Having a proper understanding of the process is vital.

Let’s dive into what anyone accused of terrorist activities needs to know.

What are Considered Terrorist Activities?

Before diving in, it’s worth clarifying what terrorism is in the first place. Most people have a general idea, and they’ll point to specific events as examples. But, what does the law say about terrorism, and how is it classified?

In England, this is outlined by the Terrorism Act, which says terrorism is an act designed to intimidate the public or even a portion of the public. It also includes acts that aim to influence national or international government organisations.

Threats made to further racial, ideological, religious, or political viewpoints are included in this, too. The relevant laws are quite comprehensive in outlining what is considered terrorism.

Some examples of terrorist activity include:

• Taking steps to disrupt an electoral system
• Endangering the health and safety of the public
• Violence, especially extreme violence, against members of the public or other groups

This list is by no means exhaustive, but it helps to give a general idea of when a suspected terrorist can be charged with. Speaking of charges, it’s worth looking into exactly someone can be charged with under anti-terrorist laws.

Types of Charges

These are broken into several categories, and they can often seem a little confusing for anyone not experienced in the area. Committing terrorist acts is the tip of the iceberg, as authorities try to prevent this in various ways.

The more notable of these acts are:

1. Collecting Information – This focuses on anyone believed to be collecting information which can then be used to plan or otherwise aid a terrorist act. Information useful to someone planning a terrorist act is part of this.
2. Preparation of Terrorist Acts – This is when someone takes the steps building up to a terrorist act. Planning the act, gathering materials needed to commit the act, and similar steps are included here. Someone can be charged with this even if they have a minor role in the overall terrorist acts.
3. Distributing Terrorist Publications – Distributing publications that encourage acts of terrorism is considered a crime. This includes any publications that outline how a reader can plan out, prepare, and commit a terrorist act.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, and there are several other charges someone can be accused of. Having a ‘terrorist connection’ can be seen as a terrorist accusation, even if the person being charged hasn’t been engaged in any illicit terrorist activities.

This can often cause confusion among those being charged, making it even more vital that they hire a legal professional.

Sentencing and Penalties

Once an accused reaches the trial stage of a process, there’s always a chance they’ll be convicted. The repercussions of this can be massive, though it can depend on the crime they’ve been charged with.

Those convicted of murder in their terrorist activity typically get life imprisonment, which is also the case for those convicted of helping someone else commit a terrorist activity. The collection of information that’s then used specifically for a terrorist act carries a prison sentence of ten years.

Even outside of the prison sentence, being convicted of a terrorist activity brings a massive amount of stigma. Those released after their prison sentence is completed will find it more difficult to find a job, might not be able to travel to various countries, and more. They could even find it more difficult to socialise and live a normal life.

That makes it all the more vital they hire a trained and experienced professional to help in defending against terrorism accusations. Even then, it doesn’t come without its challenges.

Challenges

Perhaps the largest challenge in defending against terrorism accusations is the evidence the prosecution could have. Prosecutors aren’t going to file charges against someone without it.

There’s a wealth of evidence they could provide, with this depending on the case itself. This includes photos and videos of someone engaging in terrorist activities, documentation highlighting engagement with terrorist organisations, and much more. Even if misunderstood, all of this can paint a picture of guilt.

An experienced lawyer helps with this, and it’s worth looking into how a well-trained professional can help deal with the typical challenges an accused will face.

Finding a Lawyer for You

Terrorism accusations are some of the most serious charges someone can face. In many cases, they can be confusing for the accused to understand. When they’re innocent, this is especially true. A trained professional makes this much easier to understand.

At the same time, they craft comprehensive strategies to defend against terrorism charges while proving their client is innocent. They’ll have an in-depth understanding of the procedure that needs to be followed.

Then there are the multiple other benefits hiring a quality legal professional offers:

• Guiding the accused through a complicated and overwhelming process
• Ensuring they don’t do or say anything that makes the situation worse
• Counselling them when they need support during the trial
• Minimising any consequences if they’re found guilty of their crimes
• Preventing them from being convicted if they’re innocent.

At ABV Solicitors, we have an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of anti-terrorism laws, and we have experience defending against terrorism accusations. Get in touch with our team of experienced professionals today.