Posted on August 20, 2026 in Crime

What Is a Terroristic Threat?

Terroristic threat charges are incredibly serious in Arizona, but they’re also somewhat misunderstood. Many defendants believe this offense applies only to organized plots or planned attacks related to what we normally consider to be terrorism. However, this isn’t always the case. 

Understanding this charge is important so you know what you’re facing and how to handle it. 

Terroristic Threat Charges in Arizona

Under Arizona law, making a terrorist threat means threatening to commit an act of terrorism and communicating that threat to another person. The offense is complete when the threat is made and communicated. The statute also criminalizes knowingly making a false report of an act of terrorism, such as calling in a fake bomb threat or falsely reporting a potential attack. 

Under the statute, whether the accused had the means, the plan, or the genuine intention to follow through is not a defense to the charge. 

What is Considered an Act of Terrorism? 

Not every angry or violent statement qualifies as a terroristic threat because the threat must involve an “act of terrorism” as Arizona defines it. 

Under Arizona law, terrorism includes any felony involving the use of a deadly weapon or a weapon of mass destruction, or the intentional or knowing infliction of serious physical injury, plus the intent to do any of the following: 

• Influence the policy or conduct of any state or local government office in Arizona
• Substantially damage or interrupt public communications, communication service providers, public transportation, common carriers, public utilities, public establishments, or other public services
• Intimidate or coerce civilians
• Advance the goals, manifestos, or political objectives of any terrorist organization

For the purposes of terroristic threat charges in Arizona, terrorist organizations include those that have been designated as such by the U.S. Department of State pursuant to 8 U.S. Code § 1189.

Examples of Terroristic Threats 

Seeing how the statute applies in practice makes the offense easier to understand—some familiar examples include: 

• Calling in a bomb threat to a school, courthouse, airport, or office building
• Threatening to carry out a shooting at a school, workplace, concert, or other public gathering
• Threatening to attack a government building or official in order to change a policy or stop government action
• Threatening to contaminate a water supply, release a dangerous substance, or disable power or other critical infrastructure 

Context is always important when dealing with these charges. A statement must actually qualify as a threat to commit an act of terrorism, as Arizona defines it, and protected speech, hyperbole, and statements no reasonable person would take as genuine threats can all be contested by the defense.

Penalties for Making a Terrorist Threat in Arizona

Making a terrorist threat is a Class 3 felony in Arizona, a serious felony level that carries the real possibility of prison. 

For a first-time, non-dangerous Class 3 felony, Arizona’s standard sentencing statute provides the following range of prison terms:

• Mitigated: 2 years
• Minimum: 2.5 years
• Presumptive: 3.5 years
• Maximum: 7 years
• Aggravated: 8.75 years

Prior felony convictions can expose a defendant to substantially longer enhanced ranges, and a dangerous-offense allegation, which can be included when the threats involve a deadly weapon, can trigger mandatory prison terms and eliminate the possibility of probation.

Contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer at Orent Law Offices to Schedule a Free Consultation 

A terroristic threat charge can bring harsh consequences and may apply to more situations than you realize. If you or a loved one is under investigation for or charged with making a terrorist threat, don’t wait to get help, and don’t speak to law enforcement without talking to an attorney first. 

For more information, contact Orent Law Offices today to schedule a free consultation with a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer.

Orent Law Offices, PLC
11811 N Tatum Blvd Unit 3031-15B, Phoenix, AZ 85028
(480) 656-7301
Available 24/7