TERRORISM LAWYERS MIAMI, FL

CRIMES AGAINST NATIONAL SECURITY

Federal authorities are highly sensitive to criminal acts that are construed as terrorism. Any violence against noncombatant individuals that involves premeditation or political motivations can be classified as a terrorist act and charged as such. Such acts are prosecuted at the federal level and can be met with severe penalties. 

If one or more individuals die because of a crime considered a terrorist act, the accused can face imprisonment for life without parole, and possibly the death penalty. A person can also be convicted and penalized for the act of making terrorist threats.

Contact Hager & Schwartz, P.A. to schedule a consultation with one of our terrorism defense lawyers in Miami.

What Is Considered Terrorism?

If you or a loved one has been arrested for terrorism in Florida or targeted in a terrorism investigation, it's crucial to understand what you are facing. These cases are some of the most aggressively prosecuted in the justice system, and even being under investigation without formal charges can drastically alter your life.

Terrorism-related offenses cover a broad range of allegations and are typically categorized into two main types:

• International terrorism involves violent acts committed by individuals or groups affiliated with foreign terrorist organizations. These offenses often trigger federal investigations and may include allegations of providing support to a foreign entity or participating in overseas plots.
• Domestic terrorism refers to acts intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population or government, often motivated by political, religious, or ideological beliefs. Unlike international terrorism, domestic charges usually stem from activity that originates within the United States.

Several criminal acts can result in a person being charged with terrorism, such as:

• Attempt or commission of a chemical or biological attack
• The threat, attempt, or commission of an act of damaging federal property
• The attempt or commission of spreading/distributing radioactive materials
• The threat, attempt, or commission of an act of injuring or fatally wounding noncombatant individuals in a hijacking, bombing, or similar violent attack

Understanding State vs. Federal Terrorism Charges

One of the most critical distinctions in your case lies in whether you’re facing state or federal terrorism charges, and the penalties differ dramatically.

Federal Charges are prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. Chapter 113B, which includes:

• Section 2339A: Providing material support to terrorists—Up to 15 years in prison

• • Section 2339B: Providing support to designated foreign terrorist organizations—Up to 20 years in prison

• Section 2332a: Use of weapons of mass destruction—Any term of years or life imprisonment

Florida State Law also criminalizes terrorism under Section 775.30, which defines terrorism as committing certain crimes with the intent to:

• Intimidate or coerce a civilian population

• Influence government policy or conduct

Charges under Florida law can include:

• First-degree felony if no serious injury occurs
• Life felony if the act results in death or severe bodily harm

Regardless of the charge, the consequences are severe. That's why it is crucial to have an experienced terrorism defense attorney in Florida from the very beginning.

The Hidden Costs of a Terrorism Investigation

Even without a formal arrest, being caught up in a terrorism investigation can impact nearly every aspect of your life.

You could face the following:

• Social stigma can isolate you from friends, family, and your community.
• Pretrial detention is often imposed without bail in federal cases involving national security.
• Professional fallout, loss of security clearances, or immigration consequences can occur immediately.
• Long-term legal exposure—a closed investigation doesn’t always mean you're in the clear.

The Role of Federal Agencies in Terrorism Investigations

Terrorism cases almost always involve federal agencies, with the FBI serving as the lead investigative body. The FBI collects intelligence, analyzes digital communications, and builds the government’s case through surveillance and informants. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security plays a significant role in prevention efforts and monitoring terrorist threats domestically and internationally.

Collectively, these agencies may initiate extensive investigations, sometimes without notifying the targeted individual, resulting in unexpected arrests, asset freezes, and restrictions on communication or travel.

Under Investigation for Terrorism?

Whether you have been formally charged or are simply under investigation, being connected to a terrorism-related case can feel overwhelming. The uncertainty, fear, and stigma can take a toll long before a trial begins. At Hager & Schwartz, P.A., we have seen firsthand how early legal guidance can make a meaningful difference, not just in the outcome of a case, but in the lives of the people behind those cases.

Many individuals reach out during the investigative phase, often after being contacted by federal agencies like the FBI or Homeland Security. If you find yourself in this situation, you may not fully understand the allegations against you. However, that doesn’t mean you should delay taking action. The sooner a defense attorney is involved, the more options you may have to protect yourself.

As former state prosecutors, we know how investigations unfold. We also understand what steps can be taken to push strategically and effectively, before charges are filed. 

Our legal team can:

• Intervene with investigators to clarify misunderstandings or misidentifications
• Protect your constitutional rights from the start
• Preserve key evidence and identify weaknesses in the government’s case
• Begin crafting a tailored defense strategy while you still have room to move

Federal terrorism investigations are complex, and the stakes are high. By contacting an experienced terrorism defense attorney in Florida early in the process, you enhance your chances of limiting exposure and protecting your future.

Our attorneys are accessible, experienced, and committed to fighting for our clients from day one. If you believe you're under investigation—or if you’ve already been arrested for terrorism in Florida, let’s discuss how we can stand between you and the full force of the federal government.

We Build Powerful Legal Defenses for Terrorism-Related Charges

Terrorism cases represent some of the most complex and high-stakes matters prosecuted in the federal justice system. The government often possesses extensive resources—surveillance technology, confidential informants, and years of investigation. 

However, even under such pressure, you are not powerless. At Hager & Schwartz, P.A., we provide robust, strategic, and personalized legal defense for terrorism-related offenses. We understand the system from the inside out and know how to fight back.

As former state prosecutors, we approach each case with a profound understanding of how terrorism charges are constructed. This gives us a unique advantage in identifying weaknesses in the government’s narrative and leveraging those flaws to your benefit. We aim to defend you and dismantle the prosecution’s case whenever feasible.

Strategic Defense to Challenge Assumptions

No two terrorism cases are alike, which is why we never rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. We thoroughly analyze every piece of evidence and every procedural decision made during your investigation and arrest. 

Our strategies include:

• Discrediting unreliable informants or anonymous tips that lack corroboration
• Identifying constitutional violations, such as unlawful surveillance or warrantless searches
• Scrutinizing communications monitoring to ensure compliance with legal standards
• Challenging overbroad interpretations of “material support” statutes
• Filing pretrial motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence or challenge the scope of federal jurisdiction

Whether your case involves alleged ties to a foreign organization, domestic terrorism accusations, or conspiracy charges rooted in online communications, we tailor our defense to the specific charges and facts.

While we explore every option to resolve your case favorably—including negotiation or dismissal—we prepare as if a trial is inevitable. This proactive approach strengthens our position from the outset. Our attorneys are experienced in federal court and skilled at navigating the complexities of evidence and procedure that often define defense against federal terrorism charges.

At Hager & Schwartz, P.A., we provide aggressive legal defense to individuals charged with federal crimes and can assist you with your terrorism case. We understand the seriousness of terrorism charges and the repercussions a conviction can impose, and we will do our utmost to present a defense that challenges the prosecution's accusations against you.

Contact our firm to discover how we deliver personalized legal representation designed to pursue favorable case outcomes.