A South Florida man has been charged with threatening the president-elect in a message posted on Facebook. Such a threat constitutes a federal crime that carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Anyone charged with a such an offense will need and is entitled to legal representation. This is the type of assistance available from a Ft Lauderdale federal criminal attorney.
The 59-year old suspect involved in the threat against the president-elect was arrested at his home in Pembroke Pines. The arrest was carried out by members of the U.S. Secret Service, who had been informed of the threat by local law enforcement officials. While he was being questioned, the suspect reportedly became confrontational and at one point encouraged the agents to arrest him. They responded by taking him into custody. In a subsequent appearance at a federal court in Fort Lauderdale, the suspect claimed various financial hardships. The court ordered him to be held in custody and also assigned to his case a public defender.
Among other comments made on Facebook, the suspect said he was satisfied that the current chief executive had not taken guns away from American citizens, citing “a good use for one” with regard to the man recently elected president, whom he referred to as “an enemy of the state.” It was reported that he had also used his computer to carry out a “harassment incident” against the daughter of the president-elect. He had previously been charged in Broward County with other crimes, including stalking, and had twice served time in state prison. A prior record will usually worsen the situation for anyone facing new charges and will necessitate intervention by a Ft Lauderdale federal criminal attorney.
Fortunately, anyone charged with a crime of any magnitude is considered innocent until convicted in court. A defense attorney will challenge the charges from the start and will if necessary argue the case before a jury. Only a lawyer can provide the criminal defendant with advice and provide representation throughout the legal process. A Fort Lauderdale federal criminal attorney can provide this type of assistance for those charged with such federal offenses as threatening a president-elect. If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges at any level, contact the law firm of Hassett & Associates at 951-791-3939.
