A juvenile in Dauphin County, PA, was been arrested and charged with making terroristic threats—all because of a severely misguided “prank.” The story shows the disconnect that often exists between kids looking to have a laugh and the severity of Pennsylvania law.

Teen Calls in Bomb Threat to a Sheetz in Lower Paxton Township

An unnamed juvenile reported a bomb threat to a Sheetz on April 10, 2022. Apparently, the caller believed it would be amusing—both to themselves and authorities—to instigate the evacuation of the beloved Pennsylvanian convenience store.

Once law enforcement began their investigation, the juvenile caller came onto their radar. Once contacted by the police, the juvenile admitted to placing the call.

Making Terroristic Threats Can Lead to Felony Charges

Though news reports have stated that the juvenile was charged with a second-degree felony, PA Code § 2706(a)(2) Terroristic Threats grades the offense as a third-degree felony.

When someone calls in a false bomb threat, there are two possible legal outcomes:

1. The threat does not result in the evacuation of the targeted location, in which case the terroristic threat is a first-degree misdemeanor
2. The threat does result in the evacuation of the targeted location, in which case the threat qualifies as a third-degree misdemeanor

In the case of the juvenile caller, those in charge of the targeted Sheetz decided to evacuate the premises. This was the cautious decision but also a decision that upgraded the caller's criminal charges from a misdemeanor to a felony.

A Dumb Prank Turns Into a Life-Defining Criminal Case

Pennsylvania's Criminal Code explains that, for a conviction of a felony in the third degree, one can receive up to seven years in prison. They may also face significant monetary fines, but the cost of a felony conviction extends far beyond such legal sanctions.

The juvenile who admitted to threatening the Sheetz in Dauphin County may now:

• Face imprisonment, juvenile detention, or another form of confinement
• Have a lasting criminal record
• Be unable to attend colleges
• Face diminished job prospects
• Carry the stigma of a third-degree felony for the foreseeable future

We must again acknowledge that these consequences would all stem from a serious but youthful prank.

If You Face a Charge of Terroristic Threats, You Need a Skilled Attorney

Pennsylvania's Terroristic Threats laws are comprehensive, encompassing everything from crimes of violence to ill-conceived prank calls. If you're facing a charge of making terroristic threats, you must do everything in your power to reduce those charges or gain a dismissal.

Hiring an experienced attorney should be your first priority. Our Criminal Law Team will work hard to preserve your future. Call The LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or tell us about your case online.