What Happens If You Threaten to Kill a Federal Judge?

Dealing with the legal system is often frustrating for litigants, especially when they feel they have been treated unfairly by the courts. It should go without saying, however, that you should not attempt to take out those frustrations by threatening physical violence against officers of the court. As you can probably guess, making such threats can land you in serious trouble with the law.

Florida Man Receives 2 Years in Prison for Threatening Federal Magistrate, Court Deputy

Take this recent case from here in South Florida, United States v. Etienne. This case involved a distraught father whose children were removed by the Florida Department of Children and Families. Initially, the defendant sought redress in the courts, filing a federal civil rights lawsuit against the Department. Unfortunately, a federal magistrate judge recommended dismissing the defendant’s complaint, and a federal district court judge ultimately followed that recommendation.

In response, the defendant called the federal courthouse and asked to speak with the deputy who worked for the magistrate judge who made the recommendation. When a court clerk refused to put the call through, the defendant said the magistrate judge “is going to get hanged” and made several other death threats against the judge and other government officials, including the deputy.

The clerk reported the defendant’s statements to the United States Marshals. When questioned by the marshals, the defendant admitted to making the call. The next day, the defendant again called the courthouse and said, “I am the word God, I own you.” Two weeks later, law enforcement arrested the defendant.

A grand jury subsequently indicted the defendant on two counts of threatening to murder a federal official–the magistrate judge and their deputy, respectively–in retaliation for performance of their official duties. The defendant entered a “no contest” plea to both charges. A federal judge sentenced the defendant to 2 years in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release (probation). Among the conditions of the defendant’s probation were requirements to “stay away” from the federal courthouses where the magistrate and the deputy worked, and to provide complete access to the defendant’s financial information to his probation officer.

The defendant appealed the imposition of these two conditions. The U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, however, saw no reason to alter the district court’s sentence. The court noted that sentencing judges are generally free to impose any condition of a supervised release that it “deems appropriate,” so long as it is not inconsistent with federal law or sentencing policy.

Contact Asilia Law Firm Today

Even when your intent is not to threaten the life of a judge or another court officer, it is never a good idea to directly contact any official within the legal system about any case you might have pending. You should always work with and through a qualified attorney. And if you need legal advice or representation from a skilled Miami federal crimes attorney, call the Asilia Law Firm today at (786) 420-3014 to schedule an initial consultation with a member of our team.

Source:

media.ca11.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/files/202310266.pdf