Terrorism is defined under section 1 of the Terrorism Act 2000 as the use or threat of actions where the action involves violence against the person, damage to property, endangers a person's life, creates risk to public health or safety or interferes with an electronic system. Offences under this area of legislation include:

• Being a member of an organisation linked to terrorism

• Raising money or providing money to assist a terrorist organisation, or supplying money to assist a terrorist offence, or facilitating money laundering

• Withholding information from the police of a known or suspected terrorist

• Possession of documents or information which may be useful in organising an act of terrorism or linked to an act of terrorism.

Legislation includes:

• The Counter-terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 - this legislation aims to increase the sentence for anyone charged with an act of terrorism and put an end to early release for those convicted. This Act gives power to the police and CPS to intervene in the early stages of investigations.

• Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Act 2011

• The Terrorist Asset Freezing Act 2010

• The Terrorism Act 2006 - This legislation makes it illegal to assist in an act of terrorism, publish information that promotes terrorism and take part in or provide training for the purpose of terrorism

• The Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005

• Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001

• The Prevention of Terrorism Act 2000

Facing a charge for terrorism can be an extremely stressful time, not only for the person being investigated but also for their family and friends. If you or someone you know has been accused, arrested, charged or released on bail for terrorism offences, you will need expert legal advice. Our team of specialist terrorism offence solicitors have extensive experience of representing individuals who have been wrongly suspected of taking part or facilitating terrorism. Our criminal defence team will work with you and your family to safeguard your interests and make sure your human rights are upheld throughout the police interview and court proceedings. We can represent you for all types of terrorism offences.

If an individual has aided in the preparation or provided useful information for the planning of an act of terrorism, they have committed a criminal offence and could face charges that could result in a lengthy prison sentence. Planning, assisting and researching is an offence.

Some charges such as murder or causing an explosion can be charged with having a connection to terrorism, this is covered under Section 2 of the Counter Terrorism Act 2008.

Terrorism offences are taken very seriously and can result in a lengthy prison sentence.

• Dissemination of terrorist publications (S2) - it is an offence to publish any material promoting or encouraging acts of terrorism.

• Preparation of terrorist acts (S5) - it is an offence to engage or assist in the preparation of an act of terrorism. If convicted under Section 5 you will receive a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

• Collecting information (S58) - it is an offence to collect or provide information or documents which may be useful to an individual in planning an act of terrorism. This offence carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.

  If you are being treated as a terror suspect get in touch with Forbes solicitors today on 01772 220 022 or complete our online enquiry form.