Dallas Domestic Terrorism Defense Lawyers 

Serious Charges Demand Serious Defense – Call Now  

Few criminal allegations carry consequences as severe or as immediate as a domestic terrorism investigation.  The moment federal authorities attach that label to your name, the government treats you differently.  

Investigators move faster. Surveillance increases. Prosecutors commit more resources. And the penalties you face can reach levels that permanently alter the course of your life. 

If you are suspected, questioned, or charged under federal domestic terrorism laws, you cannot afford to “wait and see what happens.”  One conversation with investigators, one misunderstood statement, or one poorly timed decision can shape the rest of your case for the worse.  Get highly experienced federal defense counsel protecting you from the start. 

At the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC in Dallas, we defend people facing the most serious criminal accusations in the federal system, including domestic terrorism charges.  Our team includes a former prosecutor and a former judge, giving us firsthand insight into how the government builds and prosecutes high-stakes cases.  We know how these investigations unfold, and we know how to fight back. 

If you believe you are under investigation or have already been charged with domestic terrorism, dial (214) 238-9392 immediately for a confidential consultation.

What Is “Domestic Terrorism” Under Federal Law? 

Federal law defines domestic terrorism primarily under 18 U.S.C. § 2331. I n general terms, the statute describes illegal activities that:

• Involve acts dangerous to human life that violate criminal laws; 
• Appear intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influence government policy, or affect government conduct; and, 
• Occur primarily within the United States. 

While the language may seem straightforward, in practice, the government interprets these elements broadly.  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) even notes that the statute is “a definitional statute, not a charging statute.”  Under this definitional application, prosecutors often apply the “terrorism” label to cases involving alleged threats, weapons offenses, conspiracy allegations, property damage, or internet communications if they believe there was political or ideological intent. 

In other words, you do not have to fit the “typical” image of terrorism to face these charges.   Federal authorities may rely on digital evidence, social media activity, online statements, or associations to build their case, which means misunderstandings, exaggerations, or weak inferences can suddenly become part of a much larger narrative against you. 

Threat Categories Used by the DHS 

Although they are separate government entities, the DHS and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) collaborate to prevent domestic terrorist events and investigate any such instances.  Routinely, both organizations will review and update what they consider to be potential acts of domestic terrorism.   For this reason, you might be facing a domestic terrorism charge that doesn’t seem to fit the language used in 18 U.S.C. § 2331, but it may instead more closely fit the descriptions used in the DHS and FBI list of “threat categories.” 

As currently outlined by the FBI (in a PDF document that can be viewed here), threat categories for potential acts of domestic terrorism include: 

• Racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism
• Anti-government or anti-authority violent extremism
• Animal rights/environmental violent extremism
• Abortion-related violent extremism
• All other domestic terrorism threats

At Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC, we are familiar with all the methods the federal government uses to try to define domestic terrorism and justify charges, including the “threat categories” used by the FBI and DHS.  Using our knowledge and insight, we can examine the language of the charges brought against you, as well as the supposed evidence to back those charges, and begin to plan a proper counterargument to defend you. 

Providing Material Support to Terrorists 

Federal terrorism prosecutions do not only target people accused of carrying out violent acts.  In many cases, the government instead files charges for “providing material support to terrorists” under 18 U.S.C. § 2339A.  For example, in recent years, this statute has been used to bring charges against people who appear to consider themselves part of the Anti-Fascist or Antifa movement, which is not a defined organization.  

You can face decades in federal prison even if you never personally damaged property or harmed anyone.  Simply being accused of helping, assisting, or supplying resources, directly or indirectly, to someone who is labeled as a domestic terrorist can be enough to trigger prosecution. 

Under § 2339A, it is a federal crime to provide, attempt to provide, or conceal the nature of material support or resources while knowing or intending that those resources will be used to prepare for or carry out certain terrorism-related offenses.  The law focuses on whether the support was meant to further terrorist activity itself, not just whether you associated with the wrong people.  That distinction is critical, and it is often where the government and the defense clash. 

The types of terrorist offenses that a defendant is prohibited from supporting under this article generally include:

• Aircraft Sabotage – 18 §§ U.S.C. 32 
• Crimes Against Internationally Protected Persons – 37, 81, 175, 229, 351, 842(m) or (n), 844(f) or (i), 930(c), 956, 1114, 1116 
• Hostage Taking – 1203 
• Terrorist Acts Abroad Against United States Nationals – 1361, 1362, 1363, 1751, 1991, 2155, 2156, 2280, 2281, 2332 
• Terrorism Transcending National Boundaries – 2332a, 2332b 
• Bombings of Places of Public Use or Government Facilities – 2332f or 2340A 
• Sabotage of Nuclear Facilities or Fuel – 42 U.S.C. § 2284 
• Aircraft Piracy – 49 U.S.C. §§ 46502 
• Any offenses listed in 18 U.S.C. § 2332b(g)(5)(B) (except for sections 2339A and 2339B) 

What Counts as “Material Support”? 

Many people assume “material support” means weapons or explosives.  In reality, the statute defines the term extremely broadly.   

Material support under this statute could include nearly any tangible or intangible aid, property, or service, such as:

• Money, currency, or financial instruments 
• Financial or banking services 
• Lodging or safe houses 
• Training or instruction 
• Expert advice or technical assistance 
• Equipment, facilities, or communications devices
• False identification or documentation 
• Transportation or vehicles 
• Weapons, explosives, or hazardous substances 
• Personnel or manpower, including offering your own services 

The definition is so expansive that ordinary activities, such as sending funds, providing a place to stay, sharing specialized knowledge, or helping with logistics, can become the basis of a federal terrorism case if prosecutors claim the assistance furthered illegal acts.  Only medicine and religious materials are specifically excluded, but there could still be gray areas there that prosecutors may try to use to their advantage. 

What the Government Must Prove for Providing Material Support Charges

To convict someone under § 2339A, federal prosecutors must prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt. 

In general terms, the government must show:

1. You provided or attempted to provide material support or resources (or concealed or disguised that support) to a domestic terrorist or an organization labeled as a domestic terrorist organization; and, 
2. You did so knowing or intending that the support would be used to prepare for or carry out specified terrorism crimes. 
   1. The underlying crimes can include sabotage of government property, attacks on federal facilities, killing or attempting to kill federal officers or employees, hostage taking, aircraft sabotage or piracy, bombings of public places or government buildings, destruction of infrastructure, and other offenses listed throughout Title 18 of the United States Code. 

The Supreme Court has made clear that intent matters.  The government must tie your actions to the furtherance of terrorist activity itself, not simply to membership in or association with a controversial group.  Still, prosecutors often rely on emails, messages, financial records, online statements, or circumstantial evidence to argue that you “knew” or “intended” your actions to help criminal conduct. 

In practice, that can lead to overreach. Conduct that was careless, misunderstood, or completely lawful can be framed in the worst possible light.  If you want to stand up for yourself, you should rely on a law firm with a reputation for fighting intense charges, like the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC.       

Domestic Terrorism Charges Are Dangerous 

Domestic terrorism allegations often trigger enhanced investigations and sentencing consequences. Federal agencies such as the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and federal prosecutors frequently coordinate efforts when working on such a case. 

The actions used against you when you are accused of domestic terrorism may involve: 

• Search warrants and electronic surveillance 
• Seizure of phones, computers, and online accounts 
• Federal grand jury proceedings 
• Pretrial detention requests without bond 
• Aggressive charging strategies 
• Severe sentencing enhancements 

Convictions connected to terrorism-related conduct can result in: 

• Decades in federal prison 
• Life sentences in extreme cases 
• Massive fines and restitution 
• Loss of firearm rights 
• Travel restrictions and monitoring 
• Permanent reputational damage 
• Difficulty securing employment or housing for life 

Once labeled a “terrorism” defendant, you are fighting an uphill battle.   Jurors may come into the courtroom with strong assumptions.  Prosecutors know this and use it to their advantage.  That is why your defense must be precise, strategic, and unafraid to challenge the government at every step. 

How Our Team Approaches Domestic Terrorism Defense

Domestic terrorism cases are not ordinary in any way, so they should not receive ordinary defense strategies.  From the moment we step in, our focus is on controlling risk and protecting your rights from every angle.  By drawing upon our vast experience and knowledge, we will be ready to stand up for you, no matter what the federal government throws your way. 

We take a disciplined, proactive approach to domestic terrorism defense that includes: 

• Immediate intervention during investigations to prevent damaging statements or missteps 
• Careful review of search warrants and seizures to identify constitutional violations 
• Thorough analysis of digital and forensic evidence often central to federal cases 
• Challenging weak or speculative intent allegations that prosecutors rely on to support “terrorism” claims 
• Strategic negotiation and trial preparation from day one 

Having a former prosecutor and a former judge on our team gives us a unique perspective into how the other side thinks.  We understand how charging decisions are made, how cases are structured, and what arguments resonate in federal court.  We use that knowledge to anticipate the government’s next move and work to counter it. 

Experience & Credibility Matter in Federal Court 

Federal judges and prosecutors expect professionalism and preparation.  They quickly recognize which defense lawyers know the system and which do not.  In high-profile cases like domestic terrorism matters, credibility is critical. 

Our firm has built a reputation for being prepared, direct, and relentless when defending our clients.  We are not intimidated by complex investigations or government efforts to secure convictions.  We prepare every serious federal case as if it may go to trial, too, so we can’t be taken off guard.                        

When your freedom is on the line, you want a defense team that commands respect the moment they walk into the courtroom, and that’s what you’ll find here.

What You Should Do Right Now

If you suspect you are under investigation for domestic terrorism, or if agents have already contacted you, take this situation seriously and act carefully. 

You should not:

• Speak to investigators without counsel 
• Consent to searches without legal advice 
• Try to “clear things up” on your own 
• Discuss your case on social media or messaging apps 

Even innocent explanations can be misinterpreted or used against you later.  The safest move is to let an experienced federal defense attorney handle all communication with the other side. 

Don’t Wait – Talk to Us Now 

Domestic terrorism accusations carry life-altering consequences.  The government will commit significant time, money, and manpower to secure a conviction.  You deserve a defense team that matches that intensity. 

At the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC, we stand between our clients and the full force of federal prosecution.  We approach these cases with discipline, strategy, and the determination to protect your rights at every turn.  If you are facing an investigation or charges, do not delay. Reach out today.             

Call our office at (214) 238-9392 now to speak confidentially with a Dallas federal defense lawyer and start working on your defense.