Weigh in on Terroristic Threat Law

It's section 490.20 of the New York State Penal Law, and it has a Massapequa High School student in a whole heap of trouble.

Ryan Bernhardt, 17, of Massapequa Park, was charged under the law against making a terroristic threat after authorities said he the school.

The law state's that in order to be found guilty, prosecutors must show that Bernhardt made a threat "with intent to intimidate or coerce a civilian population," and caused "a reasonable expectation or fear" that the threat would soon be carried out.

Police said they found no weapons on Bernhardt or in his home when he was arrested, but that may not help the teen.

The law states that the defendant does not have a defense if he "did not have the intent or capability of committing the specified offense." 

The law is considered a felony and we want to know if you feel the law is too strict or if you feel it is properly protecting the community.

Take our poll below and weigh in with your comments.