Criminal Threats and terroristic threats can be prosecuted as either misdemeanors or felony charges. A criminal threat that is charged as a felony typically is much more significant and the intent was clearly stated to injury, kill or destroy a person. The intent must have been very specifically stated and the resulting threat caused the threatened individual to have a sustained level of fear for their life. These types of criminal threats are very serious and the penalties reflect the severity of the charge.
Criminal Threat Penalties
The very nature of the felony level criminal threats charges means that the consequences for these charges are substantial. In some areas there are very few options for a judge to consider if the individual is found guilty. In states that use the three strike rule this conviction will count as one strike, often resulting in immediate jail time if other felony convictions are on the record.
Possible Penalties
- Jail time of up to three years
- Fines
- Parole or Probation
- Loss of ability to own a gun
Criminal Threats Sentencing
In most states and areas there are several different components that the prosecutor must prove in order to make the case. Generally most states require that the case show willful intent to cause death or grave bodily injury, the threat was clearly made without other possible interpretations and that it cause reasonable, sustained fear in the individual. A criminal defense attorney can help discredit parts of the prosecutor's case by presenting evidence as well as any other mitigating factors that may have lead to the conversation or interaction.
Hire A Lawyer For Criminal Threats
Felony offenses are always problematic and will have a long term impact on your future. Without an attorney it is highly unlikely that you can present a successful defense in this very complicated area of the law. An attorney can not only prepare your defense, but they may be able to work with the prosecutor to have the sentence reduced to a misdemeanor or even dismissed under specific situations.
- If you have been charged with Criminal Threats, Submit Your Case for a Free Review from a skilled Criminal Defense Attorney.
