In California, it is a crime to make a criminal threat, which is defined as a threat to commit a crime involving death or great bodily injury. The threat must be made with the intent to terrorize the victim, and must be made in a manner that would cause a reasonable person to be in fear for his or her safety or the safety of his or her family.
If you are convicted of making a criminal threat, you can be sentenced to up to four years in prison. If the threat was made against a public official, such as a police officer, you can be sentenced to up to six years in prison. If the threat was made with the intent to cause evacuation of a building, you can be sentenced to up to eight years in prison.
If you are convicted of making a criminal threat, you will also have a strike on your record under California’s three strikes law. This means that if you are convicted of another crime, you could be sentenced to twice the term that you would otherwise receive.
If you have been charged with making a criminal threat, it is important to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you and the possible defenses that may be available.
What are the Types of Criminal Threats?
There are two types of criminal threats in California:
– Threats to commit a crime that would result in death or great bodily injury, and
– Threats to cause an evacuation of a building.
What is the Penalty for Making a Criminal Threat?
The penalty for making a criminal threat depends on the type of threat made. If the threat is to commit a crime that would result in death or great bodily injury, the maximum sentence is four years in prison. If the threat is to cause an evacuation of a building, the maximum sentence is eight years in prison.
What are the Defenses to a Criminal Threat Charge?
There are several defenses that may be available if you are charged with making a criminal threat. These include:
– The threat was not made in a manner that would cause a reasonable person to be in fear for his or her safety,
– The threat was not made with the intent to terrorize the victim,
– The victim did not actually receive the threat
– The threat was not a true threat.
A true threat is a statement made with the intent to threaten, where the threatened person reasonably believes that the threats will be carried out. For example, a statement made in jest would not be considered a true threat.
What Should I Do If I Have Been Charged With Making a Criminal Threat?
If you have been charged with making a criminal threat, it is important to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you and the possible defenses that may be available. California law treats criminal threats very seriously, and a conviction can result in a prison sentence and a strike on your record. An experienced attorney will be able to guide you through the process and help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Are Criminal Threats Common?
Criminal threats are not common, but they do happen. If you have been charged with making a criminal threat, it is important to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. California law treats criminal threats very seriously, and a conviction can result in a prison sentence and a strike on your record. An experienced attorney will be able to guide you through the process and help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
What are Some Examples of Criminal Threats? Some examples of criminal threats include:
– Threatening to kill someone
– Threatening to harm someone’s family
– Making a bomb threat
– Making a threat to commit a mass shooting
These are just a few examples of the types of threats that can result in a criminal charge. If you have been charged with making a criminal threat, it is important to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. California law treats criminal threats very seriously, and a conviction can result in a prison sentence and a strike on your record. An experienced attorney will be able to guide you through the process and help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
What are the Penalties for a Minor that makes a Criminal Threat?
If you are a minor (under the age of 18) and you are charged with making a criminal threat, you may be subject to juvenile court proceedings. The penalties for a minor convicted of making a criminal threat can include probation, detention in a juvenile facility, and a strike on your record. If you are a minor who has been charged with making a criminal threat, it is important to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you and the possible defenses that may be available. California law treats criminal threats very seriously, and a conviction can result in a prison sentence and a strike on your record. An experienced attorney will be able to guide you through the process and help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Contact S&B Legal Today!
If you have been charged with making a criminal threat, it is important to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. California law treats criminal threats very seriously, and a conviction can result in a prison sentence and a strike on your record. An experienced attorney will be able to guide you through the process and help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case. S&B Legal has a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys who are dedicated to fighting for the rights of our clients. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
