You can argue that they are just words, but it’s still a crime to threaten someone. If someone thinks that you will make good on your threats and cause them harm, they can report you to the police and you can end up facing criminal charges. When you find yourself in this kind of situation, claiming that you just didn’t mean it probably won’t get you off the hook. You’ll want the assistance of our Dallas County criminal lawyers.

Can You Be Charged With a Crime When You Threaten Someone?

When you threaten someone and they take that as a credible threat, it is likely that you will be charged with harassment. You can be charged for any kind of threat to someone’s bodily harm whether you tracked them down in person or called them with the intent to cause them annoyance, discomfort or harm. The law even allows you to be charged if you threaten someone via writing, email, or telegraph!

You can also be charged when you do something threatening. A good example of this would be placing a fake incendiary device or bomb somewhere where you know a person is going to be. You could still be charged with a crime even if you make a fake explosive!

What Kinds of Penalties Can You Face After You Threaten Someone?

Most people who threaten someone and get charged will face harassment charges in the first or second degree. Conviction for either can result in fines and jail time, up to two years for a crime in the first degree and up to one year for a crime in the second degree.

This crime will also remain on your record where anyone could see it. It may be hard for some people, like potential employers for example, to get past a harassment conviction. Why would they hire you when someone with similar qualifications and no history of harassment is also looking for a job?

How Can a Lawyer Help Me Defend Myself From These Accusations?

So it’s important to defend yourself and make it clear that the prosecution’s case against you is not as ironclad as it seems. Every case is different, but a defense attorney can help you figure out what kind of defensive strategy might work best in your particular situation. Some options include:

  • Questioning the credibility of the person accusing you of a crime
  • Arguing that you have been mistaken for someone else
  • Providing evidence that you did not threaten the person making the accusation
  • Saying that you had no intent to harm or harass the victim in any way

Talk to Our Legal Team

If you are ready to learn more about what our attorneys can do for you and how you can defend yourself against these charges, contact Iowa Defenders, PLLC. We can schedule a consultation and tell you more about your legal options.