If you threaten someone in New Jersey, you can be charged with a crime. This is true even if you do not end up going through with the actions threatened. If someone feels like you wanted to threaten them with one of your statements, that is all that’s needed to get you charged with a crime. This is why you should seriously consider hiring a Bergen County criminal lawyer to defend you from potentially life-ruining allegations.
What Kind of Crimes Can I Be Charged With If I Threaten Someone?
You could be charged with a few different crimes if you threaten someone and they press charges. Some common possibilities include being charged with:
- Harassment or cyber-harassment, depending on how the alleged threat was made
- Terroristic threats
- Criminal coercion, if you promise to hurt someone unless they did something illegal for you
What Kind of Penalties Could I Face If I Threaten Someone and Get Convicted?
A conviction for any of these crimes can result in fines and jail time. Here are some examples of potential punishments for a convict who threatens someone:
Cyber-harassment: This is an offense in the fourth or third degree. You could spend up to 18 months in prison and paying a $10,000 fine for cyber-harassment in the fourth degree. A conviction of a crime in the third degree can mean a prison stay of up to five years and a higher fine.
Harassment: If you threaten someone with physical harm, you may be charged with harassment. A conviction can mean six months in jail and up to $500 in fines.
Terroristic threats: This kind of charge can carry the harshest consequences, especially if you cause serious public inconvenience or make threats during an emergency of some sort. A prison sentence of five years and a fine of up to $15,000 could be the end result.
When Should I Talk to a Lawyer?
You should talk to a lawyer as soon as any charges have been filed against you. An attorney can help you figure out a defensive strategy and the best way to contest the accusations against you. Every case is different, so we will look at your unique circumstances and determine the best course of action.
We could claim mistaken identity, saying that threats were made but the victim has mistaken you for the real culprit. In some cases, a defendant can also argue that they did not mean to cause fear with their statement or that they had no real ability to follow through with a threat.
Meet With a Defense Attorney
So if you are facing criminal charges after you threaten someone, make sure that you are taking them seriously. Contact the Law Office of Boyd & Squitieri to schedule a consultation and learn more about what our seasoned defense attorneys can do for you. Meet with our attorneys today.
