Criminal Threat Charges

A criminal threat is defined as anything that causes fear in the other person. This is usually accomplished through intimidation or threatening to kill or injure another person.

Three elements must be met to be considered a criminal threat: 1) the victim reasonable fears for their safety, 2) the threat is specific and unambiguous, and 3) it has been communicated in writing, verbally, or through other electronic means.

Penalties

Criminal threats can be filed as either misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors carry up to one year in jail. If you’re found guilty of making felony criminal threats, you can serve up to 4 years in prison. Due to the violent nature of criminal threats, you are also subject to a strike under the Three Strikes law.