Accused of Threatening Violence?
Cocking your fist or uttering the words "I'm gonna kill you" are not idle threats or harmless words in the eyes of the law. Depending on who the gesture was aimed at and the circumstances, a criminal charge of terroristic threatening or menacing could stick.
If you were arrested for allegedly threatening to kill or hurt someone or making a threatening gesture with an instrument or a member of your body, call my law office at 866-603-4647. I provide aggressive criminal defense in the Newark, Delaware, area and statewide.
Delaware Terroristic Threatening Defense Lawyer
Terroristic threatening is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail if you are convicted and/or a fine of up to $2,300. It could apply to:
- Threatening to beat someone up
- Threats of stabbing or shooting a person
- Anonymous death threats
- Bomb threats or other actions causing an evacuation
- Non-verbal threats (slashing motion across the neck, making a "gun" with your fingers)
If the victim is age 62 or older, the crime becomes a felony. Terroristic threatening charges may be tacked on to other crimes, such as felony assault. Brandishing a weapon in conjunction with threats could result in a more serious felony charge of menacing.
Menacing is an unclassified misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail if you are convicted and/or a fine of up to $575.
- Menacing can apply to making a threatening gesture toward another person with your body or any instrument.
- If you use a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument to make that threatening gesture, the charge would become Aggravated Menacing, a class E violent felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
Was This a Credible Threat? Did It Even Happen?
In defending clients, my first aim is to convince prosecutors to drop the charges. Was it a real threat, or just posturing? Did the other person provoke a confrontation? Are there any witnesses, or only the word of the alleged victim?
I was a prosecutor before I was a criminal defense lawyer; I know a strong case from a weak one. If necessary, I will go to trial to fight these charges. I also explore negotiations to avoid jail or to keep this off your record.
Delaware Terroristic Threats Defense Attorney
I am confident I can achieve a favorable outcome. Contact me today to arrange a free in-office consultation.
