When a person threatens to commit certain acts, they could be guilty of criminal threats. Even though the accused did not follow through with actions, this offense still carries steep penalties upon conviction. A seasoned criminal defense attorney could help you protect your rights following this type of allegation.
If you have been charged and arrested, a Manhattan criminal threat lawyer is here to help. There are viable defense strategies available, and the outcome of your case is never certain. Reach out to learn how you can fight back.
Understanding The Offense
The statute that governs criminal threats is broad. A person could be charged with this crime under a wide range of circumstances, but what they generally have in common is a person placing others in fear of physical harm or monetary loss.
Although many different actions might qualify under the statute, there are three specific elements that could lead to a conviction. The state is only obligated to prove that one of these occurred. The specific facts in each criminal threat case are very different, but an attorney in Manhattan could develop a defense under any scenario.
Violence
One of the most common ways for the state to approach this charge is following an alleged threat of violence. In order to qualify, this must have been done with the intent to terrorize another person. Alternatively, it can apply when a person intends to disrupt or cause the evacuation of any building. Reckless actions can also lead to a conviction.
Contaminating Food
These cases are not always related to physical violence. Another way to commit this crime is by threatening to contaminate food in some way. This could include adultering a wide range of products including beverages, raw agricultural commodities, animal feeds, or plants. The public water supply also qualifies under the statute.
Exposing Animals to Infectious Diseases
The third part of the statute applies to a very specific scenario—threatening to spread infectious diseases among livestock or other animals. The type of animal in this case is not limited under the law, meaning it could be a house pet or livestock.
When a person is convicted of making criminal threats, they face serious consequences that can follow them for the rest of their life. First-time offenders could face as much as 13 months in prison, given that these charges are treated like a level-nine felony. It also includes a maximum fine of $100,000.
Aggravated Threat Penalties
The sentencing range for aggravated criminal threats is higher. A conviction could lead to as much as 17 months in prison. For this to happen, the state must provide evidence of aggravating factors. Examples include an evacuation or lockdown after the threat was made.
Working with a lawyer in Manhattan is about more than beating the charges or avoiding a conviction for a criminal threat. In many situations, the most important way legal counsel can help is by reaching a plea bargain that softens a person’s sentence or keeps them out of jail entirely.
Talk to a Criminal Threat Attorney in Manhattan Today
If you are dealing with these allegations, speaking with an attorney should be a priority. The support of a Manhattan criminal threat lawyer can give you a chance at beating these charges. Depending on the strength of your case, it may be possible to avoid a conviction entirely.
Call (785) 645-2732 today or reach out online for a confidential consultation.
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