Norwalk Threat to Harm Lawyer
Threatening to injure or otherwise harm another person is a serious criminal offense in Connecticut, and potentially punishable as a felony depending on the circumstances.
A dedicated Norwalk threat to harm lawyer could contest the prosecution’s case against you, work to minimize the criminal penalties you may face upon conviction, and help you deal with any family court consequences that arise from domestic violence threat to harm charges.
What Makes a Threat a Criminal Offense?
The key element that makes a verbal threat a criminal offense is the target of that threat being legitimately afraid for their personal safety because of the words said to them in the moment. Accordingly, a person who intentionally tries to make someone else fear bodily harm by directly threatening a violent or criminal act may be charged with second-degree threatening under Connecticut General Statutes §53a-62.
As a dedicated Norwalk attorney could attest, most threats to harm that occur in a domestic violence context—meaning they involve a family or household member—are charged as criminal threatening in the second degree. However, if someone threatens to use hazardous or explosive materials in order to terrorize other people or prompt the evacuation of a building, or if they threaten an individual while having a firearm on their person, they may be charged with threatening in the first degree under C.G.S. §53a-61aa.
Both types of threatening may be punished more harshly in court if either act targets someone in a place of worship, religious community center, day care facility, or school.
What Are The Consequences for Threatening Another?
Normally, second-degree threatening is considered a class A misdemeanor, which means the maximum penalties a conviction could result in would be a $2,000 fine and a one-year jail sentence. A domestic violence classification does not allow for enhanced criminal penalties in Connecticut, but it does allow a family court to institute additional restrictions such as protective orders.
First-degree threatening is a class D felony offense, as is second-degree threatening targeted against a church, community center, daycare, or school. Finally, if someone commits a first-degree threat to harm against any of those aforementioned facilities, the offense is enhanced to be a class C felony. Anyone facing felony charges for an alleged threat should get in touch with a threat to harm lawyer in Norwalk as soon as possible, as convictions in these cases could result in lengthy prison sentences.
Don’t I Have The Right to Free Speech?
Yes and no. While the First Amendment does protect most speech, there are certain categories that are not protected, including true threats. However, the First Amendment can come in handy when it comes to crafting a defense. Making an off-color comment or joke can land you arrested if someone takes it the wrong way, but it may still be protected. A top Norwalk attorney can help you understand the best way to protect your future and mount a defense after charges related to threatening.
Seek Help from a Norwalk Threat to Harm Attorney
A seasoned Norwalk threat to harm lawyer could be your most important ally in the fight to contest your charges and avoid the severe penalties a conviction could bring. You can read testimonials from past clients by following this link to Avvo.com. Call today to learn more about the help a legal professional could provide you.