Norwalk Threatening Lawyer

Cell phones, iPhones, and social media have changed the way that we communicate. With more words exchanged digitally than ever before, heated arguments can grow long and intense. One party may text, email, or post fighting words that another interprets as a real threat—and those words are preserved digitally as evidence.

Connecticut law defines two versions of this offense. Both varieties are punishable by jail time, high fines, and other unwanted consequences.

If you have been arrested for Threatening Second or First Degree, then you need to consult a Norwalk threatening lawyer as soon as possible. A distinguished harassment attorney could help you avoid dangerous mistakes in court and can help you build the best defense strategy for your case.

Defining First-Degree Threatening

The more serious charge of first-degree threatening can occur in two different types of circumstances as described in Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-61aa of the Connecticut code. If an individual carries out a physical or verbal threat that would be considered second degree threatening but uses or implies the use of a firearm during the commission of the threat, then the crime becomes a case of first-degree threatening, which is usually considered a Class D felony. 

Top Connecticut criminal law firms would agree that another type of first-degree threatening occurs when an individual make a threat that is intended to cause evacuation of a building or public place. In order to constitute first-degree threatening, the individual must either:

  • Intend to cause evacuation of or inconvenience in a public space
  • Act with reckless disregard of the risk of causing such evacuation or inconvenience
  • Threaten to commit a crime of violence or a crime involving a hazardous substance

If you have been accused of any of the acts above, get in touch with a Norwalk threatening defense attorney as soon as possible to understand your legal rights and your options.

Jail Penalties for First Degree Threatening Arrests

First Degree Threatening convictions are Class D felonies, punishable by up to five years in jail and a $2,000 fine. If the offense occurs on school grounds, then the severity increases to a Class C felony punishable by a $10,000 fine and a maximum sentence of ten years.

What is Threatening in the Second Degree?

As any credible attorney knows, the most common criminal threatening arrest in Norwalk is threatening in the second degree, which is defined in CGS § 53a-62. The Connecticut penal code describes three scenarios which constitute second-degree threatening. The first occurs when an individual physically threatens another with the intent to cause that person to fear imminent physical injury. The second occurs when an individual threatens to commit a violent crime with the intent of severely frightening another, and the third occurs when an individual threatens to commit a violent crime not necessarily intending to frighten, but with reckless disregard of the likelihood of doing so.

In most cases, second-degree threatening is classified as a Class A misdemeanor with maximum penalties that include up to $2,000 in fines and a term of imprisonment up to one year. If the offense is committed on school property, the offense escalates to a Class D felony and the maximum fine increases to $5,000, while the maximum prison sentence increases to five years.

Call a Norwalk Threatening Attorney for Help Today

If you are facing charges involving criminal threatening, a dedicated Norwalk threatening lawyer can explain the charges and the possible consequences. A strong legal team also ensures that you avoid taking action that could jeopardize your case and helps with the terms of and compliance with restraining orders.

An experienced attorney understands how the courts apply the laws to circumstances such as yours and the steps to work toward the optimum resolution in your case. Contact us now to schedule a consultation. We are ready to listen.

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