Weston Threatening Lawyer

One crime that is increasingly charged in domestic disputes in Weston is that of criminal threatening. Electronic communications make it possible to sustain and preserve long arguments, and if one party to the conversation perceives the other party’s words as a threat, those words can become a criminal act.

Connecticut law sets forth two versions of criminal threatening, and the penalties for both include substantial jail time and heavy fines, in addition to the imposition of restraining orders and other unwelcome consequences. If you have been charged with threatening, it is a good idea to meet with a Weston threatening lawyer as soon as possible. A distinguished harassment attorney could help you fight the accusations against you.

What Are First-Degree Threatening Offenses in Weston?

As the more serious version of criminal threatening, first-degree threatening is generally treated as a Class D felony with penalties. However, if the offense is committed on school property, again the penalties escalate. The crime becomes a Class C felony with a prison sentence between one and ten years and a fine of up to $10,000.

This crime is defined in §53a-61aa of the state code and is considered to have occurred in two different types of circumstances. To begin with, when an individual commits an act of second degree threatening with the use or suggested use of a gun, then the offense turns into first-degree threatening.

A second method of committing first-degree threatening occurs when an individual makes a threat of violence with the intent or reckless disregard as to the possibility of causing evacuation of a public place or building.

What Are Escalated Harassment Charges?

Of the two statutory prohibitions against criminal threatening, second-degree threatening is probably more common in Weston. It is generally classified as a Class A misdemeanor so the maximum penalties include up to one year of imprisonment and a fine as high as $2,000.

The offense escalates of a felony of Class D status if the threatening activity takes place on the grounds of a school or daycare center. In such cases, the maximum fine would increase to $5,000 while the potential term of imprisonment increases to five years.

Varying Threatening Scenarios

Section 53a-62 of the Connecticut code sets forth three scenarios that can be considered threatening in the second degree. An individual may be found guilty for physically threatening another with the intent to cause the other person to fear imminent serious physical injury. An individual may be found guilty for threatening to commit a violent crime while intending to terrorize another person. They may be found guilty for threatening to commit a violent crime while recklessly disregarding the possibility of causing terror to another.

Consulting a Weston Threatening Attorney

In most criminal threatening cases, courts issue a restraining order to protect the person who claimed to be frightened by the threatening behavior. It is essential to understand and comply with the terms of such agreements because a violation becomes its own felony offense with grave penalties.

Therefore, it is wise to contact a Weston threatening lawyer as soon as possible to learn how to avoid costly mistakes and explore the options for fighting the charges. An attorney will understand how the courts have applied the laws in circumstances such as yours and therefore how to craft the defense strategy with the greatest likelihood of success. Your attorney will also serve as your advocate working on your behalf throughout the process to help achieve the best possible outcome.