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. 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 Connecticut General Statutes §53a-61aa 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. If someone has been accused of making threats of any kind, they could benefit from a confidential consultation with a Weston threatening attorney.
What Are Escalated Harassment Charges?
Of the two statutory prohibitions against criminal threatening, second-degree threatening is more common. It is generally classified as a Class A misdemeanor. The maximum penalties include up to one year of imprisonment and a fine as high as $2,000.
If the threatening activity takes place on the grounds of a school or daycare center, the offense escalates to a felony of Class D status. 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 state code sets forth three scenarios that can be considered threatening in the second degree:
- Threatening to commit a violent crime while intending to terrorize another person
- Threatening to commit a violent crime while recklessly disregarding the possibility of causing terror to others
- Physically threatening another with the intent to cause the other person to fear imminent serious physical injury
A dedicated threatening attorney in Weston can determine what penalties may apply to a particular situation.
Consulting a Weston Threatening Attorney for Legal Advice
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, since a violation becomes its own separate felony offense with grave penalties.
To learn how to avoid costly mistakes and explore the options for fighting the charges, contact a Weston threatening lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney will understand how the courts have applied the laws in circumstances such as yours and therefore know 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.