Title: Is Threatening Someone a Crime? Are Threats Protected as Free Speech? | CriminalDefenseLawyer.com
Headings: Criminal Threats
Criminal Threats
Even though the Constitution guarantees the right of free speech, that right is not an absolute one. The law has long recognized specific limitations when it comes to speech, such as prohibitions against slander and libel.
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Content: So, the same conduct that is considered a criminal threat in one state may be classified as an assault in another. Penalties
A court can impose several possible penalties on someone who was convicted of making criminal threats. Depending on the state, a criminal threat can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony offense. While felony offenses are more serious than misdemeanors, either of them can result in incarceration, fines, and other penalties. Prison or jail. Anyone convicted of making a criminal threat faces a substantial time in jail or prison. A misdemeanor conviction can result in up to a year in county jail, while felony convictions can impose sentences of five years or more. In some instances, a terrorist threat can result in a sentence that lasts decades. Fines. The fine for making criminal threats also varies depending on the state and the circumstances of the case.