Criminal Threats

PC-1-7

Description: Making a threat to kill or cause great bodily harm to another person, where the threat is explicit, intentional, and causes the victim to experience reasonable and sustained fear for their own safety or the safety of their immediate family. The threat must be communicated verbally, in writing, or through electronic means (e.g., phone, text, social media).

Classification: Misdemeanor

Fine: $100

Sentence: 10 months

Important Note: To be considered a criminal threat, the statement must be:

• Specific and unequivocal,

• Credible enough to cause fear,

• Communicated directly to the target or indirectly through an electronic or written medium,

• And must result in real emotional distress or fear of harm.

Examples:

• Threatening to shoot someone while visibly armed.

• Sending a message saying “You’re going to regret this—watch your back.”

• Texting an ex that you’ll burn down their home or damage their property.