If you have been charged with making threats you need to speak with a Massachusetts threats attorney.
What is the crime of making threats in Massachusetts? In Massachusetts, even threatening to commit a crime against someone or their property is a crime in and of itself.
The elements of a charge of “threat to commit a crime” are:
1. that you expressed an intent to cause injury to another or their property;
2. that you intended the threat to be conveyed to the target;
3. that the injury that was threatened would constitute a crime if it were carried out; and
4. that the circumstances under which the threat was made would reasonably cause the person to whom the threat was made to believe that you had both the intent and the ability to carry out the threat.
Whether or not the target of the threat was actually placed in fear, the threat is still a crime so long as they reasonably could have become apprehensive as a result of the threat. The threat does not even need to actually be conveyed to the target, so long as it can be proved that you intended that it be communicated to that person. Lastly, the threat does not ever need to be carried out in order for a charge to stick.
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Legal Defenses to Threats in Massachusetts
A Massachusetts threats attorney can help you develop a defense to a threats case. There are many defenses to threat to commit a crime include that you did not intend that the threat ever be communicated to the target, or that a reasonable person would not believe that you actually possessed the intent or ability to follow through with the threat, i.e. that it was made in jest. However, it is important to remember that even if you yourself never intended to commit the crime that was threatened, as long as the target reasonably believed that you did, it is still a crime.
What You Need to Do If You Have Been Charged With Threat to Commit a Crime?
If you have been charged with intent to commit a crime, you could face serious consequences. The penalty for a criminal threat can be up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $100. You you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney right away if you have been charge or think you may be charged with threat to commit a crime.
Massachusetts Criminal Lawyer
Massachusetts threats Attorney Patrick Donovan is a former prosecutor who has experience in over fifty Massachusetts courts. As a Massachusetts criminal lawyer Patrick Donovan uses he training and experience to get the possible outcome for each of his clients. If you or someone you know has been charged with threats or any other crime in Massachusetts contact Patrick Donovan today for a free no obligation consultation.
