Criminal Threats

Don’t let your words be used against you. Have Michael L. Fell defend you against allegations of criminal threats.

Have you ever said something you didn’t mean in the heat of the moment? You’re not alone. Human beings are emotional creatures, and it’s easy to get carried away and say vicious things.

Unfortunately, if your outburst could be construed as a criminal threat, you’re going to need more than an apology to correct the situation. You’re going to need an attorney.

What is a Criminal Threat?

Any time you threaten violence against another individual, it could qualify as a criminal threat, provided that:

• You have threatened to kill or physical harm the person
• The threat is specific and unequivocal
• You made the threat verbally or in writing (including a text or email)
• The threat caused the victim to reasonably fear for their safety for a sustained period of time

Notice that your intent or ability to carry out the threat is not relevant here. It is all about the alleged victim’s fear.

Now you may be thinking…

…A threat is just words. How bad could the punishment really be?

Very bad. A misdemeanor conviction for criminal threats could expose you to up to a year in jail, plus fines of up to $3,000. But, the crime could also be charged as a felony, in which case you could face up to 3 years in prison, plus up to $10,000 in fines. And because a felony criminal threats conviction counts as a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law, you will probably have to serve almost all of your sentence.

In the context of domestic violence, making a threat against a current or former spouse, dating partner, cohabitant, child, or parent could subject you to additional sentence enhancements that will make the penalties worse.

The good news is…

…you have an ally in Michael L. Fell

It is definitely possible to mount an effective defense against allegations of criminal threats, provided you have the right attorney. At the Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we believe we are that right attorney.

We Never Give Up on Your Case

As a former Orange County Senior Deputy District Attorney prosecuting cases for over 18  years, Michael L. Fell understands the law in detail and he knows exactly where the weak spots in the prosecution’s case will be. He can make sure you are not unfairly punished as the result of a false allegation. One possible defense strategy that is likely to bear fruit is to argue that the recipient did not suffer real or lasting fear as a result of your heated words.

We will find the right strategy for your specific case and work tirelessly to ensure that your case is brought to the most beneficial outcome possible, whether this involves getting the charges dropped, securing a plea deal, or defending you at trial.

To learn more about retaining Michael L. Fell as your defense attorney for a criminal threats case, please call us at (949) 585-9055.