Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer - Threat of Violence

Simply making a threat can result in criminal charges in Utah, even if no actual harm is ever done. Stephen Howard is an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney based in Salt Lake City. He has defended thousands of serious felony and misdemeanor criminal charges in Utah, with a record of achieving real results. If you have been accused of making threats against another person, contact us now to see what an experienced Utah criminal attorney can do for you.

Elements of the Utah Crime of Making a Threat of Violence

Under Utah criminal law, a person commits the crime of "threat of violence" if the person "threatens to commit any offense involving bodily injury, death, or substantial property damage, and acts with intent to place a person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury, substantial bodily injury, or death."

The charge of "threat of violence" was formerly included in a broader statute and was often referred to as making a "terroristic threat." Given the serious and negative associations many people have with the word "terroristic," the legislature has chosen to rename this offense simply "threat of violence." Terroristic threats are still punishable as a serious offense under Utah criminal law. However the term "terroristic" is now reserved for crimes more closely related to actual terrorism.

Criminal Penalties for Making a Threat of Violence in Utah

Making a threat of violence is considered a class B misdemeanor under Utah criminal law. As a class B misdemeanor, making a threat of violence is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and nearly $2,000 in fines and surcharge. If a person follows through with the threat by, for example, committing an assault, the charge of making a threat can be filed in addition to any criminal charge relating to the assault. But the criminal charge of making a threat can also stand alone, whether or not the actual assault ever took place.

Finding the Right Utah Criminal Attorney for Your Case

If you have been accused of making a threat of violence, or any other criminal charge in Utah, finding the right criminal defense attorney for your case is important. Utah criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard has successfully protected his clients' rights in thousands of serious felony and misdemeanor cases. Based in Salt Lake City, Mr. Howard offers legal services to clients throughout Utah. Contact us to learn what an experienced Utah criminal defense lawyer can do for you.