Threatening or Intimidating
An arrest for threatening or intimidating another person is not something to be taken lightly, regardless of situation's circumstances. There are many factors that the prosecution will use to try and build a case against you. If convicted for threatening or intimidation, you can face a class 1 misdemeanor offense or potentially a class 3 felony. Either scenario can spell unfortunate results on a criminal record, even if you have never been arrested before, which can be accessible through background checks. To avoid this, it is best to review your defense options with an experienced criminal attorney in Maricopa County, AZ.
Tempe Intimidation Defense Lawyer
As a former Maricopa County prosecutor, James E. Novak has a strong understanding of the elements that the prosecution commonly uses to introduce reasonable doubt and attempt to display your guilt. His experience also includes a strong technical background and a Masters in Counseling, which may prove useful in deconstructing any emotional or psychological aspects of the prosecution's case. The Law Office of James E. Novak represents clients in Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, and surrounding areas. Call (480) 413-1499 for a free consultation.
13-1202. Threatening or intimidating; classification
Communicating threats also falls under the heading of assault. If you threaten bodily harm to someone or threaten their property, you may be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor. However, if this threat is regarding is in an effort to get someone involved in gang activity, it is elevated to a class 3 felony and can carry 3 ½ years in prison.
A person commits threatening or intimidating if the person threatens or intimidates by word or conduct:
- To cause physical injury to another person or serious damage to the property of another; or
- To cause, or in reckless disregard to causing, serious public inconvenience including, but not limited to, evacuation of a building, place of assembly or transportation facility; or
- To cause physical injury to another person or damage to the property of another in order to promote, further or assist in the interests of or to cause, induce or solicit another person to participate in a criminal street gang, a criminal syndicate or a racketeering enterprise.
Threatening or intimidating pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 1 or 2 is a class 1 misdemeanor, except that it is a class 6 felony if:
- The offense is committed in retaliation for a victim's either reporting criminal activity or being involved in an organization, other than a law enforcement agency, that is established for the purpose of reporting or preventing criminal activity.
- The person is a criminal street gang member.
Threatening or intimidating pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 3 is a class 3 felony.
Law Office of James E. Novak | Intimidation Defense Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
Learning more about Arizona intimidation and threat laws is a good place to start. However, if you have been charged with threatening or intimidating in Maricopa County, AZ, it's important to start building a strong defense strategy as soon as possible. Even if you think you may soon be charged, an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Mesa can help you defend your future against potential charges. However, it's best to contact an attorney as early as possible. Time sensitive evidence and witness testimony, when gathered early, can help build your defense. Send an online message to the Law Office of James E. Novak to learn more.