For most people living in Ogden, Salt Lake, Provo, St. George and the rest of the Wasatch Front, it’s easy to say something that they will later regret. Most people say something foolish at times during their life and wish they could take back the words that embarrassed them or put them in a sticky situation. Few people, however, would think their gaffe would land them in court for committing a class B misdemeanor. The Utah State legislature has made a law for threatening to commit violence a class B misdemeanor though. It is very similar to assault. Since the law is written in such a way as to allow Utah prosecutors to charge individuals for innocent behavior, it’s important for those charged with this crime to have a Utah criminal defense attorney fighting for their rights.
Threat of Violence Law in Utah
The Utah Criminal Code states that a person commits a threat of violence when a person “threatens to commit any offense involving bodily injury, death or substantial property damage.” The violator must also “act with intent to place a person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury, substantial bodily injury, or death.” The threat of violence need not be express but can also be implied. Since this criminal charge is a class B misdemeanor, a person convicted of this crime can face up to six months in jail and a $1,000.00 fine.
The conviction of a threat of violence charge is unique because in addition to jail time and a monetary fine, the court will also order the person convicted of this crime to reimburse any unit of government or private business, organization, individual, or entity “for all expenses and losses incurred in responding to the violation.” This reimbursement could be huge and the law says that a court “shall” order the violator to pay the reimbursement unless there is a reason “why reimbursement would be inappropriate.” Because of the many penalties a conviction of this charge entails, anyone charged with it should immediately contact a Utah criminal defense attorney for help fighting this charge.
There is Help for Those Charged With Threat of Violence
If you have been charged with threat of violence, a class B misdemeanor, or other violent crimes, contact a Utah criminal defense attorney from Salt Lake based Salcido Law Firm. Salcido Law Firm lawyers will defend you in a threat of violence case and do everything in their power to keep you from the harsh penalties that accompany a conviction. Call 801.618.1334 for a free consultation with one of our lawyers today.
