Is it a Crime to Threaten Someone in New Jersey?

If you threaten someone and cause them to genuinely fear for their safety you can be found guilty of several types of offenses. It is a crime to threaten someone in New Jersey and the associated penalties can be severe. If you were arrested for criminal threats, reach out to an experienced Mercer County criminal defense lawyer to discuss your legal rights and options today.

Is it a Crime to Threaten Someone in NJ?

Yes, it is illegal to threaten someone in New Jersey given that certain factors apply to the situation. In New Jersey, the crime is known as terroristic threats. NJ’s criminal statute makes it illegal to do the following.

• Threaten to commit a violent crime with the intent to terrorize a person or cause the evacuation of a building or area in reckless disregard for the risk of causing terror
• Threaten to kill a person with the intent to put them in imminent fear for their life when the threat reasonably causes the person to belive that the threat is immediate and will be carried out.

Criminal threats are also governed by stalking laws, which include conveying or causing to be conveyed verbal, written, or any other type of threats that would cause a reasonable person to suffer emotional distress or fear for their safety or the safety of a third party. Additionally, depending on the details of the situation you could face domestic violence, coercion, harassment, or cyber-harassment charges.

These laws include verbal, written, or implied threats. Verbal threats are spoken orally to a person whereas written threats can be made through letters, notes, text messages, emails, comments on social media, etc. Implied threats, while serious, are harder to prove or identify as they are not explicitly stated. They could include making threatening gestures.

What Are the Penalties for Criminal Threats in NJ?

The penalties for making threats against a person vary depending on the type of offense you are being charged with. Below are the standard sentencing guidelines for each type of offense.

• Third-degree terroristic threats: $15,000 in fines and up to 5 years in prison
• Fourth-degree criminal coercion: $10,000 in fines and up to 18 months in prison
• Fourth-degree stalking: $10,000 in fines and up to 18 months in prison
• Disorderly harassment: $500 in fines and up to 6 months in jail
• Fourth-degree cyber-harassment: $10,000 in fines and up to 18 months in prison

The penalties for each type of threat are severe. Any amount of fines or jail time could permanently alter your life. It is crucial that you work with a trusted attorney during your case to develop and implement a strong defensive strategy. Reach out to the Law Office of Douglas Herring to set up your free consultation and begin building your case today.