What You Need to Know About an Utter Threats Charge
Calvin Barry
Criminal Lawyer at Calvin Barry Professional Corporation, Criminal Lawyers
People often say things that they do not mean in the heat of the moment. It is not uncommon for someone to say threatening words out of anger during an argument; unfortunately, words can’t be taken back once spoken. The other party can’t be blamed for worrying more so when the words spoken threatened bodily harm or death. It is truly important to be mindful of what things are said to avoid possible charges. In light of this, below are more information related to an utter threat charge.
What Defines a Threat?
According to Section 264.1 of the Canadian Criminal Code, a threat is made when someone communicates wanting to harm someone, harm or damage property, or kill/destroy a person or object.
Should a Threat Need to Be Directly Said?
A threat can be taken seriously even when not said directly to the intended target. A threat conveyed to someone else can be enough to file a charge and convict someone.
When Should a Threat Be Taken to the Law?
A threat that is conveyed with intent to cause a negative reaction is enough to make that threat subject to the law.
Is It Still a Threat if the Targeted Individual Brushes It Off?
A threat is still a threat even when the receiving person didn’t feel scared or intimidated by it. It is still considered as an offence under the law.
Can Someone Still Be Charged for an Impossible Threat?
Even in situations when the threat is seemingly impossible to carry out such as saying “I will kill you using a safety pin”, the person giving the threat may still be charged and found guilty because there was intent to cause harm or distress.
What Happens to Someone Charged with Utter Threat?
Because threatening someone is a criminal offence, a charge can lead to job loss, problems with finding a home and traveling, citizenship issues, imprisonment, problems finding a job, and living with the consequences of having a criminal record.
If charged with utter threat, it is best to immediately contact a criminal defence lawyer to sort out your possible defence. Calvin Barry might be able to help! Calvin Barry is a criminal defence lawyer with decades of experience. If you need legal help from a criminal lawyer in Ontario regarding an utter threat charge, he’s the one you should talk to!
“You can tell the greatness of a man by what makes him angry” Abraham Lincoln
6 年I thought I understood that as long as you don’t act upon the threat it not an offense that breaks the law. If the “law”acted upon everyone communication of a threat then everyone would be arrested even the one making the arrest, but they should not be taken lightly, because there are factors to make someone utter such communications.?