Minnesota Threats of Violence Attorneys

If you are charged with threats of violence (formerly known as “terroristic threats”), it probably goes without saying that you need to fight this charge and do everything possible to avoid this conviction. A threat of violence conviction could be debilitating to your future prospects of getting gainful employment and housing. There are a number of defenses a skilled threats of violence defense attorney should pursue for each case. But, before getting into those, it is helpful to understand what acts constitute threats of violence.

The Acts

Minnesota Statute 609.713 defines three acts that can be prosecuted as threats of violence.

  1. Threatening to commit any crime of violence with the intent to terrorize another or to cause evacuation of a building, place of assembly, vehicle or facility of public transportation or otherwise to cause serious public inconvenience, or in a reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror or inconvenience.
  2. Communicating to another, with the intent to terrorize another or in reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror, that explosives or an explosive device, or any incendiary device is present at a named place or location, whether or not the same is in fact present.
  3. Displaying, exhibiting, brandishing, or otherwise employing a replica firearm or a BB gun in a threatening manner and you caused or attempted to cause terror in another person or acted in a reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror.

Definitions

To fully understand threats of violence charges some definitions are necessary.

“Any Crime of Violence” refers to specific crimes listed under Minn. Stat. Sec. 609.1095, subd. 1(d). These are crimes that involve an act or attempted act that could result in substantial bodily harm to another, which includes but is not limited to, murder, manslaughter, 1st- through 3rd degree assault, kidnapping, robbery, burglary, false imprisonment, and 1st- through 4th degree criminal sexual conduct.

“To Terrorize” means to cause extreme fear by use of violence or threats.

A “threat” is a declaration of an intent to injure another or their property by some unlawful act. The context of the threat becomes instrumental to the case. In determining whether the words or phrases deemed the “threat” are harmless or threatening, the question turns on whether the communication, in its context, would have a reasonable tendency to create apprehension that its originator will act in accordance. As a result, the victim’s reaction and perspective is circumstantial evidence relevant to proving the necessary intent.

You may also commit a terroristic threat without intent when you threaten to commit any crime of violence “in a reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror.” This occurs when you recklessly risk the danger that the statements would be taken as threats by another and that they would cause fear.

An incendiary device includes any device that is ignited by fire, friction, concussion, detonation, or other method that may produce destructive effects through combustion. An example of how broad this can reach is when a court found that a wooden cross wrapped in a cloth soaked in flammable liquid was considered an incendiary device.

Penalties

If you are found guilty of the first act of terroristic threats, you may be sentenced to a prison term not to exceed 5-years and/or a fine of $10,000. A guilty conviction to the second act is a prison term of 3-years and/or a fine of $3,000. And a guilty conviction to the third act is a prison term of 366 days and/or a fine of $3,000.

All three convictions are felonies and will include a loss of your civil liberties and a loss of your ability to possess firearms.

Defenses

Context of the Threat – Whether the state needs to prove intent or reckless disregard, the context is crucial. Consideration must be given to the relationship of the parties, affect on the alleged victim, whether alcohol was involved, and the totality of the circumstances.

Similarly, you may argue that your actions are better characterized as “transitory anger.” The purpose of this crime is not to “authorize grave sanctions against the kind of verbal threat which expresses transitory anger,” which lacks the intent to terrorize. Again, this gets back to the context of the threat. But, if it was a threat made in the heat of the moment, this may classify as transitory anger.

Finally, you may argue that your actions were in self-defense. If you made a threat for purposes of quelling an assault against you, then you should raise this as an affirmative defense to the charge against you.

Threats of Violence Case Results

To see just how successful our approach is, here are some representative threats of violence case results:

State v. M.M.

Charges: Threats of Violence, Felony (and Second Degree Assault pending charge, if a trial demanded)

Resolution: Case out of Washington County was dismissed on day of trial. Intense investigation led to a rapid dissolution of the State's case, preserving a perfect lawful record of a talented professional man. A voluntary confession wasn't the massive hurdle it generally would be, after North Star's efforts came to bear on the case; however, this matter and so many others do point up how absolutely vital, how critical it is to get strong legal representation at the outset of your case, before you even know you are a target. Always, ALWAYS demand to be represented by counsel when questioned by police or prosecutors, simply always. The lawyers at North Star are available 24/7/52 to assist you, at your beck and call. Do not act alone, or you may find yourself sitting alone, making hard choices the wrong way. This was the third of three perfect results, same morning.

State v. (Confidential)

Charge: Threats of Violence, Felony

Resolution: Charges out of Dakota County. Counts were reduced to Misdemeanor Assault with no jail time and only community service. All felony counts were dismissed. This result is better than it appears; it permits an active duty soldier with an impeccable record to continue his service to our country, uninterrupted. A man with five overseas tours got tied up in a road-rage incident, and made a momentary poor choice--which would almost certainly result in a felony in any other circumstances, and possible jail time, loss of firearm rights, and a host of collateral negative impact for the man. Careful negotiations and a perfect score card for commitment to therapies and thoughtful self-analysis resulted in a last-minute, career-saving result. We rarely get this much pride from our work, or this much tangible benefit to a remarkable life. Yet another case where an ill-timed decision on the client's part, to tell the truth to officers investigating a complaint, almost cost more than can be quantified. Never, never ever speak to police or prosecutors without your team, North Star Criminal Defense.

State v. A.S.

Charge: Threats of Violence, Felony

Resolution: Dismissed. This matter concerned a felony count of Threats of Violence, and allegations of gunpoint menacing during a road rage incident (which could have led to an amended complaint including a Second Degree Assault count, with potential prison implications). Mr. Adkins got the case dismissed on the morning trial was set to begin, after extensive wrangling and legal arguments/motions. The client, whose record contains a number of previously felony convictions, saw his position get markedly improved when the North Star Criminal Defense motion practice placed the admissibility of those convictions into the atmosphere. Needless to say, the client is extremely pleased.

North Star Criminal Defense - Proven Success Fighting Threats of Violence Charges

If you have been charged with threats of violence, you need to consult with a skilled Minnesota threats of violence defense attorney like the team at North Star Criminal Defense. The sooner you do this, the better so that we can immediately begin investigating the facts of the case and developing your defense. Contact us now.