Making criminal threats in Denver goes beyond warning someone or giving them an ultimatum. Accusations of threatening physical harm or intentionally striking fear of injury in another person can lead to significant charges. Usually charged as either menacing or stalking, threatening a friend, family member, significant other, or even an acquaintance can be costly. If someone is accusing you of threatening them, it's best to exercise your right to remain silent and contact an experienced defense attorney. Below we discuss criminal threats in greater detail and how we can help the accused throughout Denver, Aurora, and Lakewood.

Denver Criminal Threat Laws

Denver's laws concerning criminal threats prohibit threatening to hurt or kill someone, as well as certain acts after the threat itself is made. When menacing is the charge that follows a threat, police likely believe that you:

• made a threat against someone,
• that placed them in fear of imminent, serious bodily injury

These cases also often include display of a deadly weapon. When they do, the threats become a felony offense.

If stalking charges follow a threat in Denver, Arapahoe, or Jefferson County, law enforcement may have reason to believe that you:

• made a credible threat against someone,
• AND repeatedly approached, contacted, followed, or attempted to communicate with that person, their romantic interest, or someone in their immediate family

It isn't uncommon in these cases for the threats to be made via social media, text, email, or over the phone.

Wide Range of Penalties for Threats in Colorado

Each and every case that involves criminal threats is unique. Penalties for a conviction often differ widely. An allegation of menacing not involving a deadly weapon is a class 1 misdemeanor, potentially resulting in:

• a county jail sentence of up to 12 months,
• a max fine of $1,000

However, if the threats involved use, mention, or display of a deadly weapon, a class 5 felony applies. Defendants in these situations face up to 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and a fine of up to $100K.

If charged as stalking, criminal threats are at minimum a class 5 felony. Stalking is also an extraordinary risk crime, elevating the sentencing range. Those charged with stalking in Denver, Lakewood, or Aurora face up to 4 years in prison, fines of up to $100K, and a period of parole.

Denver Criminal Threat Lawyer

Allegations of criminal threats in Denver, Lakewood, or Aurora are a serious matter. Your freedom and future are at stake. Contacting the right attorney early on is essential. Our Denver criminal threat lawyers have decades of combined experience fighting charges of menacing and stalking throughout the state of Colorado. Perhaps you didn't mention a deadly weapon, you didn't think your words were taken seriously, or the alleged victim is lying. Nevertheless, contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation. We will carefully analyze your case, answer your questions, and suggest next steps in your defense.

Don't talk to the police about criminal threats - talk to us. 303-830-0880

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