What is a Threat?

Most people have a fairly consistent idea of what is meant by the word “threat.” In the legal world, the term has a similar meaning to that which it is given in its everyday context. Even so, there are some statements that a person may not consider a serious threat that can considered a criminal or terroristic threat under the guidelines of the law.

Multiple Definitions of Threats

As is the case with many legal terms, the exact definition of a threat or threatening behavior varies depending on where you look. Possibilities include:

• Intentionally putting another person in fear of imminent bodily injury
• Intentional behavior or words causing someone to perceive they are at risk of physical or mental damage
• A menace of destruction or injury to lives or property

Types of Threats

The following are a few examples of actions that could be considered criminal or terroristic threats:

• Calling in a phony bomb threat
• Vandalism promising violence against a group or individual
• Making a family feel unwelcome or endangered because of their beliefs
• Using the potential for violent actions as a leveraging tool
• Harassing organizations (such as churches or clinics) via mail or e-mail

Contact Us

If you have been charged with making a criminal threat, it is important to have an experienced legal counselor on your side. Contact Dallas criminal defense lawyer Mark T. Lassiter today at 214-651-1121 for more information.