If you make violent or terroristic threats against an individual or a group of people, you can find yourself in a world of hurt in Minnesota. Not surprisingly, violent threats are taken very seriously, and you can be charged with a felony if you intentionally commit actions that cause terror for those around you. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at Minnesota Statute Sec. 609.713, which covers threats of violence, and explore the possible penalties for violating this law.
Threat Of Violence Laws
Minnesota Statute Sec. 609.713 covers three specific acts in regards to terroristic threats and actions. We’ll take a look at each:
1. Threaten Violence, Intent To Terrorize – A person may be guilty of this law if they directly or indirectly threaten to commit any crime of violence with the purpose to terrorize another or to cause the evacuation of a building or similar location. Doing so is punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
2. Communicates To Terrorize – Someone may be guilty of this threat of violence if they call in a bomb threat. Regardless of whether or not a bomb actually exists, you can be found guilty if you communicate “with purpose to terrorize another or in reckless disregard of causing such terror, that explosives or an explosive device or any incendiary device is present at a named pace or location, whether or not the same is in fact present.” Being found guilty of this is punishable by up to three years in prison and fines up to $3,000.
3. Display Replica Of Firearm – Finally, if someone displays a replica firearm or BB gun in a threatening or terroristic manner, they can be found guilty of a violent threat. This action is punishable by up to a year and a day in prison and fines up to $3,000.
As you can see, one impulsive decision when you’re having a bad day can lead to felony charges that can have lifelong consequences. If you find yourself facing a threat of violence charge, you need to have an experienced lawyer in your corner. Not only can we work to get the charges reduced or dropped, but we can help you avoid a worst case scenario by working with the other side to see if a plea deal is possible. Don’t just plead guilty and hope for the best. Let our experienced lawyers go to work for you and help you out of this unfortunate situation.
For more information about threats of violence and how they are handled here in Minnesota, or for assistance with a different criminal charge, reach out to Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
