Are you being charged with issuing a criminal threat in Indianapolis, IN? At Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, our Indianapolis criminal threats lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience protecting defendants’ rights in criminal cases. Call our law office to schedule a free consultation at (317) 759-2599.
An arrest or accusation for criminal threats in Indianapolis is stressful and sometimes completely unexpected. Indiana law doesn’t take these charges lightly.
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Why Choose Suhre & Associates to Help Me if I’ve Been Arrested for Issuing Criminal Threats in Indiana?
When you face criminal threats charges in Indianapolis, Indiana, you want a criminal defense team that knows the law and how to fight back against these accusations. Our Indianapolis criminal defense lawyers understand how to handle these situations.
Here’s why working with us gives you a real advantage:
- We have a former police officer and a former prosecutor, giving us an inside understanding of how the charges against you will be handled
- Members of our legal team have been recognized by Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers “Top 100.”
- We have over a century of experience handling thousands of criminal cases just like yours.
Contact Suhre & Associates to schedule a free consultation with an Indianapolis criminal threats attorney.
Overview of Criminal Threats in Indiana
Indiana law treats threats seriously, whether spoken, written, or otherwise communicated. This type of behavior is usually charged under the law’s intimidation statute and covers a wide range of behavior that puts others at risk or in fear.
Misdemeanor Intimidation
A misdemeanor intimidation charge occurs when someone threatens another person, hoping to force them to do something against their will, scare them away from acting lawfully, or cause fear that a specific threat will be carried out. Threats can include harming the person, damaging their property, restraining them unlawfully, hurting their reputation or business, or causing a building to be evacuated.
Felony Intimidation
Certain factors make this offense more severe under Indiana law and lead to charges being increased to a felony.
- Level 6 Felony: If the threat targets a witness, relates to someone’s job, threatens a forcible felony, comes after a prior conviction involving the same person, or uses school or government property in making the threat, it’s a Level 6 felony.
- Level 5 Felony: It can be charged as a Level 5 felony if a deadly weapon is drawn or used, if officials like judges or prosecutors are threatened regarding their duties, or the threat relates to terrorism.
If you’re being charged with intimidation due to criminal threats, it’s important to speak with a lawyer immediately.
What Are the Penalties for Criminal Threats in Indianapolis, Indiana?
The exact penalties for criminal threats and intimidation charges in Indiana depend on the specifics of the case. You could potentially face the following:
- Penalties for Misdemeanor Intimidation: For the most basic misdemeanor intimidation charge, you face up to one year in jail and fines of up to $5,000 if convicted.
- Penalties for Level 6 Felony Intimidation: If aggravating factors exist and the case moves up to a Level 6 felony, the possible imprisonment is from six months to 2.5 years.
- Penalties for Level 5 Felony Intimidation: For the most serious cases, such as intimidating with a deadly weapon or targeting protected officials, the penalty jumps to one to six years in prison.
If you’re facing any of these penalties, it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible so they can develop the most effective defense strategy possible.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Criminal Threats?
Facing a criminal threat or intimidation charge in Indiana is stressful, but there are several options that your lawyer can use to challenge the case or persuade the prosecution to lower or drop the charges.
No Genuine Threat
Sometimes, words get misunderstood. If the context makes it clear that no actual threat was ever intended or carried out, and the statement wouldn’t make a reasonable person afraid, a not-guilty verdict may be possible.
First Amendment Protection
Some statements that don’t intend real harm—like certain opinions—may be covered under free speech rights, even if someone finds them offensive or unsettling.
False Accusation or Mistaken Identity
Disputes sometimes lead to false reports, or law enforcement may accuse the wrong person. If there’s no reliable evidence placing you at the scene or tying you to the alleged statement, your lawyer can challenge what the police believe happened.
Being accused doesn’t always mean you’ll be found guilty, especially when you have a strong defense.
It’s easy to lose hope after a criminal threats accusation, but your entire future shouldn’t be decided by one angry moment or snap judgment. With support from a skilled defense lawyer at Suhre & Associates, you can face the charges head-on and put the incident behind you. We have over 100 years of combined experience.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation with an Indianapolis criminal threats attorney.
