Criminal Threats in Domestic Violence Cases

Los Angeles Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

California Penal Code Section 422 makes willful threats against another person an unlawful act. If you or someone you know has been charged with a criminal threat in a case of domestic violence in Los Angeles, it is important that you consult with a Los Angeles criminal threats defense attorney at our firm to discuss your situation, be advised of your rights, and to initiate a defense strategy on your behalf. Our criminal defense attorneys are extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of domestic violence cases and in the court systems which process these cases. We have effectively defended hundreds of individuals in all types of criminal cases, including those involving criminal threats in domestic violence.

Criminal Threats (Penal Code Section 422)

This section of the Penal Code describes criminal threats as any individual who "willfully threatens to commit a crime which will result in death or great bodily injury to another person, with the specific intent that the statement, made verbally, in writing, or by means of an electronic communication, is to be taken as a threat, even if there is no intent of actually carrying it out." It further describes a criminal threat as being "unequivocal, unconditional, immediate, and specific" to the point that the intended victim is "in sustained fear for his or her own safety, or for his or her immediate family's safety."

Thus, criminal threats may be made in spoken or written statements, or by means of a computer as in email or via a cell phone. Any individual accused of making a criminal threat in a domestic violence situation is involved in a criminal matter which requires professional legal assistance. Regardless of what your intentions may have been at the time of the alleged incident, you need to take allegations of a criminal threat very seriously. Contacting a Los Angeles criminal threats defense lawyer at our firm will be an important first step in fighting these charges and minimizing the damaging consequences they may have on your life and future.   

Have you accused of or charged with making criminal threats in a domestic violence case in Los Angeles? Contact a Los Angeles Criminal Threats Defense Attorney at our firm for a case review today!