What is the Punishment for CA Criminal Threats?

Posted on August 30, 2017

Conveying a criminal threat is charged under Penal Code 422(a). It is considered a wobbler allowing the prosecutor to charge you with either a felony or misdemeanor. Several factors are considered by the prosecution prior to determining which level to charge you with. For instance, your prior criminal record and if either a weapon or injury resulted, the prosecution ordinarily charges someone with a felony.

Criminal threats are a very serious offense. If alleged as a felony, you face up to three years in prison. Additionally, the prosecution will allege the offense to be a strike, applicable to California’s Three Strike laws. A misdemeanor conviction carries up to one (1) year in the county jail. In either misdemeanor or felony cases, the court will impose a protective order barring all contact with the purported victim. Furthermore, a conviction carries a life-time restriction from you owning or possessing a firearm.

If you’ve been arrested or charged with conveying a criminal threat under PC 422(a), then there’s no question that you must retain a respected and experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney to represent your rights. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.