Protecting the Futures of Clients throughout Kern County

A conviction for making criminal threats can cause lasting damage to your future. Bakersfield criminal defense attorney Bo Koenig of the Koenig Law Office has unprecedented experience defending those who have been charged with committing a criminal threat. He stands ready to help defend you as the highly rated defense attorney you need.

Criminal threat charges can be difficult to understand as well as embarrassing and cumbersome to face. Attorney Bo Koenig of Bakersfield’s Koenig Law Office realizes this and can offer you the most sound and stable defense with all of the respect and professionalism your case warrants.

Criminal Threat Charges in Bakersfield

Under California Penal Code 422, it is illegal to communicate threats to another individual by vowing great bodily harm or death. Other threat charges can include menacing, terrorist threats, and threats of assault. In California, threat charges are considered a "wobbler" offense, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony.

For individuals communicating threats to another individual or a group of individuals, prosecuting attorneys must prove:

  • There was a willful threat communicated to another person (or a group of individuals) intending serious injury or death of that person or group
  • The threat was a verbal, written, or digitally communicated threat (i.e. email/electronic chat, or text)
  • The statement transmitted could be understood as a threat, regardless of the ability or inability to carry out that particular threat
  • The threat could manifest into a reality, causing harm or death to an individual or a group
  • A reasonable individual feared for his/her life, safety, and well-being once the threat was communicated

Strong Defense for Criminal Threats Cases

Criminal defense attorney Bo Koenig has a proven track record of success defending individuals against various criminal charges. He is a graduate of San Joaquin College of Law in Fresno and has devoted his entire practice to helping those who were charged with crimes.

As your advocate, Mr. Koenig will investigate all aspects of your case and find answers to hard-hitting and difficult questions. Known and respected throughout the Bakersfield community as well as the state of California, Attorney Bo Koenig gets straight to the truth of your case and fights to have those charges either reduced or dismissed all together.

Misdemeanor Criminal Threats

The act of communicating criminal threats is a crime. California Penal Code 422 states: “Any person 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 device, is to be taken as a threat, even if there is no intent of actually carrying it out…”

You can be charged with communicating criminal threats, regardless of your ability or inability to execute the threat(s). Even if you just stated a threat and have no plan or intention to carry the threat out, you can still face charges of communicating criminal threats. This includes any messages sent to another individual that promise to hurt or harm that individual.

Is a Threat a Felony?

California Penal Code 422 PC, the statute defining criminal threats, is also known as a “wobbler,” meaning the prosecuting attorney can file the case as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Penalties for a misdemeanor conviction include one year in jail, while a felony conviction include 4 years in prison.

The use of a dangerous weapon during the transmission of those threats will add time to existing sentences.

Criminal threats are a crime that fall under California’s “Three Strikes Law,” meaning that at least 85% of the given sentence must be served before there is an eligibility of parole or release.

Dial (661) 793-7222 Now

For judgement-free, unbiased criminal defense representation, call Koenig Law Office. We can offer you sound advice as well as an explanation of your charges to help build your defense. Throughout your case’s proceedings, Attorney Bo Koenig will keep you abreast of all events and circumstances.

Get started on planning your case today by dialing (661) 793-7222.