Charged with Threat of Violence in Utah
Charged With a Threat of Violence in Utah? Protect Your Rights Before Speaking With Police.
A Threat of Violence charge may seem minor compared to other violent crimes, but a conviction can still result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. In many cases, prosecutors rely heavily on statements, text messages, emails, or social media posts that may not tell the full story.
If law enforcement has contacted you or you believe you are under investigation, avoid discussing the allegations until you have spoken with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Even statements made to explain or apologize can later become evidence in court.
At Wasatch Defense Lawyers, we defend clients accused of Threat of Violence offenses throughout Sale Lake County. We carefully review the circumstances surrounding the alleged threat, challenge weak or unlawfully obtained evidence, and pursue the strongest possible defense.
If you have been accused of making a threat of violence, call Wasatch Defense Lawyers, Salt Lake City criminal defense attorneys, for a free, confidential discussion of your case.
We know what it takes to turn experience into results. Our attorneys understand how prosecutors think, how to challenge the evidence, and when to negotiate or take your case to trial. Every strategy is built around putting you in the strongest possible position.
But we don’t just know how to win—we have a track record that proves it. With more than 30 years of experience and thousands of clients represented, our results speak for themselves.
Proven Results. Relentless Defense.
A History of Successful Defenses
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Not Guilty State v. A - Not Guilty on Attempted Rape, Forcible Sex Abuse, Kidnapping, Assault
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Not Guilty State v. A - Not Guilty on Attempted Rape, Kidnapping & Assault
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Dismissed State v. F - Aggravated Sexual Assault, Aggravated Kidnapping Dismissed
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Dismissed State v. F - DV & Aggravated Assault Charges Dismissed
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Dismissed State v. F - Protective Order Violation Charges Dismissed
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Dismissed State v. F - Violation of Protective Order Dismissed
Threat of Violence
A threat of violence is a misdemeanor under Utah Code 76-5-1-107. When such a threat is followed by a deliberate physical act that actually causes an injury, the perpetrator has also committed assault, which is a separate crime (76-5-102). If you have been charged with a threat of violence in the state of Utah, you should not give any statements to the police until you obtain guidance from an experienced criminal defense attorney. You need to contact the best violent crimes lawyer Utah has to offer to protect your rights and build the best possible case for your defense.
Under Utah 76-5-107, a criminal threat of violence occurs when someone threatens to cause death, bodily injury, or major property damage and attempts to cause someone else to fear that threat. The threat may be expressed or implied. To qualify as a crime, it must come with an immediate display of violence or force that further instills the threat to injure a person.
A threat of violence is a Class B misdemeanor. Following through with an actual physical act of violence is a different crime. Arguing that the person who made the threat did not or could not carry out the actual violent action cannot be used as a defense under Utah law. Threats of violence in other forms are treated individually under Utah 76-5-107, for example:
- Threat Against a School (76-5-107.1) If someone makes a threat of violence against people in a school, either in person or through electronic media, whether the individual has real intent or is perpetrating a hoax, he or she has committed the offense of making a threat against a school. Cases of minors charged with this crime are processed in juvenile court.
- Threat of Terrorism (76-5-107.3) If someone threatens to cause death or bodily injury, or substantial property damage by use of a weapon of mass destruction, whether the weapon is real or is a hoax weapon of mass destruction, the perpetrator is guilty of committing a threat of terrorism.
Why Choose Wasatch Defense Lawyers
Hire at Team You Can Count On
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Largest Criminal Defense Team in the History of the State
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100+ Years of Combined Criminal Defense Experience
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Fewer than 1% of its clients have been sent to prison
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Over 650 Trials Handled
our winning strategy
4 Steps to a Positive Outcome
Every case is different. At Wasatch Defense Lawyers, we thoroughly investigate the facts, examine the evidence, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Our attorneys evaluate every available option, from challenging improper procedures and suppressing evidence to negotiating reduced charges or preparing for trial. With decades of combined experience and hundreds of trials, we approach each case strategically and aggressively. Whether pursuing dismissal, reduced charges, or a favorable trial outcome, we build a defense focused on protecting your rights, freedom, and future.
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1Laying the GroundworkWe prepare before the fight begins. Decades of experience, deep legal knowledge, and strong relationships with prosecutors and judges give us the foundation to build a smarter, more targeted defense.
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2Discussing The DetailsEvery detail matters. We dig deep into your case, examining reports, records, evidence, and your side of the story to uncover the facts that can shape your defense.
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3Building Your CaseWe challenge what the prosecution thinks it knows. We scrutinize the evidence, investigate police procedures, expose weaknesses, and develop a defense strategy built specifically for your case.
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4Obtaining Positive ResultsWe pursue the outcome that puts you in the strongest position. Whether through aggressive negotiation or a meticulously prepared trial defense, we fight to reduce charges, protect your future, and achieve the best result possible.