Facing a criminal threats charge in San Diego, California, can feel overwhelming. These cases often involve high-stakes accusations, even when no physical harm occurred. At Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers, our San Diego criminal threats lawyer understands what it takes to challenge these charges head-on. We provide strategic representation designed to protect your future, freedom, and reputation.
With over 14 years of experience, our San Diego criminal defense attorneys have worked with defendants charged in a wide range of serious criminal cases—from DUI to homicides and everything in between. Our team can give your case the personal attention it deserves, whether you’re under investigation or already facing formal charges.
Contact us today at (619) 357-4977 for a free consultation.
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Why Choose Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers for Help With a Criminal Threats Charge in San Diego, CA?
At Blair Defense, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to criminal cases. We know that accusations of threats can be highly emotional and often arise from heated arguments, misunderstandings, or false claims.
Here’s what sets our firm apart:
- 14+ years of criminal defense experience
- Our founding partner is a former prosecutor who provides insight to anticipate the State’s strategy
- Aggressive courtroom presence
- Direct access to your attorney throughout the case
- Tailored legal strategies designed to seek case dismissals or reductions
If you’re searching for a San Diego criminal threats attorney who will stand with you and fight relentlessly, our criminal defense team is ready to help. Call us today.
What Constitutes a Criminal Threat in California?
Under California Penal Code § 422, making a criminal threat involves more than simply saying something angry or inappropriate.
Prosecutors must show that:
- You willfully threatened to cause death or great bodily injury
- The threat was specific and unequivocal
- The communication was verbal, written, or electronic
- The recipient reasonably feared for their safety or the safety of their family
Importantly, the law does not require you to act on the threat—only that the alleged victim genuinely felt fear. Text messages, voicemails, emails, and even social media posts can be used as evidence.
What Are the Penalties for a Conviction for Criminal Threats in San Diego?
Criminal threats are considered “wobbler” offenses in California, meaning they can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies.
Potential penalties include:
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000
- Felony: A year or more in state prison and a $10,000 fine
- Strike offense: A felony conviction counts as a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law
You may also face long-term consequences such as loss of gun rights, immigration issues, and difficulties securing employment.
Legal Defenses to Criminal Threats Charges
Each case requires a close look at the facts, but common defenses may include:
- No credible threat: The statement was vague, sarcastic, or clearly not serious
- No reasonable fear: The alleged victim did not actually feel threatened
- False allegations: The accusation was fabricated or exaggerated
- Free speech: Your words may be protected under the First Amendment
A skilled San Diego criminal defense lawyer will challenge the evidence, question the credibility of witnesses, and push to have the charges reduced or dropped.
What to Do Immediately After Being Accused
Being accused of making criminal threats can trigger panic—but your actions in the early stages are critical:
- Do not contact the alleged victim
- Avoid speaking with law enforcement without an attorney
- Preserve all messages, recordings, or documents that could help your case
- Consult with a defense attorney as soon as possible
Early intervention from experienced legal counsel can sometimes prevent charges from being filed at all.
How Criminal Threats Cases Can Intersect With Other Legal Matters
While not commonly discussed, criminal threats charges can severely impact ongoing or future family law, immigration, or even other criminal proceedings. A conviction for criminal threats has a significantly greater impact and often results in serious collateral consequences.
Immigration Consequences
For non-citizens, a criminal threat conviction, particularly a felony, can have severe immigration consequences, including deportation or inadmissibility to the United States. Even a misdemeanor conviction could impact visa applications, green card renewals, or naturalization processes. Our firm can help you navigate these complex issues to mitigate the impact on your immigration status.
Family Law Matters
If you’re involved in a custody battle or divorce, a criminal threats case could be used against you to challenge your fitness as a parent. Family courts take any history of threatening behavior seriously, even if no physical violence occurred.
Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers works with family law counsel when needed to protect your parental rights during overlapping legal issues. We ensure that your defense strategy accounts for all aspects of your life, not just the criminal case.
Other Criminal Proceedings
A criminal threats charge can also complicate other pending criminal matters or lead to additional charges. For example, if the alleged threat was made during the commission of another crime, it could result in enhanced penalties. A strong defense in your criminal threats case may positively influence the outcome of other related criminal proceedings.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our San Diego Criminal Threats Attorneys Today
A criminal threats charge doesn’t have to define your future. At Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers, we will listen, investigate, and fight to protect your rights from the moment you contact us. We understand what you’re up against and are ready to help you take the next step.
Call today to schedule your free consultation with a San Diego criminal threats lawyer.
