Connecticut Threatening Charges Defense Lawyer – First & Second Degree

Being charged with Threatening in Connecticut can turn your life upside down in an instant. Whether you face Threatening in the First Degree (C.G.S. § 53a-61aa) or Threatening in the Second Degree (C.G.S. § 53a-62), the stakes are high: jail time, protective orders, domestic violence court, and a permanent criminal record.

At Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer, we have over 30 years of experience defending clients across Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, and throughout Connecticut. We know how these cases are prosecuted—and how to fight back to protect your rights and your future.

Understanding Threatening Charges in Connecticut

Connecticut law divides threatening offenses into two levels:

Threatening in the First Degree (C.G.S. § 53a-61aa) – Class D Felony

This is the more serious threatening charge. You may be charged with First-Degree Threatening if you:

• Threaten to commit a crime of violence with the intent to terrorize another person, and
• Are armed with or threaten the use of a firearm, explosive, or deadly weapon; or
• Make threats in a school, public building, or place of assembly; or
• Make threats in violation of a protective order.

Penalties for First-Degree Threatening:

• Imprisonment: Up to 5 years in prison
• Fines: Up to $5,000
• Felony record: Permanently visible to employers, landlords, and licensing boards
• Collateral Consequences: Lifetime firearm prohibition, immigration issues for non-citizens, and possible career-ending impacts

Threatening in the Second Degree (C.G.S. § 53a-62) – Class A Misdemeanor

Second-Degree Threatening applies when you:

• Intentionally place or attempt to place another person in fear of imminent serious physical injury, or
• Threaten to commit a crime of violence with intent to terrorize, or
• Recklessly disregard the risk of causing terror or evacuation of a public place.

Penalties for Second-Degree Threatening:

• Imprisonment: Up to 1 year in jail
• Fines: Up to $2,000
• Probation: Up to 2 years with strict conditions
• Permanent Record: Considered a violent offense, potentially affecting employment, housing, and licensing

When Threatening Charges Are Considered Domestic Violence

If the alleged victim is a family or household member—spouse, partner, ex, parent, child, roommate, or someone you’ve dated—the case will be classified as domestic violence:

• Mandatory Arrest: Police must arrest if they find probable cause.
• Next-Day Arraignment: You will appear in domestic violence court the next business day.
• Protective Orders: Judges can impose full no-contact, residential stay-away, or partial protective orders.
• Additional Consequences: Impact on custody disputes, firearm rights, and professional reputation.

Electronic & Online Threats

In today’s world, texts, emails, and social media posts are often at the heart of threatening cases. What you thought was a private or emotional message can be misinterpreted and used against you:

• Private messages sent in anger can be taken out of context.
• Posts, memes, or song lyrics can be misread as genuine threats.
• Accounts can be hacked or misused, leading to false accusations.

We defend these cases by:

• Demonstrating lack of intent or misinterpretation of digital communications.
• Disputing authorship where evidence suggests someone else used your device or account.
• Invoking First Amendment protections to show that speech did not meet the legal threshold of a “true threat.”

Real-World Examples of Threatening Charges

• Domestic Dispute: A heated argument during a breakup leads to one partner claiming the other threatened harm.
• Text Message Misinterpretation: “You’ll regret this!” sent in frustration is later alleged to be a death threat.
• Workplace Incident: A remark made in anger is reported as a threat to harm a co-worker.
• School Context: A social media post referencing violence at school triggers a felony first-degree charge.
• Custody Battle: One parent accuses the other of making threats to gain an advantage in family court proceedings.

These examples show how ordinary situations can spiral into criminal cases, often based on interpretation rather than actual danger.

Defending Against Threatening Charges

Our approach focuses on early, aggressive intervention:

1. Lack of Intent

We demonstrate that words were not meant as genuine threats and lacked intent to cause fear.

2. No Imminent Threat

Connecticut law requires imminent fear of serious physical injury. We prove the alleged statement didn’t meet that standard.

3. False Allegations

We expose fabricated or exaggerated claims, often used in custody disputes or personal vendettas.

4. Constitutional Violations

We challenge unlawfully obtained evidence, improper police searches of phones or accounts, and coerced statements.

5. Diversionary Programs

For eligible first-time offenders, we seek Accelerated Rehabilitation (AR) or the Family Violence Education Program (FVEP), leading to dismissal and erasure of charges.

What to Expect in Court

1. Arrest & Booking: Domestic violence cases typically involve overnight detention.
2. Arraignment: The court will impose protective orders and set conditions of release.
3. Pretrial Conferences: Negotiation opportunities for dismissal, diversion, or reductions.
4. Motions & Hearings: We challenge the admissibility of evidence and question probable cause.
5. Resolution: Through dismissal, diversion, plea agreement, or trial.

Our goal is always to resolve your case with the least impact possible, protecting both your freedom and your record.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhy Choose Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer?

• Over 30 years defending threatening charges across Connecticut
• Extensive experience in domestic violence courts in Stamford, Norwalk, and Bridgeport
• Proven results: Dismissals, reduced charges, and acquittals for clients facing both felony and misdemeanor threats
• Personalized representation: You work directly with a seasoned defense attorney focused on your goals

We know that your reputation, your freedom, and your future are on the line—and we treat your case with the urgency it deserves.

Take Action Today

A threatening charge—felony or misdemeanor—can have life-changing consequences. The sooner you act, the stronger your defense will be.

Call Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer today at (203) 357-5555 or complete our secure [contact form] to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We are available 24/7 to protect your rights and fight for your future

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