What determines a 'threat'?

[Gary King]

What determines a threat and can be sent to the police? If someone said, on the internet, that they would send someone to 'deal with you' (and in a non-polite manner, of course) then would something like that constitute as a threat?

Thanks in advance.

 

[CdwJava]

What determines a threat and can be sent to the police? If someone said, on the internet, that they would send someone to 'deal with you' (and in a non-polite manner, of course) then would something like that constitute as a threat?

Thanks in advance.

It depends entirely upon your state laws - and possibly on federal law if the threat originated out of state and/or was communicated via the internet.

Generally, the threat has to have some credibility and a likelihood of being carried out - not just some idle chatter.

But, state laws vary on this.

- Carl

 

[Gary King]

Where could I look to find out more about this? Like, a website that talks more about this matter, and possibly another one that relates to different states and such?

Thanks in advance!

 

[CdwJava]

Where could I look to find out more about this? Like, a website that talks more about this matter, and possibly another one that relates to different states and such?

Thanks in advance!

Well, you can search websites and links on various state laws. But, you are talking about a mish-mosh of 50 odd state laws as well as federal ones. There are a number of links and resources here and on other websites. Or, do an internet search on Google with the key words you need to use and see what pops up.

In the circumstance you mention, unless the person was known to you, AND you had a real reason to believe he would carry out the threat coupled with the present ability to do so, it would not likely constitute a "criminal threat" in my state.

- Carl

 

[Gary King]

What should I search for? 'Threat laws'? I'm not sure what keywords I should search for. I'm asking this because I am outside of the US (I'm in Canada) so I'm looking for some general advice that can help me too.

 

[CdwJava]

Start here and then work your away around this site and others.

https://law.freeadvice.com/resources/statelaws.htm

But, if you do an internet search you ought to be able to find a variety of issues. But, since this is likely state specific, searching every state's laws might be a tremendous waste of time.

- Carl