In Oklahoma, it’s no fun when a statement said out of anger is construed as threatening acts of violence. Sometimes things are said with no intent to harm anyone, but are just taken out of context. The seriousness of a threat of violence depends on the type of threat and the circumstances it’s delivered. Read this article to get a better understanding of the different kinds of threatening acts of violence in Oklahoma
Misdemeanor Threatening acts of violence
- Oklahoma Statutes Title 21 §1378 & §1379 cover threats of violence.
- If a person verbally or in writing threatens to commit an act of violence against another person or their property without carrying it out, it can be charged as a misdemeanor.
- Punishment: Up to 1 year in county jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both.
Felony Threatening acts of violence
- If the threat involves serious violence such as terrorism, use of firearms, explosives, or threats against schools, public buildings, or government officials, it can be charged as a felony.
- Example:
- Threatening to shoot up a school (21 O.S. §1378.1).
- Threatening to bomb or use explosives (21 O.S. §1767.1).
- Threatening an act of terrorism (21 O.S. §1268).
- Punishment: Depending on the statute, felony penalties can range from up to 10 years in prison and fines of $5,000 to $50,000.
Context Matters
- The medium of the threat (spoken, written, social media, text message, email, etc.).
- Whether the threat was specific and credible.
- Whether the threat was made against a private individual or a public group/official.
- Simple threats → usually a misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail / $1,000 fine).
- Serious threats (terrorism, schools, bombs, mass violence, officials) → felony (up to 10 years prison and higher fines).
Contact A Tulsa Criminal Lawyer Near You
Being charged with threatening an act of violence is no fun. Sometimes, a simple gesture or a thing said in a moment of anger can be misunderstood as something more sinister. The best thing you can do is not to discuss your case with the Police and get help from a criminal defense lawyer in Tulsa. For a free and confidential consultation, call the Tulsa Criminal Defense Lawyers Law Firm at 918-416-0358. Or you can follow this link to ask a free online legal question