Criminal Threat Defense Lawyer Serving Johnson County
A criminal threat charge can affect your freedom, your reputation and your future. As lead attorney of criminal threat defense at The Mozingo Law Firm, LLC, I bring more than seven years of experience as a Johnson County prosecutor. I worked in the domestic violence, traffic and drug sections at the District Attorney’s Office and in the criminal litigation division of the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. I know how prosecutors build these cases because I built them, and I can fight for you.
How Kansas And Missouri Define Criminal Threat
In Kansas, criminal threats fall under K.S.A. 21-5415, where prosecutors must prove you communicated a threat to commit violence with intent to terrorize another person or cause evacuation of a building; they do not need to prove the victim actually felt fear.
Kansas law typically classifies a criminal threat as a severity level 9 person felony. That charge can increase to a level 5 person felony when the threat causes a building to be evacuated, locked down or disrupted.
In Missouri, prosecutors may charge similar conduct as Terroristic Threatening under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 574.115 or Harassment. A first-degree charge is a Class D felony, while a second-degree charge is a Class A misdemeanor.
How Prosecutors Prove Intent In Criminal Threat Cases
Intent drives a criminal threat charge. Prosecutors must prove you acted with the purpose of placing someone in fear of serious harm. Angry words, without real intent to act on them, can still produce criminal charges. I examine context, tone and history between the parties to challenge how prosecutors frame your state of mind.
Common Situations That Lead to Criminal Threat Charges
Criminal threat charges often come from situations that escalate quickly. Many people facing these charges never saw them coming. Common situations include:
- Heated domestic disputes: Arguments between partners or family members that spiral out of hand
- Social media posts: Messages or comments that others take out of context
- Workplace altercations: Verbal conflicts with coworkers or management
You have the right to a strong defense.
Penalties For A Criminal Threat Conviction In Kansas
A criminal threat conviction in Kansas can carry serious penalties. You could face:
- Prison time
- Fines up to $100,000
- Probation
- A permanent felony record
- Loss of firearm rights
- Barriers to housing and employment
These penalties can change your life. Reaching out to a defense attorney now can protect your options.
Put A Former Johnson County Prosecutor In Your Corner
Your freedom and your future deserve more than empty promises. I offer free consultations and give every case the same level of commitment. I will not give you false hope, and I will fight hard for you. Call my office at 913-732-4903 or reach out online today.