Making online threats against the police

[cwtlady]

Isn't it a crime to make online threats against the police on social networks? And what is the punishment for it?

[Jks9199]

It depends on the context and state law. A generic threat probably wouldn't lead to anything much but a specific threat to specific officer could lead to an investigation. Off the top of my head, in Virginia communicating threats the electronic means is either a class 1 misdemeanor or a class 6 felony, depending on the target.

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[HudsonHawk]

In New York, "A person is guilty of aggravated harassment in the second degree when, with intent to harass, annoy, threaten or alarm another person, he or she: 1. Either (a) communicates with a person, anonymously or otherwise, by telephone, or by telegraph, mail or any other form of written communication, in a manner likely to cause annoyance or alarm; or (b) causes a communication to be initiated by mechanical or electronic means or otherwise with a person, anonymously or otherwise, by telephone, or by telegraph, mail or any other form of written communication, in a manner likely to cause annoyance or alarm; or 2. Makes a telephone call, whether or not a conversation ensues, with no purpose of legitimate communication; or..." Aggravated Harassment 2nd is a class A Misdemeanor, and punishment could include a sentence of up to a year in jail, a fine, surcharge, probation, etc.

[cwtlady]

Thank you for the responses. I have a feeling that even if some are not punished by a specific law that they will eventually get punished just because they're stupid and life will come back to bite them in the backside.

[McCrackhd]

As far as I know, it's not illegal in Alabama to threaten law enforcement (even a specific officer)...at least that's what we're told here. However, I've been told that it is a crime to threaten an officer's family.

[DILLON 45]

I believe a threat against a Police Officer in a public forum would have to be specific, targeting that officer with bodily harm or worse, especially if the
writer predetermines a place or time. Yes it would warrant an investigation and subsequent charges.

[Policefan1978]

Thank you for the responses. I have a feeling that even if some are not punished by a specific law that they will eventually get punished just because they're stupid and life will come back to bite them in the backside.

YOu said a mouthful.

[JLK]

As far as I know, it's not illegal in Alabama to threaten law enforcement (even a specific officer)...at least that's what we're told here. However, I've been told that it is a crime to threaten an officer's family.

it is lethal to threaten my family.