Criminal Lawyers for Threats with Weapons

Threats with weapons represent an aggravated form of the crime of threats under Article 169 of the Criminal Code. The use of a weapon or dangerous instrument during a threat significantly increases the intimidating effect on the victim and, consequently, the severity of penalties. This includes firearms, knives, blunt objects, or any item capable of causing serious physical harm.

Penalties

Conditional threats (demanding something from the victim) with weapons carry imprisonment of 1 to 5 years. Unconditional threats (expressing intent to harm without conditions) with weapons carry 6 months to 2 years. If the threat targets a family member or partner, penalties are further aggravated under the gender violence framework. Additionally, the weapon itself may be confiscated and weapons licenses revoked.

Defense Strategies

Our defense examines: whether the object qualifies as a "weapon or dangerous instrument" under the law (display of a kitchen knife during an argument differs from brandishing a firearm); proving the weapon was not displayed or used in a threatening manner (mere possession during an argument is not the same as threatening with it); demonstrating the threat was not serious or credible (examining context, relationship between parties, and objective circumstances); and arguing emotional disturbance or provocation as mitigating factors.