Felony Threats of Violence Charges: Drawing Insight from a Bemidji School Case

Events that recently unfolded in Bemidji, Minnesota, highlight the serious implications of felony threats of violence, particularly those that involve educational institutions here in the Twin Cities and across Greater Minnesota. A threat concerning the safety of a school and its personnel led to the arrest of a juvenile male and the temporary closure and moving to e-learning for Bemidji Area Schools. Considering the gravity of such crimes and how terroristic threat charges apply in Minnesota, this case necessitates in-depth examination. If you are facing serious criminal charges including felony threats of violence, make sure that you consult with an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney.

“While the Bemidji case involved a minor, some of these juvenile cases end up getting certified to adult court.”

The incident in Bemidji involved multiple 911 distress messages about a specific threat to a school and a staff member. Even though the threat was eventually neutralized, the school community had to hold classes virtually in response to the situation. According to Minnesota Statutes Section 609.713 on threats of violence, this includes making direct or indirect threats with the intent of terrorizing another or in reckless disregard to causing terror.

Making threats of violence is considered a felony offense in Minnesota, and applies to to a broad spectrum of activities. They might include verbal threats, making incriminating physical gestures, using social media to make serious threats of harm, or causing terror through symbolic actions. Sometimes, these threats are less explicit but still manage to incite fear or terror, qualifying as indirect threats of violence.

It is essential to note that the circumstances surrounding the threat play a crucial role in determining the severity of the charges. The accused may be found guilty of exhibiting "reckless disregard" for the distress their actions could cause, even if the threats do not blatantly spur an atmosphere of terror.

A conviction for felony threats of violence carries severe penalties in Minnesota. You could be facing up to five years in jail and fines up to $10,000, and falsely indicating the presence of explosives attracting an even higher penalty. These substantial conceivable consequences underline the importance of having a competent legal defense. Various defenses, including the absence of intent to terrorize, making ambiguous statements, and instances of false accusations, may be used to challenge the charges.

In Minnesota, juveniles as young as 14 can face a possible adult criminal certification in some instances, especially for serious violations, including Felony Threats of Violence. For example, in a case similar to the Bemidji occurrence, if the juvenile was 14 or 15 years old, the onus would be on the state to argue that the case belongs in adult court. If the accused were 16 or 17, the defense would shoulder the responsibility of rebutting that presumption.

“Juvenile cases, including felony threats of violence, can get complicated very quickly and are certainly not child’s play.”

Adult certification is a complex and sensitive topic that can significantly impact a juvenile's future. The nature of the offense, its felony level, use of weapons, and potential prison sentencing for an adult defendant are all considered. Given such critical stakes, anyone, especially a juvenile, facing threat charges in Minnesota should seek an experienced criminal defense attorney's counsel.

At Jack Rice Defense, we have focus on violent crimes and have extensive experience handling both juvenile and adult Felony Threats of Violence and Terroristic Threats charges. Recognizing the gravity of these charges and the possibilities around them, leveraging our expertise in this field will ensure your case receives the best possible outcome. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. When your life is on the line, make sure Jack Rice Defense is in your corner.