CAN YOU BE ARRESTED IN MISSOURI FOR MAKING A VERBAL THREAT?

Most people think you can only be arrested if you actually hit someone, damage property, or commit a physical crime. But in Missouri, even words alone can sometimes land you in handcuffs. If you’ve been accused of making a verbal threat, you may be shocked to learn you could face criminal charges — even if you never touched anyone.

So, can you really be arrested in Missouri just for what you said?

The answer is yes — under certain circumstances.

If you or someone you love is facing domestic abuse charges for making verbal threats in Missouri, your situation could be more complicated than you might believe. Call KC Defense Counsel today and talk to our experienced Missouri criminal defense lawyers today. We can help you to understand what you’re facing and the best possible paths toward defending your future.

WHAT ARE MISSOURI’S LAWS ON MAKING VERBAL THREATS?

In Missouri, threatening someone can fall under several criminal statutes. The two most common are:

Harassment (RSMo 565.091–§565.094): This covers verbal or written threats that cause another person emotional distress, fear for their safety, or significant disruption to their daily life.

Terroristic Threats (RSMo 574.115–§574.120): This covers threats to commit violence — especially if they cause public panic, evacuations, or fear of serious harm.

That means you can face charges if prosecutors believe your words placed another person — or even the public — in reasonable fear of harm.

Examples of Verbal Threats That Lead to Arrests:

• Telling a coworker you’re “going to hurt them” during an argument.
• Threatening a spouse or partner in the heat of a domestic dispute.
• Yelling at someone in public and threatening violence.
• Making a threat at a school or workplace, even as a “joke.”
• Posting threatening messages on social media.

Even if you didn’t mean it seriously, the law looks at how the other person perceived the threat — not just your intentions.

PENALTIES FOR VERBAL THREATS IN THE STATE OF MISSOURI

Penalties depend on the severity of the threat and the circumstances:

Harassment (misdemeanor): Up to 1 year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Harassment (felony, if threat involves fear of death or serious injury): Up to 4 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Making a terroristic threat (felony): 3–15 years in prison, depending on the degree.

In addition to criminal penalties, you could face a protection order (restraining order) that limits your freedom and ability to contact certain people.

WHY VERBAL THREATS ARE TAKEN SO SERIOUSLY

Law enforcement in Kansas City and across Missouri — treat verbal threats seriously because of the potential for violence. Police and prosecutors don’t want to take chances. This is especially true in cases involving schools, domestic disputes, or public places.

Unfortunately, this also means people are often arrested for statements made in anger, frustration, or even sarcasm — words they never intended to act on.

DEFENSES AGAINST VERBAL THREAT CHARGES

Just because you were accused doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted. A skilled Kansas City criminal defense lawyer may argue:

Lack of intent: You didn’t seriously mean the words, and there was no actual plan to follow through.

Free speech protections: The First Amendment protects speech unless it qualifies as a “true threat.”

No reasonable fear: The alleged victim must have reasonably believed the threat was real.

Insufficient evidence: Many cases rely only on one person’s word against another’s.

YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED MISSOURI CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER TODAY

Facing charges for a verbal threat can feel unfair but ignoring them is dangerous. A conviction can mean jail, probation, fines, and a permanent criminal record that brands you as violent.

An experienced Missouri defense attorney can:

• Examine the evidence and challenge weak allegations.
• Protect your constitutional rights to free speech.
• Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or dismissal.
• Defend you in court to prevent lasting damage to your record.

At KC Defense Counsel, our affordable Kansas City assault defense attorneys have defended clients across Kansas City accused of making verbal threats, from domestic disputes to workplace and social media allegations. We understand how prosecutors build these cases, and we know how to fight back to protect your rights, your record, and your future.

Yes, you can be arrested in Missouri for verbal threats under harassment or terroristic threat laws. Penalties range from misdemeanors with jail time to felonies with years in prison. Police and prosecutors treat threats seriously, even if you didn’t mean them literally.

Defenses exist, including lack of intent, free speech protections, and insufficient evidence. A skilled Kansas City criminal defense lawyer is critical to fighting these charges.

Criminal charges in Missouri can have lifelong consequences, from fines and jail time to lost career opportunities. The team at KC Defense Counsel understands the stakes, and we’re ready to challenge the evidence, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome. Whether you’ve been arrested for DUI, assault, drug possession, or any other offense, our Kansas City criminal defense lawyers are here for you 24/7.

If you’ve been accused of making a verbal threat in Missouri, don’t face it alone. Contact KC Defense Counsel now to speak with a skilled attorney who will put your defense first.

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Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact our experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyers near me in Missouri and let us help begin building your defense. Let us help.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult qualified counsel regarding your unique situation.