1. What does “Uttering Threats” mean under the Criminal Code of Canada?

Uttering threats refers to knowingly conveying a threat to cause death or bodily harm, destroy property, or harm an animal. It doesn’t require physical action — just the spoken, written, or conveyed threat itself can lead to a charge under Section 264.1 of the Criminal Code.

2. Can I be charged if I made the threat over text, email, or social media?

Yes. Threats made through any form of communication — including texts, emails, social media messages, or voicemails — can result in criminal charges. Digital records are often used as evidence in court.

3. Does the other person have to feel scared for it to count as uttering threats?

No. The key legal question is whether a reasonable person would view the words as threatening, not necessarily whether the recipient actually felt afraid.

4. Can I be charged with uttering threats even if I was joking or venting frustration?

Possibly. If the context doesn’t clearly indicate a joke and the words sound serious or menacing, you may still face charges. Courts look at the words, tone, context, and intent when evaluating whether a threat was made.

5. What if the person I threatened says they don’t want to press charges?

In most cases, once police lay a charge, the decision to proceed lies with the Crown prosecutor — not the complainant. Even if the person no longer wants to pursue the case, the Crown may still continue with prosecution.

6. Will a conviction for uttering threats appear on my criminal record?

Yes. A conviction for uttering threats will appear on your criminal record and can impact employment, travel, professional licensing, and immigration status.

7. Can I travel internationally with an uttering threats conviction?

It may be difficult. Many countries — including the United States — have strict entry requirements, and a criminal record involving threats or violence can lead to denial of entry or visa refusal.

8. What are the maximum penalties for uttering threats in Ontario?

Penalties vary depending on the nature of the threat. If prosecuted by indictment, the maximum penalty is 5 years in prison. I f handled summarily, the penalty can include fines, probation, and up to 18 months in jail.

9. Can I get fingerprinted for an uttering threats charge?

Yes. If you’re formally charged, police will typically take fingerprints and photographs, and you’ll be entered into the RCMP’s national database, even if you’re later acquitted or the charges are withdrawn.

10. Do I need a lawyer or can a licensed paralegal represent me?

For summary conviction offences like many uttering threats cases, a licensed paralegal in Ontario is fully qualified to represent you in court, negotiate with the Crown, and guide your defence — often at a lower cost than a lawyer.

Uttering Threats & Uttering Threats Defence in Ontario | Free Legal Review

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, you can be charged with Uttering Threats even if no physical contact ever occurred — and even if it was a one-time outburst in the heat of the moment.

You may be charged for:

Threatening to cause bodily harm or death
Threatening to damage someone’s property
Threatening to harm an animal belonging to someone
Making verbal, written, or electronic threats — including texts, emails, or social media posts

You don’t need to carry out the threat — or even intend to — for a charge to be laid. The law focuses on how the other person perceived the threat and whether they reasonably felt fear.

These situations often arise during heated arguments, breakups, or emotionally charged moments — but the Crown may still proceed with charges even if the complainant isn’t seeking prosecution.

Intent isn’t always what matters — how your words were received can be enough to trigger criminal consequences.

You Still Have Options — Don’t Face This Alone

If this is your first offence, and the charge arose from:

A heated argument that got out of hand
A misunderstanding during a domestic dispute
False or exaggerated allegations made in the moment

You may be eligible for legal outcomes that can help you avoid a criminal record, such as:

Diversion programs
Peace bonds or no-contact agreements
Conditional discharges or charge withdrawal
We act quickly to protect your reputation, keep your record clean, and guide you through the legal process with discretion and experience.

First charge? You may qualify for diversion. Find out in 10 minutes.

At Cordaie, we’ve supported clients throughout Ontario facing Uttering Threats charges with a strategic, compassionate, and results-driven approach:

✔ Extensive Experience with Uttering Threats Cases
✔ Law Society-Licensed Ontario Paralegals
✔ Transparent Flat Fees — No Hidden Costs
✔ Full Representation in Ontario Courts
✔ Discreet, Judgment-Free, and 100% Confidential Support

When your future is on the line, we don’t just offer guidance — we stand with you and fight to protect your rights.

We carefully assess every angle of your case to build the strongest possible defence. Depending on the circumstances, we may explore:

No genuine intent to carry out the threat
The statement was vague, non-specific, or taken out of context
Emotional distress or miscommunication during a heated moment
Lack of reliable evidence or credibility concerns with the complainant
Charter rights violations (e.g., unlawful detention, improper questioning, delay in disclosure)
First-time offender resolutions, such as diversion or peace bonds

Every case is different — and your defence strategy should be too.

We offer flat-rate pricing for Domestic Assault and Assault charges — so you’ll always know exactly what to expect.

✔ No hourly billing.
✔ No hidden fees.
✔ No surprises.

Early Resolution or Guilty Plea:

Just $1,995 + HST — covers everything from start to finish if your case is resolved without trial.

If Your Case Goes to Trial:

Total fee is $4,995 + HST — includes full trial preparation, strategy, and courtroom representation.

Easy, Flexible Payment Options:

Start with a small retainer deposit, then pay the rest at your own pace — as long as your balance is paid 14 days before your trial or resolution date.

Get the experienced legal defence you need — at a price you can afford. Ask about payment plans during your free consultation.

Legal help you can afford — book now and start for just a small deposit.

1. What does “Uttering Threats” mean under the Criminal Code of Canada?
Uttering threats refers to knowingly conveying a threat to cause death or bodily harm, destroy property, or harm an animal.

It doesn’t require physical action — just the spoken, written, or conveyed threat itself can lead to a charge under Section 264.1 of the Criminal Code.
2. Can I be charged if I made the threat over text, email, or social media?
Yes. Threats made through any form of communication — including texts, emails, social media messages, or voicemails — can result in criminal charges.

Digital records are often used as evidence in court.
3. Does the other person have to feel scared for it to count as uttering threats?
No. The key legal question is whether a reasonable person would view the words as threatening, not necessarily whether the recipient actually felt afraid.
4. Can I be charged with uttering threats even if I was joking or venting frustration?
Possibly. If the context doesn’t clearly indicate a joke and the words sound serious or menacing, you may still face charges.

Courts look at the words, tone, context, and intent when evaluating whether a threat was made.
5. What if the person I threatened says they don’t want to press charges?
In most cases, once police lay a charge, the decision to proceed lies with the Crown prosecutor — not the complainant.

Even if the person no longer wants to pursue the case, the Crown may still continue with prosecution.
6. Will a conviction for uttering threats appear on my criminal record?
Yes. A conviction for uttering threats will appear on your criminal record and can impact employment, travel, professional licensing, and immigration status.
7. Can I travel internationally with an uttering threats conviction?
It may be difficult. Many countries — including the United States — have strict entry requirements, and a criminal record involving threats or violence can lead to denial of entry or visa refusal.
8. What are the maximum penalties for uttering threats in Ontario?
Penalties vary depending on the nature of the threat. If prosecuted by indictment, the maximum penalty is 5 years in prison. I

f handled summarily, the penalty can include fines, probation, and up to 18 months in jail.
9. Can I get fingerprinted for an uttering threats charge?
Yes. If you’re formally charged, police will typically take fingerprints and photographs, and you’ll be entered into the RCMP’s national database, even if you’re later acquitted or the charges are withdrawn.
10. Do I need a lawyer or can a licensed paralegal represent me?
For summary conviction offences like many uttering threats cases, a licensed paralegal in Ontario is fully qualified to represent you in court, negotiate with the Crown, and guide your defence — often at a lower cost than a lawyer.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Uttering Threats Charges in Ontario