THREATS & INTIMIDATION LAWYER

TUCSON & SOUTHERN ARIZONA

Charged with Threats & intimidation? Former Pima County Judge Doug Taylor defends misdemeanor and felony threatening/intimidating cases across Southern Arizona.

  • Fact-Checked

    This page has been carefully written, edited, and reviewed by our team of legal professionals following strict editorial guidelines. It has been approved by our Founding Partner, Douglas W. Taylor, Sr., a seasoned criminal defense attorney with extensive legal experience. The “last modified” date indicates the most recent review of this page.

Last Modified: October 4, 2025

Tucson criminal defense attorney meeting with client about threatening or intimidating charge (A.R.S. § 13-1202)

THREATS/INTIMIDATION ATTORNEY IN TUCSON, ARIZONA


  • Threatening or Intimidating cases move fast and can be misunderstood. We dig into what was actually said or meant, the context, any alleged “public inconvenience,” and the credibility of witnesses and digital evidence. Our goal is to keep you out of jail, minimize collateral fallout, and position your case for dismissal, reduction, or diversion where available. If you’ve been cited or arrested in Pima, Cochise, Santa Cruz, or Pinal County, get tailored advice before you speak to anyone else.

  • From the moment you’re accused until your case is resolved, we’re here with clear guidance and steady advocacy. Our defense team takes the time to understand what really happened—context, witnesses, 911 timing, body-cam, and any factors that may have escalated the situation. Many threats/intimidation cases turn on misunderstandings, protected speech issues, or a momentary lapse—details that matter.

Understanding A.R.S. § 13-1202 — What’s actually charged


Arizona’s statute targets threats by words or conduct to:


  • Injure a person or seriously damage property; or
  • Cause (or recklessly disregard causing) serious public inconvenience, like evacuating a building, place of assembly, or transportation facility; or
  • Injure a person or damage property to promote/further/assist a criminal street gang, criminal syndicate, or racketeering enterprise. 

How it’s graded:


Most cases (the first two categories) are Class 1 misdemeanors, but can become Class 6 felonies if it’s retaliation for reporting a crime or if the person is a criminal street gang member. 


Gang/syndicate/racketeering threats are a Class 3 felony. 


Domestic-violence tag:

If there’s a qualifying relationship, 13-1202 can carry a DV designation with added conditions and collateral effects.


What the State must prove


Prosecutors have to show a threat by words or conduct that fits one of the statute’s categories, plus any facts that raise it to a felony (e.g., retaliation, gang/syndicate). We focus on: intent/knowledge, credibility, context, and whether the alleged threat actually meets the statute’s language. 


Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

Understanding Arizona Threats-Intimidation Laws (A.R.S. § 13-1202) — and How We Help You

Common defenses we use:

  • Ambiguous or conditional language (what you meant vs. how it was perceived)
  • Protected speech / context
  • No “serious public inconvenience” as a matter of fact
  • Identification and reliability issues (conflicting statements, missing video)
  • Digital-evidence gaps (timestamps, edits, metadata)
  • No retaliation / no gang-related proof for felony grading


Domestic-violence tag (DV). If there’s a qualifying relationship (spouse/partner, family/household, etc.), the State can add a DV designation, which can trigger additional conditions like counseling, no-contact orders, and firearm implications. And protective orders are always an issue.


Possible outcomes

Every court and fact pattern is different, but options can include:

  • Dismissals when proof problems exist
  • Diversion (where available) or reduction to a lesser offense
  • Negotiated plea terms that minimize collateral fallout
  • Afterward, depending on the result, potential set-aside relief


What to do right now

  • Don’t discuss the incident with anyone but your lawyer
  • Preserve texts, DMs, call logs, and video (phone/Ring/CCTV)
  • Follow all release and no-contact conditions
  • Get a defense plan moving quickly—early action creates better options



Need Help Now?

Threats and Intimidation charges in Tucson or Southern Arizona can turn your life upside down. Don’t face them alone. At Taylor Law Group, PLLC, we offer free, confidential consultations and representation backed by nearly 25 years of criminal law experience — led by a former Pima County Judge.


đź“ž Call or text (520) 440-5635 anytime, 24/7.


We’re here to fight for your rights and protect your future.

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FAQs - Threats/Intimidation

     What counts as “threatening or intimidating” in Arizona?
A threat by words or conduct to injure a person, seriously damage property, or cause serious public inconvenience (like an evacuation). Certain gang/syndicate/racketeering threats are charged more severely.

      Is it always a misdemeanor?
No. Many cases are Class 1 misdemeanors, but it can be a Class 6 felony for retaliation against someone who reported a crime or if the person is a criminal street gang member, and a Class 3 felony for gang/syndicate/racketeering threats.

      Do I have to be face-to-face for a threat charge?
 Not necessarily. Threats can be made by words or conduct and may be communicated electronically or through others, depending on the facts. Context and credibility matter.

      Can a threatening/intimidating charge carry a domestic-violence tag?
Yes, if there’s a qualifying relationship under A.R.S. § 13-3601. That can add counseling, firearm, and no-contact implications.

      What defenses apply most often?
Lack of intent/knowledge, ambiguous language, protected speech, no “serious public inconvenience,” misidentification, and proof problems on retaliation/gang elements.

      Will this be on my record? Can it be fixed later?
A conviction creates a criminal record. Depending on the outcome, some clients later pursue set-aside relief; eligibility is case-specific.

      Can these cases be reduced, diverted, or dismissed?
Sometimes—especially where the evidence is weak, the language is ambiguous, or felony-grading facts aren’t proven. Early, targeted negotiation helps.

Why choose

TAYLOR LAW GROUP?


Ranked in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers

Over 25 Years of Criminal Defense Experience 

Proven Results In & Out of Court

We Are Available 24/7 for All Clients

Former Pima County Judge

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