Can you go to jail for threatening someone via text message?
In today’s digital world, text messages can be sent instantly, but the consequences of what you send can last a lifetime. A question that often comes up in legal discussions is: Can you go to jail for threatening someone via text message? The answer is yes – in many cases, threatening someone via text message is a crime that can result in jail time, a fine or even a criminal record.
What is a criminal threat?
A criminal threat occurs when someone threatens another person and the threat causes the victim to have a legitimate fear for their own safety or that of their loved ones. Even if the person making the threat never intended to carry it out, the fear caused and the wording of the message are of utmost legal importance.
Text messages as evidence
SMS are written documents and can be used as direct evidence in court. Police and prosecutors can retrieve text files from phones or mobile carriers, and victims can provide screenshots as evidence. Because the threat is documented, there is little room for denial or misinterpretation.
Legal Consequences of Threatening Text Messages
The exact penalties vary by country and jurisdiction, but these are the most common charges and possible penalties:
Crime Criminal Threats
Up to 1 year in prison
Fines
Community Service
Probation Service
Restraining Order
Crime Criminal Threats
1–5+ years in prison (depending on severity)
Higher fines
Long-term or permanent no-contact orders
Criminal record (with consequences for work, travel, rights)
When is texting a crime?
A text message can be considered a criminal threat if it:
Clearly shows intent to harm (e.g., “I’m going to hurt you”)
Indicates the use of a weapon or violence
Directed towards a specific person or group
Instills fear in the recipient
Engages in repeated harassment or stalking
For example, a message that says, “Watch out, I know where you live” can be taken seriously, even if the sender claims it was a joke.
Cyberbullying, Harassment, and Stalking Laws
In many states and countries, laws against cyberbullying and electronic harassment also apply to threatening text messages. Repeatedly sending threatening or hostile messages—even without a direct threat of physical violence—can still lead to criminal charges.
What if you were joking?
Claiming it was just a joke is often not tenable in court if:
The news caused real fear
The wording seemed serious
There has been tension or previous threats in the past
The intent behind the message is important, but even more importantly, the effect on the recipient weighs heavily in court cases.
What to do if you receive a threatening text message?
If you receive a threatening text message:
Do not respond.
Take screenshots of the message.
Contact the police.
Consider a restraining order if you feel unsafe.
If the harassment continues, notify your mobile operator or platform.
Diploma
Yes, you can absolutely go to jail if you threaten someone via text message. Whether it is a one-time threat or an ongoing nuisance, the law takes digital threats seriously. As our conversations increasingly take place online or via text, it’s important to remember that what you send can be used in court – and that words once sent cannot be taken back.
