Ex-Prosecutor's Facebook Threats Against Boss Net Criminal Charges
A former Virginia prosecutor could go to jail for ten years for making a Facebook threat against his former boss. Clifton C. Hicks has been charged with the felony of making threats.
It seems the ex-prosecutor posted on his Facebook page that he was tired of being intimidated by his former boss and wanted to kick his rear end.
In light of recent mass shootings and other tragedies, the target of the threat, Virginia Attorney General Greg Underwood, contacted authorities and indicated that he took the threat seriously, reports The Virginian-Pilot. As a result, Hicks now faces a class 5 felony charge and could face up to ten years in jail for the stupid Facebook comment.
Many people don't give a second thought to what they post on Facebook or Twitter. In fact, many people have probably posted a lot worse than what Clifton C. Hicks wrote. Hicks' mother even said her son believed his speech was protected under the First Amendment, reports the Pilot.
However, while one generally has the right to make comments about whatever he wants, an individual cannot make threats and threaten the safety of others. This is especially true in light of the Colorado shootings and Underwood's position as Virginia's attorney general.
Clifton C. Hicks worked at the Virginia prosecutors office for ten years, leaving in April 2010. He clearly harbored a lot of resentment against his former bosses. However, whether the 41-year-old Hicks will be imprisoned for his stupid Facebook threats may just depend upon if a reasonable person could have considered the Facebook remarks threatening.
Related Resources:
- Former Prosecutor Allegedly Threatened His Boss on Facebook, Now Faces Criminal Charges (Above the Law)
- NY Mom Sent Death Threats to Little League Coach (FindLaw's Blotter)
- Fatal Beating Posted on Facebook a Teen 'Game' (FindLaw's Blotter)
- Twitter Transparency Reveals Government's Social Media Demands (FindLaw's Technologist)