Understanding Online Threat Laws

Summary

The user posted a status on Facebook expressing frustration towards a person who reported him for not leashing his dogs. The person felt threatened by the post and reported it to the police. The user was contacted by the police and asked to come in for a discussion. The user claims that the post was not intended as a threat, but as an expression of frustration. The case is currently ongoing.

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i posted a status on facebook stating
What exactly did you post and why do you believe it might be a legal issue?
"you better pray to god that nevers happens..... even he will not stop me" I also tagged the person.
Did the person you tagged feel threatened by your post or report it? In many jurisdictions, online threats can be considered a form of harassment or cyberbullying.
yes
What is your location? This will help me provide the most accurate information regarding your situation.
franklin,la
What was the context of your post? It's important to know as Louisiana law considers intent when evaluating online threats.
this woman called the cops on me for not having my dogs on a leash so i was given a ticket. this ended up causeing me to change my daily walking route. the new route i take with my dogs is a rough wooded area and the other day while on thnis route a snake nearly bit my dog so when i got home i made the status in regards to the past situation and person
Did you intend to threaten the person with your post or was it just an expression of frustration?

In Louisiana, intent is crucial in determining if a statement is considered a threat.
no i was wanting the person to know i was frustrated
What was the response of the person you tagged? Did they take any legal action against you?
'they called the local police station and the officer wants me to go speak to them
What did the police officer say when they contacted you?
that i need to come in and speak to them in regards to a social media post that i made and have since erased
What did you say to the police officer when they contacted you? In Louisiana, online threats can be considered harassment if they cause reasonable fear.
that i will speak to them
What date and time did the police officer ask you to come in?
a day after the incident
What was the exact date of the incident?
august * *
What was the exact wording of the post you made on Facebook?
you better pray to god that nevers happens..... even he will not stop me" I also tagged the person.
What was the reaction of the person you tagged to your post?
upset
What actions did the person you tagged take after seeing your post?
contacted the police thee following day
What was the nature of the conversation between the person you tagged and the police?
that i threatned them
What was the exact wording of the threat as reported by the person you tagged to the police?
i threatned her online via social media with harm
What was the exact wording of the threat as reported by the person you tagged to the police?
that **** promised to hurt me if his dog got bit from a snake
What actions have you taken since the police contacted you?
they are coming to speak to me
What is the date and time of your meeting with the police?
shortly
What is your current relationship with the person you tagged in the post?
not friends . just know from local area
What was the exact wording of the threat as reported by the person you tagged to the police?
**** threatned harm to me
What was your intention behind the statement you made on social media?
to show that her actions caused severe harm
What is the nature of the harm you believe her actions caused?
my dog almost getting hurt by a snake
What actions have you taken to ensure your dog's safety since the incident?
refrain from the new path
What actions have you taken to address the situation with the person you tagged in your post?
nothing
What is the current status of your case with the police?
not sure
What was the exact wording of the threat as reported by the person you tagged to the police?
he has an intent to harm me
What actions have been taken by the police since they contacted you?
nothing
What is the current status of your relationship with the person you tagged in the post?
nothing
What is the current status of your case with the police?
unsure
not sure
limbo
still on going
What is the current status of the investigation? Have you been charged with any crime?
on going
pending
What is the nature of the charges, if any, that have been filed against you?
none yet
What was the response of the police when you agreed to speak with them?
see me shortly
they will come see me shortly
What is the exact date and time of their visit?
august * * 4pm
What was the outcome of the police visit on August *, *?
it didnt occur yet
didnt happen yet
What is the current date and time?
august * * 158pm
august * * 158pm
What was the exact wording of your Facebook post?