A 22-year-old man, R.B., was stabbed near a children's party in Hillcrest, New York on June 9. After a gun was waved at the crowd of people during a fight in front of the home, they and witnesses saw R.B. stumbling from the scene. The victim died on the street shortly after. Originally a suspect in the murder, 20-year-old Bronx resident, O.W., was charged with menacing after waving a phony handgun at the fight. Investigators are stilling searching for the person or people responsible for the fatal stabbing.
Menacing in the third degree, a class B misdemeanor, occurs when one individual places another in fear of death or injury. It is punishable by up to 90 days in jail. Menacing in the second degree is a class A misdemeanor and is committed with a deadly weapon something resembling a firearm. This crime can also occur when the individual places the victim in fear through repeated acts over a period of time or violates an order of protection. It is punishable by up to 1 year in jail. Menacing in the first degree occurs when someone is guilty of menacing in the second degree and has been previously convicted of menacing in the second degree or menacing a police office or peace officer within the last 10 years. It is a Class E felony, which is punishable by up to 4 years in prison.
If you have been charged with menacing, it is important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. A Rockland County weapons lawyer from the Law Office of Brian Berkowitz understands that New York takes menacing crimes seriously and is prepared to aggressively defend your freedom. If you are interested in learning more about your rights and options, take advantage of my free case evaluation or contact us today!