Statute of limitations on death threats

You should contact the police about this situation. You might also get an intervention therapist to set up an intervention session with your mom. She should seek the protection of the courts and get into some serious counseling to help her see the high level of abuse she is not dealing with. She could also go to court at any time and get a protection order with the free help of domestic violence advocates that are in the courthouse, waiting to help women like her. DISCLAIMER: This Answer is provided for general educational purposes only. By using or participating in this site you agree and understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the attorney responding, and no attorney-client confidentiality. The law changes frequently, and varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The information provided in this Answer is general in nature and may not apply to the factual circumstances described in your question. The applicable law and the appropriate answer may be different in the State or States where the relevant facts occurred. For a definitive answer you should seek legal advice from an attorney who (1) is licensed to practice in the state which has jurisdiction; (2) has experience in the area of law you are asking about, and (3) has been retained as your attorney for representation or consultation. Your question and the attorney’s answer may be used for promotional or educational purposes.

It appears from your statement that your mom should get a protective order. It is fairly easy to do that. Domestic violence often goes in cycles: 1. a buildup of tension 2. violence, 3. remorse and make up, 4. another buildup of tension. Getting your mom out of that cycle might be difficult, but necessary. [In accordance with the community guidelines, this communication does not constitute "legal advice", nor does it form an attorney-client relationship.]

Your question includes legal issues and far more personal issues. The statute of limitations for threats to kill, under the law, is three years. If charged as a misdemeanor, it's two years. The level of police interest becomes much less after even a few weeks for a crime like this. You can contact the police. You also can go to the prosecutor's office and ask to speak to a domestic violence advocate. Discuss the situation with her and see what she might suggest. You also can contact the domestic violence hotline for Washington: 800-562-6025. Check out the website of the Washington Coalition Against Domestic Violence, www.wcadv.org. It has suggestions and contacts. It is not clear to me that your mother yet has the courage to seek held or get a restraining order. Some of these resources may help her find that courage. I am glad that you have now found yours. Be brave, but be cautious. End the silence: tell others what is happening. I hope some of these resources will help you do that.