What Is the Penalty for Threatening Someone With a Weapon Under the Saudi Weapons and Ammunition Law?

The crime of threatening someone with a weapon is considered one of the most serious offenses that threaten the security and safety of individuals within society, and its perpetrators must be dealt with through severe penalties. For this reason, the Saudi legal system imposes strict penalties on this crime.

These consist of two separate penalties. Criminal law punishes the offense of making threats with discretionary penalties determined by the competent judge based on the circumstances of the incident, while the Saudi Weapons and Ammunition Law punishes the offense of carrying a weapon. This means that a person who commits this offense may be subject to two penalties.

In this article, we will explain the penalty for threatening someone with a weapon, how this offense can be proven, and the best law firm specializing in such cases.

What Is the Penalty for Threatening Someone With a Weapon Under the Saudi Weapons and Ammunition Law?

Threatening someone with a weapon is considered a dual offense because it consists of two related crimes: the first is the threat itself, and the second is the offense involving the weapon. Accordingly, the resulting punishment may also be dual.

The penalty for the threat itself is a discretionary punishment determined by the criminal judge hearing the case, while the penalty relating to the weapon is governed by the provisions of the Saudi Weapons and Ammunition Law and depends on whether the weapon is licensed or unlicensed.

In the case of an unlicensed weapon, Article (40) of the Saudi Weapons and Ammunition Law provides:

“Anyone proven to possess an individual firearm or ammunition without a license shall be punished by imprisonment for a period not exceeding eighteen months, a fine not exceeding six thousand riyals, or either of these two penalties.”

This article explains the penalty established by the Saudi legislator for anyone who possesses a firearm or ammunition without a license. The offense is punishable by imprisonment for up to 18 months, a fine not exceeding SAR 6,000, or either of these two penalties.

In the case of a licensed weapon, Article (41) of the Weapons and Ammunition Law provides as follows:

“Anyone proven to have used a weapon that they are licensed to carry and possess for a purpose other than the purpose for which it was licensed shall be punished by imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year, a fine not exceeding five thousand riyals, or either of these two penalties.”

It can be understood from this article that using a licensed weapon as a means to intimidate or threaten others may be punishable by imprisonment for up to one year and a fine not exceeding SAR 5,000 because the weapon is being used for a purpose other than the one for which it was licensed.

Accordingly, the role of the criminal judge hearing the case is to determine the discretionary punishment resulting from the threat offense, in addition to the penalties prescribed under the Saudi Weapons and Ammunition Law, and to punish the offender accordingly.

Learn more about: Penalty for Verbal Threats under Saudi law

Penalty for Brandishing a Knife at Someone

A knife is considered one of the bladed weapons identified under Article (1) of the Saudi Weapons and Ammunition Law as any blunt, piercing, or cutting instrument.

Since the Saudi legal system does not prescribe a specific penalty for carrying bladed weapons, unlike firearms or weapons that require ammunition, the penalty for carrying a knife in Saudi Arabia and threatening someone with it is the same as the penalty for threatening someone with a bladed weapon, namely a discretionary punishment determined by the criminal judge hearing the case.

However, the criminal judge may refer to the provisions of the Saudi Weapons and Ammunition Law when determining the appropriate discretionary punishment for the accused, particularly because a knife, especially one used in the home, is generally considered an item that may lawfully be purchased and used according to prevailing social customs.

Therefore, using a knife for a purpose other than its intended purpose may allow the application of the provisions of Article (41) of the Saudi Weapons and Ammunition Law, on the basis that the weapon was used for a purpose other than the purpose for which its use was permitted.

This may mean that the accused can be punished by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine not exceeding SAR 5,000, or either of these two penalties.

How Can the Crime of Threatening Someone With a Weapon Be Proven in Saudi Arabia?

The crime of threatening someone with a weapon in Saudi Arabia is established when the legal elements of the offense are present. These elements include the following:

• Material Element

The material element consists of the criminal conduct represented by statements containing threats against others, whether in writing or verbally, causing the victim to feel fear and panic.

• Mental Element

The mental element consists of the offender’s criminal intent in carrying out the threatening act despite being aware that the conduct constitutes an offense, while acting voluntarily and without any pressure.

The victim may need to provide evidence proving that the offense occurred, such as witness testimony or digital evidence including emails or text messages, in order to establish that the act was committed by the offender.

If the offense is proven against the offender, the judge determines the appropriate penalty based on the offender’s intent and the circumstances and consequences of the incident.

Best Law Firm for Weapon Threat Cases in Saudi Arabia

Weapon threat cases are among the most serious criminal cases under the Saudi legal system because they affect public security and may expose perpetrators to strict penalties that can include lengthy prison sentences. For this reason, it is important in such cases to seek the assistance of a specialized lawyer with extensive experience in handling this type of case.

At Nawaf bin Awad Al-Harbi Law Firm, you will find a group of highly experienced lawyers in criminal cases, particularly weapon threat cases. They provide accurate legal advice to clarify your legal position, analyze the evidence submitted, and represent you before the court.

This helps ensure that your case proceeds correctly in accordance with the law under the supervision of experienced lawyers who handle the legal procedures on your behalf. Do not hesitate to contact us if you are looking for a law firm specializing in criminal cases and other legal matters.

Contact — the Best Criminal Cases Lawyer — now to handle your weapon threat case from start to finish, prepare the evidence, and file the report correctly to protect your rights and hold the offender accountable under Saudi law.

Conclusion

We have now answered the question of what the penalty for threatening someone with a weapon is. It is clear that the punishment may involve two penalties because this offense poses a serious risk to the lives, security, and safety of individuals. This has led the Saudi legislator to impose deterrent penalties on anyone who commits such an act and threatens the security and safety of individuals within society.

You can also read about: Penalty for Death Threats and the Public Prosecution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Penalty for Brandishing a Weapon and Making Threats in Saudi Arabia?

The penalty for brandishing a weapon and making threats varies depending on whether the weapon is licensed or unlicensed. If the weapon is licensed, using it in this way may be considered using it for a purpose other than the purpose for which it was licensed.

Accordingly, the penalty may be applied under Article (41) of the Saudi Weapons and Ammunition Law, which provides that the punishment in such a case may be imprisonment for up to one year, a fine not exceeding SAR 5,000, or either of these two penalties.

If the weapon is unlicensed, the penalty is governed by Article (40), which provides for imprisonment for up to 18 months, a fine not exceeding SAR 6,000, or either of these two penalties.

What Is the Legal Ruling on Threatening Someone With a Weapon?

Threatening someone with a weapon is subject to a discretionary punishment, meaning that the criminal judge hearing the case determines the penalty to be imposed for the offense. The penalties prescribed under the Saudi Weapons and Ammunition Law may also be taken into account where the case involves possession or use of an unlicensed weapon or the use of a licensed weapon for a purpose other than that for which it was licensed.

What Is the Legal Ruling on Threatening Someone With a Knife in Saudi Arabia?

If a person threatens others using a knife, this constitutes a violation of the law and may expose that person to legal liability. Such acts are generally punished under applicable criminal laws, with the penalty depending on the circumstances of the case and the seriousness of the threat.