I have a friend who's father out of stupidity in court one morning made a verbal threat to the State's Attorney. The State had him arrested and taken straight to jail w/n/bail. Shortly thereafter he was prosecuted, found guilty of murder and sent to prison for life. He didn't lay a finger on anyone. He is just a hothead and was mad when he made the threat. Can they legally send him away for life when no one is dead or harmed?