In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Local official” means an individual serving in a publicly elected office of a local government unit, as defined in § 10–101 of the State Government Article. “State official” has the meaning stated in § 5–101 of the General Provisions Article. “State official” includes the Governor, Governor–elect, Lieutenant Governor, and Lieutenant Governor–elect. “Threat” includes: an oral threat; or a threat in any written form, whether or not the writing is signed, or if the writing is signed, whether or not it is signed with a fictitious name or any other mark. A person may not knowingly and willfully make a threat to take the life of, kidnap, or cause physical injury to a State official, a local official, a deputy State’s Attorney, an assistant State’s Attorney, or an assistant Public Defender. A person may not knowingly send, deliver, part with, or make for the purpose of sending or delivering a threat prohibited under subsection (b) of this section. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both.