Denton County Harassment Lawyer | Defense Attorney

Harassment charges in Denton County typically involve repeated unwanted contact that causes emotional distress or fear. Under Texas Penal Code § 42.07, these charges can result in significant fines and jail time. You need a Denton County harassment attorney who understands the law and knows how to challenge weak evidence.

Most harassment cases start with a simple misunderstanding that spirals into criminal charges. What you say to police in the first few hours can determine the outcome of your case. This is why getting legal advice immediately matters more than trying to explain yourself.

The criminal justice system moves quickly once charges are filed. Prosecutors in Denton County handle hundreds of cases and may not have time to investigate the full context of what happened. Without strong legal representation, you risk being convicted based on incomplete or one-sided information.

What Harassment Means Under Texas Law

Texas Penal Code § 42.07 defines harassment as conduct intended to harass, annoy, alarm, abuse, torment, or embarrass another person. The law covers three main types of behavior that can lead to criminal charges.

The first type involves initiating communication by telephone, text message, email, or social media and making obscene comments, threats, or repeated contact with intent to harass. The second type covers threatening harm to someone or their property in a manner reasonably likely to cause alarm. The third type includes publishing repeated electronic communications in a manner likely to cause emotional distress.

What makes harassment charges complicated is the subjective nature of the offense. The law requires that your conduct was done with intent to harass and that it caused the alleged victim to feel alarmed or distressed. Prosecutors must prove both elements beyond a reasonable doubt.

Many harassment cases stem from domestic disputes, neighbor conflicts, or workplace disagreements where emotions run high. A heated argument does not automatically become harassment just because someone felt upset. Context matters, and experienced defense attorneys know how to present that context to prosecutors and juries.

When Does Annoying Behavior Become a Crime?

Not every unwanted phone call or angry text message rises to the level of criminal harassment. The behavior must be intentional, repeated, and severe enough to cause alarm or distress to a reasonable person. A single argument or complaint, even if heated, rarely meets this threshold.

The distinction between protected speech and criminal harassment often depends on the totality of circumstances. Calling someone once to voice a complaint is legal. Calling them 30 times in one day to continue an argument may cross the line. Sending one angry email typically is not harassment. Sending dozens of threatening messages over several weeks could be.

Police and prosecutors sometimes charge harassment in situations where no crime occurred. Someone may file a report because they want to win a custody battle or gain leverage in a civil dispute. False allegations happen more often than most people realize, especially in cases involving former romantic partners or family members.

Penalties and Consequences

A standard harassment charge under Texas Penal Code § 42.07(c) is a Class B misdemeanor. If convicted, you face up to 180 days in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000. While this may seem minor compared to felony charges, the consequences extend far beyond jail time.

A harassment conviction creates a permanent criminal record that appears on background checks. This can affect your ability to get hired, rent an apartment, obtain professional licenses, or own a firearm. The conviction stays on your record forever unless you qualify for expungement or nondisclosure.

In some cases, harassment charges can be enhanced to more serious offenses. If you have a prior harassment conviction, the charge becomes a Class A misdemeanor with penalties up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. If the alleged victim is a public servant or if the harassment involves certain threats, prosecutors may file felony charges.

Beyond the criminal penalties, a harassment charge can trigger protective orders that restrict where you can go and who you can contact. Violating a protective order is a separate criminal offense that carries its own penalties, including potential jail time.

Bond Amounts for Harassment Charges

If you’re arrested for harassment in Denton County, the judge will set a bond amount at your initial hearing. While we don’t yet have comprehensive Denton County bond data available, information from neighboring Tarrant County provides useful context for what to expect.

In our analysis of 52,320 bonds set in Tarrant County during 2025, we found that the most common bond for harassment charges under Texas Penal Code § 42.07(c) was $1,000. The average bond for these cases was approximately $2,426. Bond amounts varied based on factors like criminal history, the severity of the allegations, and whether protective orders were involved.

Several factors influence the bond amount a judge sets. Prior criminal history, especially prior harassment or assault convictions, typically results in higher bonds. If the alleged victim is a family member or someone with whom you have a protective order, the bond may be set higher. Courts also consider whether you’re employed, have strong ties to the community, and pose a flight risk.

Harassment charges involving public servants carry higher bonds. Based on Tarrant County data, bonds for harassment of a public servant under Texas Penal Code § 22.11(b) averaged $10,710, with the most common bond set at $3,500. These enhanced charges carry more serious penalties and higher bonds because they involve threats against law enforcement officers, judges, or other government officials.

Your Denton County harassment attorney can argue for a lower bond or request modifications to bond conditions at your first court appearance. Having legal representation at your bond hearing often results in more favorable terms and conditions of release.

Common Defenses to Harassment Charges

The prosecution must prove every element of harassment beyond a reasonable doubt. This means they must show that you intended to harass and that a reasonable person would have felt alarmed or distressed by your conduct. Strong defenses exist even in cases where contact occurred.

One common defense challenges the intent element. If your contact was for a legitimate purpose like collecting a debt, discussing a legal matter, or exercising your free speech rights, you did not have the intent to harass. Many harassment charges arise from heated but lawful disagreements where no criminal intent existed.

Another defense focuses on the alleged victim’s reaction. If their claim of distress is unreasonable or exaggerated, the prosecution cannot prove harassment occurred. Someone who feels annoyed by a single text message typically has not experienced the level of alarm or distress the law requires.

False allegations provide another defense in harassment cases. When the alleged victim has a motive to lie, such as gaining advantage in a divorce or custody case, your attorney can expose inconsistencies in their story and present evidence of their motive. Phone records, text messages, and witness statements often contradict false claims.

Constitutional protections also limit what conduct can be criminalized as harassment. The First Amendment protects certain speech even when it causes offense or distress. Political speech, religious expression, and criticism of public figures receive strong protection. Your attorney can argue that the prosecution is attempting to punish protected speech.

Related Charges You May Face

Harassment charges rarely stand alone. Prosecutors often file additional charges based on the same conduct or related incidents. Understanding these related offenses helps you prepare for what the state may allege.

Stalking charges represent a more serious escalation from harassment. While harassment typically involves unwanted communication, stalking requires repeated following or surveillance that causes fear. Stalking is usually charged as a third-degree felony with penalties of 2 to 10 years in prison.

If your alleged harassment involved threats of violence, prosecutors may charge you with terroristic threat. This offense involves threatening to commit violence with intent to place someone in fear of serious bodily injury. Depending on the circumstances, terroristic threat can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor or a felony.

Assault charges may accompany harassment allegations if any physical contact occurred. Even minor contact like grabbing someone’s arm during an argument can be charged as assault by contact. When combined with harassment allegations, prosecutors often file multiple charges to increase plea bargaining leverage.

In cases involving electronic communication, prosecutors sometimes add charges like online impersonation or improper photography. These additional charges complicate your case and increase potential penalties if convicted on multiple counts.

What Happens After an Arrest in Denton County

The criminal process in Denton County follows a predictable sequence of events. Understanding what to expect helps you make better decisions at each stage. Most people arrested for harassment are taken to the Denton County Jail for booking and processing.

Your first court appearance, called an arraignment, typically occurs within 48 hours if you remain in custody. At this hearing, the judge informs you of the charges, sets your bond, and appoints an attorney if you cannot afford one.

After arraignment, your case enters the pretrial phase where your attorney investigates the allegations, reviews evidence, and negotiates with prosecutors. This stage often lasts several months. During this time, your lawyer files motions to suppress evidence, challenge probable cause, or dismiss charges based on constitutional violations.

Many harassment cases resolve through plea negotiations. Your attorney may negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce charges, recommend probation instead of jail time, or secure dismissal in exchange for completing anger management classes or avoiding contact with the alleged victim. The strength of the evidence and your criminal history significantly affect these negotiations.

If no plea agreement is reached, your case proceeds to trial. At trial, the prosecution must prove every element of harassment beyond a reasonable doubt. Your attorney presents evidence, cross-examines witnesses, and argues that the state has not met its burden. Trials typically last one to three days depending on the complexity of the case.

How Protective Orders Complicate Harassment Cases

Alleged victims of harassment often seek protective orders, which can dramatically complicate your legal situation. A protective order is a civil court order that prohibits you from contacting someone or going near certain places. Violating a protective order is a separate criminal offense.

Protective orders can be issued on an emergency basis with little evidence and without you being present to defend yourself. The alleged victim simply tells a judge they feel threatened, and the judge issues a temporary order. You get a hearing 14 to 20 days later where you can challenge the order, but by then significant damage may be done.

Once a protective order is in place, any contact with the alleged victim, even accidental, can result in new criminal charges for violating the order. These violations often carry harsher penalties than the original harassment charge. You could be arrested for sending a text message, showing up at a location where the person happens to be, or having someone else deliver a message on your behalf.

Protective orders also affect your Second Amendment rights. While the order is in effect, you cannot possess firearms. If you own guns, you must surrender them or arrange for someone else to hold them. Failing to comply with this requirement is a federal crime.

Your attorney can fight to have protective orders modified or dismissed. This requires presenting evidence that the alleged victim exaggerated threats or filed false allegations. Success depends on having strong documentation of the actual events and exposing inconsistencies in the other person’s story.

Real Case Example

In April 2025, our firm represented a client facing a stalking charge in Tarrant County. The case arose from a dispute where the alleged victim claimed our client repeatedly followed and contacted them in a threatening manner. The prosecution sought a lengthy prison sentence given the felony nature of the charge.

Our attorney, Audrey Hatcher, conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations. We gathered evidence showing that much of the contact was initiated by the alleged victim, not our client. We also documented inconsistencies in the victim’s timeline of events and demonstrated that our client’s behavior did not meet the legal definition of stalking.

Through skilled negotiation with prosecutors, we secured a plea agreement that reduced the stalking charge significantly. Our client received three years of deferred adjudication probation with a review of their ankle monitor after one year. This outcome avoided a felony conviction and the lengthy prison sentence the state originally sought. The case demonstrates the importance of thorough investigation and strong negotiation skills in harassment and stalking cases.

Why Harassment Charges Happen in Denton County

Most harassment charges in Denton County stem from relationship conflicts where emotions run high. Divorces, custody battles, and breakups often lead to accusations that one party harassed the other through repeated calls, texts, or social media messages. Police frequently make arrests in these situations even when the evidence is weak.

Neighbor disputes represent another common source of harassment charges. Arguments over property lines, noise complaints, or homeowner association issues can escalate into accusations of harassment. One person files a police report claiming they feel threatened, and suddenly the other person faces criminal charges.

Workplace conflicts also generate harassment cases. An employee who feels mistreated by a coworker or supervisor may file criminal charges rather than pursuing internal company remedies. These charges often lack merit but still require a full criminal defense investigation to resolve.

Social media has created new opportunities for harassment charges. What someone posts online can be seen as threatening or alarming even when no direct threat was made. Vague posts about being angry or upset can be twisted into evidence of intent to harass when prosecutors want to build a case.

Mistakes That Hurt Your Harassment Defense

The most damaging mistake people make is talking to police without an attorney present. You may think you can explain the situation and clear up the misunderstanding. In reality, anything you say will be used to build a stronger case against you. Police are trained to extract incriminating statements even from innocent people.

Another common mistake is violating no-contact orders or protective orders. You may believe you have a good reason to contact the alleged victim, such as discussing child custody or retrieving belongings. Any contact, regardless of the reason, violates the order and creates a new criminal case against you.

Some people make the situation worse by continuing to contact the alleged victim through third parties or social media. They ask friends to deliver messages or post things online hoping the person will see them. These actions provide prosecutors with additional evidence of harassment and show that you violated court orders.

Deleting text messages, emails, or social media posts is another critical mistake. This can be charged as tampering with evidence, a separate criminal offense. Even if you believe the messages hurt your case, deleting them only makes things worse. Prosecutors can often recover deleted content and will argue that you destroyed evidence because you knew it was incriminating.

Some defendants try to represent themselves or hire attorneys with no experience handling harassment cases. Criminal defense requires specific knowledge of evidence rules, constitutional protections, and negotiation strategies. The stakes are too high to trust your case to someone without the right experience.

What to Expect From Varghese Summersett

When you hire Varghese Summersett to defend your harassment case, we immediately begin building your defense. We analyze the charging documents to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We gather evidence that contradicts the allegations or shows the alleged victim’s claims are exaggerated or false.

We interview witnesses who can testify about what really happened. We subpoena phone records, text messages, social media posts, and other electronic evidence. We hire experts when necessary to analyze digital evidence or provide testimony about psychological issues relevant to your case.

Our attorneys have handled over 1,600 dismissals and 800 charge reductions across criminal cases. We know how to challenge weak evidence, suppress illegally obtained statements, and present compelling arguments to prosecutors and judges. We leverage our relationships with prosecutors to negotiate favorable plea agreements when appropriate.

We prepare every case for trial while pursuing dismissal or reduction of charges. Prosecutors take us seriously because they know we have the resources and trial experience to win at trial if necessary. This reputation often results in better plea offers and more favorable outcomes for our clients.

Throughout your case, we keep you informed about developments and explain your options at each stage. You make the final decisions, but you do so with complete information about risks and benefits. We are available to answer questions and address concerns as your case progresses.

Our firm has more than 70 team members across offices in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, and Southlake. This allows us to handle cases throughout North Texas with the resources of a large firm while maintaining the personal attention clients deserve. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but our track record demonstrates our commitment to fighting for the best possible result in every case.

Don’t wait to protect your rights. Talk to a lawyer before you speak to police. Our harassment defense attorneys are ready to evaluate your case and discuss your options. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be charged with harassment for sending text messages to my ex-partner?

Yes, if you send repeated messages with intent to harass, annoy, or alarm your ex-partner. A single text message typically does not meet the legal threshold for harassment. However, if you send numerous messages over time, especially after being told to stop, prosecutors may file charges under Texas Penal Code § 42.07. The key factors are whether your messages were intended to harass and whether they caused the recipient reasonable alarm or distress.

What should I do if someone files false harassment charges against me?

Hire an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately and do not contact the person who made the allegations. False allegations are more common than most people realize, especially in divorce and custody disputes. Your attorney will investigate the claims, gather evidence showing the allegations are false, and present this evidence to prosecutors. Documentation like text messages, emails, and witness statements often exposes inconsistencies in false claims. Never try to confront the alleged victim or their witnesses, as this can result in additional charges.

How long does a harassment case take to resolve in Denton County?

Most harassment cases take three to six months from arrest to resolution, though complex cases can take longer. The timeline depends on factors like the strength of the evidence, whether you have prior convictions, and whether the case goes to trial. Simple misdemeanor cases with minimal evidence often resolve quickly through dismissal or favorable plea agreements. Cases involving protective orders, multiple charges, or strong evidence may take longer as your attorney investigates and negotiates with prosecutors.

Will a harassment conviction affect my gun rights?

A harassment conviction itself does not automatically prohibit you from owning firearms under federal law. However, if a protective order is issued as part of your case, you cannot possess firearms while the order is in effect. Additionally, if the harassment involved a family member and you are convicted of a crime of domestic violence, you lose your gun rights permanently under federal law. The specific impact on your Second Amendment rights depends on the facts of your case and how charges are resolved.

Can harassment charges be expunged from my record?

If your harassment case is dismissed or you are found not guilty at trial, you can petition for expunction to completely remove the arrest from your record. If you receive deferred adjudication probation and successfully complete it, you may be eligible for an order of nondisclosure, which seals your record from most background checks but does not completely erase it. If you are convicted, the conviction remains on your record permanently and cannot be removed. This is why fighting harassment charges is so important, as a conviction creates lasting consequences that affect employment, housing, and other opportunities.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Harassment charges carry serious consequences that extend far beyond fines and jail time. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record that affects your employment, housing, and reputation. Don’t leave your future to chance.

Varghese Summersett has defended thousands of clients facing criminal charges in Texas. We know how to challenge harassment allegations and protect your rights. Call (817) 203-2220 to speak with an experienced Denton County harassment defense attorney. Your consultation is free and confidential.