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Texas Penal Code Section 22.07 defines the offense of terroristic threat as a threat to commit any offense involving violence to any person or property with specific intent. This is generally a Class B misdemeanor in Texas, but it can also be filed as a felony.
A terroristic threat has to be made with the intent for one of the following:
When most people think of terroristic threats, they envision threats of mass shootings, bombings, or other acts of domestic terrorism. As you can see from above, terroristic threats can involve less sinister statements.
For example, we routinely see people charged with making a terroristic threat after being accused of making a threat that causes another person to be in fear of imminent serious bodily injury – notice the word “imminent.” Threats such as “I will f— you up next time I see you,” may not be deemed imminent. Similarly, a threat such as, “I am going to slap you,” will likely not be considered terroristic threat because a slap is not likely to cause serious bodily injury.
Several people in North Texas have been arrested recently on charges of making a terroristic threat after claiming they have coronavirus and threatening to spread it.
In all cases, the threats appeared to be unfounded.
If you or a loved one is facing a charge of making a terroristic threat in Fort Worth or the surrounding cities, it’s urgent that you contact an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible. Not only can this charge carry stiff penalties, but it also carries with it a stigma that can jeopardize your personal and professional reputation. We can help. Our team of attorneys has decades of experience handling high-profile, high-stakes criminal cases and will work tirelessly to achieve a favorable outcome. Call today for a free consultation with a Fort Worth terroristic threat lawyer.
“Serious bodily injury” means bodily injury that creates a substantial risk of death or that causes death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.
The penalties for making a terroristic threat can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the classification of the threat.
It is a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine if the defendant:
It is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a maximum $4,000 fine if the defendant:
It is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a maximum $2,000 fine if the defendant:
Class B Misdemeanors in Texas
If you have been charged with making a terrorist threat, you must talk to a skilled Fort Worth terroristic threat attorney. Time is of the essence. We will listen to the facts and circumstances and discuss ways to challenge and defend the charges. Sometimes there is a fine line between making a terroristic threat and freedom of speech. Call today to maximize your chances of achieving favorable results.