Terroristic Threat
When many of us think of threats related to terrorism, we imagine suicide bombers or people hijacking airplanes. These are certainly criminal acts, but Texas law can be quite broad when it comes to determining what types of threats are considered terroristic.
For a person who is convicted of these charges, the consequences can be devastating. In addition to possible imprisonment and fines, that person could also lose several individual rights, including the rights to vote, serve in the military, or obtain a concealed handgun license.
Houston Terroristic Threat Lawyer
If you have been accused of making threats which were terroristic in nature, you will want to contact an experienced Houston criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Matt Horak has been defending clients in the greater Houston area against all types of criminal charges for more than a decade.
Horak Law helps people facing these types of charges in Harris County, Waller County, Galveston County, Brazoria County, Montgomery County, Liberty County, and Fort Bend County. You can call our firm at (713) 225-8000 or toll-free at [phone-tollfree] to get a complete evaluation of your case during a confidential consultation.
Overview of Terroristic Threats in Harris County
- What kind of charges can a person face?
- What are the possible punishments if a person is convicted?
- Are there any defenses against these charges?
Texas Terroristic Threat Charges
Under Texas Penal Code § 22.07, a person can be charged for a threat that is terroristic if he or she threatens to commit any offense involving violence to any person or property with the intent to either:
- cause a reaction of any type to his threat by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies — Class B misdemeanor
- place any person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury — Class B misdemeanor, but can be Class A misdemeanor if the offense:
- is committed against a member of the person’s family or household or otherwise, constitutes family violence
- is committed against a public servant.
- prevent or interrupt the occupation or use of a building, room, place of assembly, place to which the public has access, place of employment or occupation, aircraft, automobile, or other form of conveyance, or other public place — Class A misdemeanor, but can be state jail felony if the actor causes pecuniary loss of $1,500 or more to the owner of the building, room, place, or conveyance
- cause impairment or interruption of public communications, public transportation, public water, gas, or power supply or other public service — Third-degree felony
- place the public or a substantial group of the public in fear of serious bodily injury — Third-degree felony
- influence the conduct or activities of a branch or agency of the federal government, the state, or a political subdivision of the state — Third-degree felony
Terroristic Threat Penalties in Houston
The level of punishment if you are convicted of this offense depends on the specific classification of the crime for which you allegedly committed:
- Class B Misdemeanor — Up to 180 days in jail and/or maximum fine of $2,000
- Class A Misdemeanor — Up to one year in jail and/or maximum fine of $4,000
- State Jail Felony — Up to two years in state jail and a maximum fine of $10,000
- Third-Degree Felony — Up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000
Texas Terroristic Threat Defenses
There may be several defenses that can result in the charges against you being reduced or dismissed. Every case is unique, but some of the possible defenses include, though they are not limited to:
- First Amendment rights
- Lack of evidence
- Mistaken identity
- No intention to follow through with terroristic threat
- Victim overreaction or exaggerated claims
Find a Terroristic Threat Lawyer in Houston
Horak Law aggressively defends clients all over the Houston area, including Galveston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Conroe, Spring, Pasadena, Richmond-Rosenberg, Missouri City, League City, and Pearland. He is devoted to protecting your rights, and he will thoroughly investigate your case to help build the strongest possible defense against the violent crime charges you face.
Let Matt Horak review your case to see what he can do for you. You can receive a free legal consultation when you call us at (713) 225-8000 or toll-free at [phone-tollfree] today.
