Is it Illegal to Threaten Someone?

There are numerous reasons why an individual might make a verbal threat to someone else. Sometimes, the person might make the threat in jest. At other times, the individual might make the threat as a way of defending themselves – but without any intention of causing the other individual any type of physical injury or harm.

Regardless of the ultimate reason for making a threat, it is against the law in Texas for one person to threaten another person. Doing so may subject the individual making the threat to criminal assault charges – and to potential penalties if they ultimately incur a conviction. 

If you are currently pending a criminal assault charge, it is important that you have experienced legal representation in your case as quickly as possible. A lawyer could explain the charge and potential penalties to you and may be able to help you develop a strong legal defense to argue at trial.

If you are currently seeking legal representation in your criminal case, you should look no further than the experienced Texas criminal defense lawyers at the Law Office of David D. White, PLLC. Our legal team can review the circumstances of your arrest and charge with you, determine your legal options, and help you develop the best plan of action for your case. 

What is a Criminal Assault in Texas?

Pursuant to the Texas Penal Code, a person commits an assault against someone else when they “intentionally or knowingly threaten another (person) with imminent bodily injury, including the person’s spouse.” In some instances, a verbal threat made by one person against another may constitute an assault. Common verbal threats include:

• Making threats of physical harm to another person
• Threatening to kill another person
• Shouting at another person in a threatening or abusive manner
• Threatening a person over the phone or online with specific acts of violence
• Generally making threatening remarks to a person via the telephone or internet

Types of Criminal Assault Charges in Texas 

In most situations, criminal assault charges that result from verbal threats are Class C misdemeanors in Texas. If you ultimately sustain a conviction on that charge, you could receive a maximum fine of $500 plus a conviction on your record. However, to secure a conviction against you in court, the state prosecutor will first need to satisfy their legal burden beyond a reasonable doubt. 

In some situations, a prosecutor could bring more serious criminal charges, depending upon the situation. For example, if the accused made a threat that caused the alleged victim to fear for their safety, the accused might face a Class B misdemeanor charge. If the prosecutor ultimately secures a conviction against them, they could be looking at maximum monetary fines of $2,000, along with a maximum of 180 days of incarceration. 

Moreover, if the accused makes a threat against an individual who holds a restraining order against them, the accused might be looking at Class A misdemeanor charges. Upon conviction, they could receive a maximum monetary penalty of $4,000, along with one year of incarceration. 

Assault charges are serious business. Therefore, if you are currently pending one or more assault charges in Texas, it is essential that you retain experienced legal counsel to represent you right away. At the Law Office of David D. White, PLLC, we can ensure that your legal rights remain protected at all times while your case is pending and can help you make informed and intelligent decisions throughout your case. 

Talk with a Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer in Texas Right Away

At the Law Office of David D. White, PLLC, we can assist you with handling every component of your pending criminal case. In addition to formulating a strong legal defense to your pending criminal assault charge, we could represent you at your criminal trial or pursue a favorable plea deal from the state prosecutor handling your case. We’re committed to helping you secure the best possible outcome in your criminal case, whether that be through a favorable plea deal or trial result. 

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Texas criminal defense attorney, please call us at 512-369-3737 or contact us online to learn more.