Fort Bend County Terroristic Threat Defense
For most people the word terroristic conjures up images of vicious threats or horrific attacks by ISIS against innocent people. However, the term terroristic threat has a broader meaning and is generally understood as a threat of violence to a person in order to place that person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. In Texas, law enforcement takes terroristic threats very seriously. Both adults and juveniles can be arrested and charged with making terroristic threats.
Terroristic threats are used for purposes of intimidation or coercion, but sometimes a person is accused of making such a threat based on statements that were taken mostly out of context. While Americans have a right to free speech, the First Amendment does not protect all types of speech, such as language that is meant to incite the masses toward lawless action. In order to be convicted of making a terroristic threat, the prosecutor has the burden to prove that the person had the necessary criminal intent and that burden can sometimes be difficult to make.
Defense Attorneys for Terroristic Threat charges in Richmond, Texas
If you or your loved one was arrested in southeast Texas for allegedly making terroristic threats, you should have legal representation before speaking with the authorities. The defense attorneys of James G. Sullivan and Associates can fight for you with the goal to get these charges dismissed, reduced or won at trial.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys represent clients in all the Greater Houston area, including Katy, Cypress, Jersey Village, Bellaire, Spring, Humble, Pasadena, Channelview, Conroe, The Woodlands, Hempstead, Richmond, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Pearland, Angleton, Friendswood and Galveston. You can call (281) 546-6428 for a free consultation and case evaluation.
What is a Terroristic Threat in Texas?
According to Texas Penal Code § 22.07, a person commits an offense if he threatens to commit any offense involving violence to any person or property with intent to:
- cause a reaction of any type to his threat by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies;
- place any person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury;
- 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;
- cause impairment or interruption of public communications, public transportation, public water, gas, or power supply or other public service;
- place the public or a substantial group of the public in fear of serious bodily injury; or
- influence the conduct or activities of a branch or agency of the federal government, the state, or a political subdivision of the state.
Punishment for Terroristic Threat in Texas
Depending on the specific types of alleged activity involved, a terroristic threat charge can be filed as a:
- Class B Misdemeanor (punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000);
- Class A Misdemeanor (punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine up to $4,000);
- State Jail Felony (punishable by up to two years in jail and/or a fine up to $10,000); or
- Third Degree Felony (punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000).
A Class B Misdemeanor charge can be filed against an alleged offender who threatens to commit any offense involving violence to any person or property with intent to place any person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury; or cause a reaction of any type to his threat by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies.
A Class A Misdemeanor charge can be filed against an alleged offender who threatens to commit any offense involving violence to any person or property with intent to place in fear of imminent serious bodily injury a member of the alleged offender’s family or household (or otherwise constitutes family or dating violence) or a public servant, or 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.
A State Jail Felony charge can be filed against an alleged offender who threatens to commit any offense involving violence to any person or property with intent to 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 causing pecuniary loss of $1,500 or more to the owner of the building, room, place, or conveyance.
A Third Degree Felony charge can be filed against an alleged offender who threatens to commit any offense involving violence to any person or property with intent to cause impairment or interruption of public communications, public transportation, public water, gas, or power supply or other public service; place the public or a substantial group of the public in fear of serious bodily injury; or influence the conduct or activities of a branch or agency of the federal government, the state, or a political subdivision of the state.
Contact James G. Sullivan and Associates | Fort Bend County Terroristic Threat Lawyers
If you or your loved one are being investigated or were already arrested for allegedly making a terroristic threat in Fort Bend County, you should immediately retain legal counsel. James G. Sullivan and Associates can help determine your best possible defense and fight to obtain the most favorable result.
Our Fort Bend County criminal defense lawyers represent clients all over Harris County, Montgomery County, Fort Bend County, Waller County, Brazoria County and Galveston County. Call (281) 546-6428 for a free and confidential consultation.
