Get Help From Houston Terroristic Threats Attorney
If you or your loved one have been charged with making a terroristic threat, you should contact a Houston terroristic threat lawyer and criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Our criminal defense team at Leeds Law Firm can help if you have been charged with making a terroristic threat in Houston.
What is a terroristic threat charge?
People learning about a terroristic threat charge may be confused at first. After all, the charge makes it sound like the accused person was a terrorist, but the charge is a little broader than that. A terroristic threat is a charge used by the police to arrest someone they believe made threats and intended to cause a disturbance or cause harm. This way, law officers have the option of intervening before physical harm has been done.
However, it is important to note that the threat has to have been made with intent to cause harm. That limitation on the law helps protect the first amendment right to free speech.
What are the Penalties for Making Terroristic Threats in Texas?
In Texas, there are a wide range of penalties for making terroristic threats depending on the nature of the threat and the severity of it.
The mildest charge of a terroristic threat is a class B misdemeanor. Class B misdemeanors carry a maximum penalty of up to 180 days in jail and or a fine of up to $2,000.
The highest charge for making a terroristic threat, under normal circumstances, is a 3rd-degree felony. In Texas, a 3rd-degree felony is a fine of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
What is The Difference Between Terroristic Threats And Simple Assault?
If you are familiar with Texas law, you may have already noticed that terroristic threat charges are very similar to simple assault charges. You can be charged with simple assault for making threats that cause the person receiving the threat to have a reasonable fear of bodily harm.
The main difference is intent. Terroristic threat requires that the person making the threat intends to cause fear or a change in behavior, regardless of whether they actually intend to carry out what they threaten.
Terroristic threats may also be charged even if the person, people, or institution threatened do not feel fear.
Get in touch with our Houston Terroristic Threat Lawyer Today!
If you or a loved one are charged with making a terroristic threat, it is important to contact a criminal defense lawyer to help with representation as soon as possible.
