Harassment in the State of Texas
May 4, 2020 @ 05:57 PM — by Jason Trumpler, P.C.
Harassment Attorney in Austin, Texas
CONTACT US TODAY AT 512-457-5200
The Texas Penal Code defines criminal harassment in the State of Texas as the use of electronic or written communication intended to “harass, annoy, alarm, abuse, torment, or embarrass another person. Harassment is an admittedly vague term, and covers a wide range of behaviors.
Examples of harassment include:
- Make a statement to another person that might be considered obscene.
- Threaten another person or their property with bodily injury.
- Falsely report to someone that another person is dead or has been seriously injured.
- Repeatedly call someone’s phone with the intent to annoy or harass them.
- Make a phone call and fail to hang up the phone after the conversation has ended.
- Allow someone else to use your phone to commit any of the above-mentioned offenses.
Typically, harassment is considered a Class B Misdemeanor, but it can be enhanced to a Class A Misdemeanor if the State has convicted you of harassment before.
If the State has accused you or someone you know of the crime of harassment, a strong criminal defense attorney can help your chances of getting the charge reduced or completely dismissed. Jason Trumpler has 20 years of experience in criminal law. Contact our office today at 512-457-5200.
Potential Consequences
According to the Texas Penal Code, harassment can take place via a wide variety of platforms, including phone calls, email, messenger platforms, text, and even fax. “Obscene communication specifically refers to messages of a sexual nature. Therefore, the specific details of the message and your intent behind relaying the message are very important in harassment cases.
If the State convicts you of the crime of harassment, it is typically a Class B Misdemeanor.
First-time offenders may face potential consequences including:
- Up to 180 Days in Jail.
- Fine Up to $4,000.
If you have a previous harassment conviction on your record, the charge might be enhanced to a Class A Misdemeanor, which carries additional penalties.
Contact Us at 512-457-5200
If you or someone you know has been accused of the crime of harassment, retaining an attorney may greatly increase your chances of a favorable outcome on your case. Jason Trumpler is an experienced criminal defense attorney who currently practices in the following Central Texas counties: Travis, Williamson, Hays, Lee, Bell, Bastrop, Burnet, Comal, and Caldwell. Contact us today at 512-457-5200.