Whether it was the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, or the shootings of police officers in Dallas on July 7, 2016, law enforcement throughout the Lone Star State takes alleged terroristic threats very seriously. While many people have preconceived ideas of what terrorists
look like, the people who have actually been charged with making terroristic threats in Texas can be fairly surprising. In some cases, juveniles have been accused of making terroristic threats for statements that were largely taken out of context. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution does not protect speech inciting or producing imminent lawless action, but it can be difficult for prosecutors to prove that alleged offenders had the necessary criminal intent to be convicted
of making terroristic threats. Terroristic Threats Defense Lawyer in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, TXWere you or your loved one arrested in North Texas for allegedly making terroristic threats? You should avoid saying anything to authorities until you have legal representation. Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy can fight to possibly get these criminal charges reduced or dismissed. Contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today at (972) 233-5700 for a consultation about your alleged offense in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, and surrounding areas of Dallas County, Texas. Our firm will work to potentially get your criminal charges reduced or dismissed. State Penalties for Terroristic Threats in TexasUnder Texas Penal Code § 22.07, the grading of a terroristic threat offense depends on the specific types of alleged activity involved. An alleged offender can face the following charges if he or she threatens to commit any offense involving violence to any person or property:
Federal Terroristic Threats PenaltiesActs of terrorism transcending national boundaries may be federally prosecuted under 18 U.S. Code § 2332b when an alleged offender threatens, attempts, or conspires to kill, kidnap, maim, commit an assault resulting in serious bodily injury, or assault with a dangerous weapon any person within the United States; or create a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to any other person by destroying or damaging any structure, conveyance, or other real or personal property within the United States or by attempting or conspiring to destroy or damage any structure, conveyance, or other real or personal property within the United States. Applicable circumstances for the prosecution of these alleged offenses include those involving any of the following:
Penalties for convictions in these federal cases depend on the ultimate outcome of the alleged act of terrorism. Threatening to commit an offense is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, attempting or conspiring to commit an offense is punishable by any term of years up to the maximum punishment that would have applied had the offense been completed, destroying or damaging any structure, conveyance, or other real or personal property is punishable by up to 25 years in prison, and killing or any death resulting from the commission of an offense is punishable by up to life in prison. Dallas County Resources for Terroristic Threats ChargesTerroristic threats up in Texas schools | Dallas Morning News — On December 2, 2015, the Dallas Morning News reported that information maintained by the Texas Education Agency showed terroristic threats had increased every year since 2009-10 school year in Texas. That same day, an eighth-grade student had been arrested for an online terroristic threat against T.W. Browne Middle School. Dallas Independent School District (ISD) Police Chief Craig Miller told the Morning News that “the student’s sole purpose for threatening violence at the school was to increase her Instagram followers.” Bryant v. State, 905 S.W.2d 457 (Tex. App. 1995) — On August 31, 1995, the Tenth Court of Appeals issued its decision in this case, reversing the conviction of David Bryant for allegedly making a terroristic threat. The State had charged Bryant with two counts of making terroristic threats, but the jury acquitted Bryant under count one and convicted him under count two. The Court of Appeals, however, concluded:
Find A Dallas County Defense Attorney for Terroristic Threats Charges | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathyIf you believe that you or your loved one are being investigated or you were already arrested for allegedly making a terroristic threat in North Texas, it will be in your best interest to immediately retain legal counsel. We can help determine all of your possible defenses and fight to achieve the most favorable outcome for your case. Contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today at (972) 233-5700 for a consultation about your alleged offense in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, and surrounding areas of Dallas County, Texas. Our firm will work to potentially get your criminal charges reduced or dismissed. Back to top What is the penalty for terroristic threats in Texas?Thus the penalty for making a terroristic threat in Texas ranges from 180 days in a county jail to a sentence of not more than ten years in prison, and/or a fine ranging from $2,000 to not more than $10,000.
Is terroristic threat in Texas a felony?Generally, a terroristic threat is charged as Class B misdemeanor in Texas. However, there are certain factors that can increase that charge to a Class A misdemeanor. In the most serious cases that have widespread effects on the public, a terroristic threat can be classified as a third-degree felony.
What does the charge terroristic threat mean?A terrorist threat involves threatening to commit an act of violence that would endanger others, with a reckless disregard for the harm it would cause. If you joke about having a bomb or a gun on an airplane, for example, you could be charged with making a terrorist threat.
Can you go to jail for threatening someone in Texas?Charges for Making Verbal Threats in Texas
If the threat makes the victim fear for their imminent safety, the accused could be facing Class B misdemeanor charges. This could mean up to $2,000 in fines and up to 180 days in jail if convicted.
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