Tarrant County Terroristic Threat Family Violence Criminal Defense Attorney

Aggressive Family Violence Criminal Defense in Tarrant County and the Dallas – Fort Worth Area

Terroristic Threat is one of many assaultive offenses enumerated in Chapter 22 of the Texas Penal Code. When committed as an act of family or dating violence, an actor faces enhanced penalties. A skilled criminal defense attorney is needed to protect the actor and guide them through their upcoming trial and tribulations. The Tarrant County Criminal Defense Attorneys with The Law Office of David Sloane are ready to help. 

Terroristic Threat Explained – Texas Penal Code § 22.07(a)

What is Terroristic Threat Family Violence? 

Pursuant to Texas Penal Code § 22.07(a), a person commits the offense of Terroristic Threat if the person threatens to commit any offense involving violence to any person or property with intent to:

1. Cause a reaction of any type to his threat by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies;
2. Place any person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury;
3. 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;
4. Cause impairment or interruption of public communications, public transportation, public water, gas, or power supply or other public services;
5. Place the public or a substantial group of the public in fear of serious bodily injury; or
6. Influence the conduct or activities of a branch or agency of the federal government, the state, or a political subdivision of the state.

The finding of family or dating violence is not an element of the offense Terroristic Threat. Rather, the punishment range for Terrorist Threat is enhanced if the offense is committed as an act of family or dating violence.

Terroristic Threat Family Violence Punishment Range – Texas Penal Code § 22.07(b)-(e)

What is the Punishment Range for Terroristic Threat Family Violence?

Traditionally, Terrorist Threat is a Class B Misdemeanor, punishable up to six months in jail and a fine up to $2,000.

However, Terroristic Threat is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable up to one year in jail and a fine up to $4,000, if a person threatens to commit any offense involving violence to a person of the actor’s family or household with intent to place the family or household member in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.

To learn more about Class A Misdemeanors, visit Do I need a Lawyer for a Class A Misdemeanor?

What is a Family Violence Finding in Terroristic Threat Family Violence?

When is the Court required to make a family violence finding?

Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 42.013 requires an affirmative finding of family violence if the facts show that the offense involved family violence as defined by the Texas Family Code.

What is considered family violence?

Pursuant to Texas Family Code § 71.004, family violence is an act by a member of a family or household against another member that is intended to result in or that is a threat that reasonably places the member in fear of physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault or dating violence.

Who is considered family member for family violence purposes?

Under Texas Family Code § 71.003, family includes individuals related by blood or marriage, individuals who are former spouses, individuals who are the parents of the same child, and a foster child and foster parent.

Who is considered a household member for family violence purposes?

Under Texas Family Code § 71.005, a household is a unit composed of persons living together in the same dwelling, without regard to whether they are related to each other. The term household member also includes a person who previously lived in a household.

What is considered dating violence for family violence purposes?

Pursuant to Texas Family Code § 71.0021, dating violence is an act by a defendant that is committed against a victim with whom the defendant has or had a dating relationship or because of the victim’s marriage to or dating relationship with an individual with whom the defendant is or has been in a dating relationship or marriage and is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault or that is a threat that reasonably places the member in fear of physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault.

What is considered a dating relationship for family violence purposes?

Dating relationship is a relationship between individuals who have or have had a continuing relationship of a romantic or intimate nature. The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the length of the relationship, the nature of the relationship, and the frequency and type of interaction between the persons involved. A causal acquaintanceship or ordinary fraternization in a business or social context does not constitute a dating relationship.

What are the consequences of an affirmative family violence finding?

An affirmative family violence finding has devastating lifelong consequences, such as loss of second amendment rights to own, possesses, or purchase firearms, future exposure to possible criminal punishment enhancements, and unique impacts on probation eligibility and conditions. 

How to Fight - Contact Us for a Free Consultation with our Tarrant County Terroristic Threat Criminal Defense Lawyers

If you or a loved one are facing a Terroristic Threat allegation, you need experienced criminal defense representation to navigate the wide spectrum of prohibited conduct and punishment. 

A Terroristic Threat conviction will result in possible jail or prison time, a permanent stain on your criminal history, and future criminal enhancements. 

The Tarrant County Terroristic Threat Criminal Defense Attorneys with The Law Office of David Sloane are here to protect you and your freedom.

Our Tarrant County Terroristic Threat Criminal Defense Lawyers have helped thousands of clients fight assault related cases in Tarrant County and throughout the greater Dallas – Fort Worth Area, such as:

• Tarrant County
• Dallas County
• Parker County
• Denton County
• Wise County
• Johnson County
• Hood County
• Ellis County
• Collin County