What you may assume was a harmless prank can quickly escalate when you are charged with a harassment offense. As such, understanding what warrants this offense is critical so you can not only understand the potential penalties you face if you are convicted, but also the importance of working with Houston criminal defense attorneys to help you navigate these complicated matters. The following blog explores what you should know if you are accused of harassment.
What Must I Know About Texas Harassment Laws?
In Texas, a person can be charged and convicted of harassment if they intentionally annoy, alarm, or torment another person. However, there are several ways in which this form of abuse can occur. As such, the following can all be platforms for this crime to occur:
- Making abusive or harassing comments in person
- Threatening to inflict bodily injury
- Repeatedly calling or texting with the intention of causing distress or annoyance
- Making a telephone call only to hang up immediately
- Publishing comments on an internet website
- Tracking the person’s location
- Physically following someone with the intention of making them uncomfortable
Essentially, harassment can take many forms, including repeated communication, obscene or threatening comments, intentionally lying about the person, or harassing them over the internet.
It’s important to understand that a core element of harassment is intent. This means the person accused of the behavior must intend to cause distress, discomfort, alarm, or annoyance.
What Penalties Can I Face if I’m Convicted of This Offense?
In the event you are convicted of harassment, it’s important to understand that generally, harassment in Texas is deemed a Class B Misdemeanor offense. However, it can be considered a Class A misdemeanor if the perpetrator has been previously convicted of the same crime, or commits the crime against a child under 18 with the intent that the child sustains serious bodily harm or commits suicide.
The penalties for a Class B or Class A misdemeanor in Texas generally result in up to six months or one year in jail, respectively.
However, you should note that in some instances, harassment charges can escalate. While the charges may start as harassment, if your behavior increases, you may be charged with a felony stalking account. Additionally, if you make repeated, serious threats toward the other person, this can result in a felony harassment offense.
As you can see, harassment can be an incredibly serious criminal offense in Texas, which is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Houston. At the Gonzalez Law Group, our dedicated legal team will do everything in our power to assist you through these complicated matters in the fight for the best possible outcome for your circumstances. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.