Last updated: Sept. 6, 2024

Facing a terroristic threat charge in Texas can be terrifying and overwhelming. You didn’t think you did anything wrong, but now you’re facing criminal charges. You might be feeling anxious about what this means for your future and unsure about what steps to take next.

This guide is here to help. We’ll explain what a terroristic threat charge is, what you should do immediately, and how an experienced Fort Worth assault lawyer can help get these charges dropped.

What Are Terroristic Threat Charges in Texas?

A terroristic threat charge is a serious type of assault charge in Texas. At its basic level, it’s a Class B misdemeanor with a punishment range of up to 180 days in the county jail and up to a $2,000.00 fine. This involves a threat that places someone in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. However, there are several factors that can make the charge more severe, turning it into a felony:

• Use of a bomb or deadly weapon: If you threaten someone with a bomb or any deadly weapon.
• Threats against certain people or institutions: Such as schools, government buildings, or public gatherings.
• Repeated or severe threats: Multiple threats or those causing significant fear or disruption.

These aggravating factors can turn a simple threat into a serious felony charge with much harsher penalties.

Read more: Misdemeanor Assault in Texas: Definitions, Examples, and What to Do if Charged

Initial Steps to Take if Charged with a Terroristic Threat

If you’ve been charged with a terroristic threat, it’s crucial to act quickly and wisely. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Stay Calm: It’s natural to feel scared, but staying calm will help you think clearly.
2. Do Not Make Statements Without a Lawyer: Avoid discussing the incident with the police or anyone else without your lawyer present.
3. Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney: Reach out to a lawyer who specializes in criminal defense as soon as possible.
4. Collect and Preserve Evidence: Save any texts, emails, or other evidence that might support your case. Gather witness statements if possible.
5. Follow Legal Advice: Listen carefully to your attorney’s advice and follow their instructions to build a strong defense.

By taking these steps, you can start to protect your rights and prepare for your defense.

How a Texas Assault Lawyer Can Help You

Having a lawyer on your side can make a huge difference when facing a terroristic threat charge. They will not only help build a strong defense but also put your mind at ease. Here are the steps a lawyer will take to help your case:

1. Understand Your Story: Your lawyer will listen to your account of what happened, noting every detail.
2. Gather Evidence: They will collect and review evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and any video footage.
3. Identify Inconsistencies: By comparing different accounts and evidence, they will find inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.
4. Build a Defense Strategy: Your lawyer will use all gathered information to create a solid defense tailored to your situation.
5. Communicate with Prosecutors: They will negotiate with the prosecution, presenting evidence and arguments to reduce or drop the charges.
6. Represent You in Court: If necessary, your lawyer will defend you in court, presenting your case to the judge and jury.

Key Steps a Texas Assault Lawyer Will Take to Challenge the Evidence

Once an experienced Texas assault/self-defense lawyer takes your case, they will take several steps to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.

Step 1: Understand Your Story

The first step your lawyer will take is to understand your version of events. This involves sitting down with you and going through every detail of what happened. Your perspective is crucial because it provides the truth from your point of view. The lawyer needs to know:

• What you remember happening
• Who was present
• What the context of the situation was

Every detail matters in building your defense.

Step 2: Gather Evidence

Next, your lawyer will gather all relevant evidence. This includes:

• Police reports: Reviewing what the officers documented about the incident.
• Witness statements: Collecting testimonies from anyone who saw what happened.
• Video footage: Analyzing any available video recordings from security cameras or bystanders.

This evidence will help build a comprehensive understanding of what happened.

Step 3: Identify Inconsistencies

Your lawyer will compare your story with the gathered evidence to identify inconsistencies. This might involve:

• Finding discrepancies between police reports and video footage
• Highlighting differences in witness statements
• Spotting errors in the police narrative

By pinpointing these inconsistencies, your lawyer can weaken the prosecution’s case.

Don’t Face a Terroristic Threat Charge Alone: Contact Norris Legal Group

If you’ve been charged with a terroristic threat in Texas, don’t face it alone. Contact Norris Legal Group for a free consultation. Our experienced lawyers will provide the expert legal assistance you need to protect your future.

Call Norris Legal Group today and let us help you navigate this challenging time. You matter, and we aree here to fight for you.