San Antonio Terroristic Threat Attorney
Terroristic threats are a serious crime in the state of Texas and are defined as any threat to commit a violent offense with a specific intent.
Terroristic threats can occur in the context of family violence, where an individual threatens to harm or kill a family member with the intent to cause fear of imminent serious bodily injury. These types of threats can create a dangerous and intimidating environment for the victim and escalate violence in a domestic situation.
Terroristic threats can also be made against an individual, where an individual threatens to harm or kill another person with the intent to cause fear of imminent serious bodily injury.
There are several different types of actions that can be considered terroristic threats in Texas, including having the intent to:
- cause a reaction of any type to his threat by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies;
- place any person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury;
- 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;
- cause impairment or interruption of public communications, public transportation, public water, gas, or power supply or other public service;
- place the public or a substantial group of the public in fear of serious bodily injury; or
- influence the conduct or activities of a branch or agency of the federal government, the state, or a political subdivision of the state.
It is important to note that a terroristic threat does not have to be carried out in order for an individual to be charged with this crime. Simply making the threat is sufficient to be charged with this offense.
Penalties for terroristic threats in Texas can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case, but may include fines, imprisonment, and other consequences.
FORMER PROSECUTOR
San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney Brad Thornton has spent years in court rooms fighting for justice. As a prosecutor, Brad was a leader on cases ranging from marijuana to murder from arrest to appeal. Who better to fight for your rights than someone who knows the “other side” and has tried the toughest of cases out there. Put his experience and knowledge to work for you.
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Defenses to Terroristic Threat in San Antonio
Terroristic threats are a serious crime in the state of Texas and can carry significant consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and other penalties. If you have been accused of making a terroristic threat in Texas, it is important to understand the possible defenses that may be available to you.
One potential defense to a charge of terroristic threat is that the threat was not made with the intent to cause fear or disrupt the normal functioning of a public place or organization. In order to be convicted of terroristic threat in Texas, the prosecutor must be able to prove that the threat was made with the specific intent to cause fear or disrupt the normal functioning of a public place or organization. If it can be shown that the threat was made in jest or without the necessary intent, it may be possible to have the charges against you dismissed.
It is also possible to defend against a charge of terroristic threat by showing that the threat was made in self-defense or in defense of others. If you can demonstrate that you were acting to protect yourself or others from harm and that the threat was made in the context of self-defense, it may be possible to have the charges against you dismissed.
It is important to note that the defenses to a charge of terroristic threat are highly fact-specific and will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. It is strongly recommended that you seek the advice of a criminal defense attorney if you have been accused of making a terroristic threat in Texas. Attorney Brad Thornton is available for free consultations and is one of a top criminal defense attorney in San Antonio, Texas.
Punishment Ranges
Level of Offense | Potential Incarceration | Potential Fine |
First-degree Felony | 5 - 99 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
Second-degree Felony | 2 - 20 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
Third-degree Felony | 2 - 10 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
State Jail Felony | 180 days - 2 years in jail | Up to $10,000 |
Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail | Up to $4,000 |
Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 180 days in jail | Up to $2,000 |
Penalties for Terroristic Threat in San Antonio
In the state of Texas, the penalties for terroristic threats depend on the case’s specific circumstances and the threat’s severity.
Under Texas Penal Code 22.07, a terroristic threat is generally classified as a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a potential sentence of up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
However, the offense can be enhanced to a Class A misdemeanor if the terroristic threat was made against a family member or a public servant. A Class A misdemeanor carries a potential sentence of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
If the terroristic threat was made against a peace officer or judge, it is classified as a state jail felony. A state jail felony carries a potential sentence of 180 days to two years in a state jail facility and a fine of up to $10,000.
Finally, if the terroristic threat was made with the intent to cause impairment or interruption of public communications, public transportation, public water, gas, or power supply or another public service; place the public or a substantial group of the public in fear of serious bodily injury; or influence the conduct or activities of a branch or agency of the federal government, the state, or a political subdivision of the state, it is classified as a third-degree felony. A third-degree felony carries a potential sentence of two to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
It is important to note that these penalties are guidelines and the actual sentence imposed in a particular case may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the discretion of the judge. It is also worth noting that individuals charged with terroristic threats may also face additional charges if they carry out any violent acts or if the threat was made in conjunction with other criminal offenses.
Attorney Brad Thornton
If you have been charged with terroristic threat in San Antonio, Texas, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A charge of terroristic threat can carry significant consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and other penalties, and it is important to have an experienced legal advocate on your side to protect your rights and defend you against the charge.
Board-certified criminal defense attorney Brad Thornton is an experienced legal advocate and one of the best terroristic threat attorneys in San Antonio. As a former chief prosecutor, Mr. Thornton has a unique understanding of the criminal justice system and knows how to effectively defend clients against these types of charges.
Mr. Thornton is dedicated to providing personalized, aggressive representation to each of his clients and will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the best possible outcome in your case. He offers a free consultation to all potential clients, so you can discuss your case and get a better understanding of your legal options without any upfront cost.
If you have been charged with terroristic threat in San Antonio, Texas, do not hesitate to call board-certified criminal defense attorney Brad Thornton for a free consultation. His experience and expertise can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case and can help you achieve the best possible resolution.