Have you been accused of making a terroristic threat involving family violence in Fort Worth, Texas? Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers can help when you call (682) 777-3336. We offer a free consultation with a Fort Worth terroristic threat family violence lawyer.
These charges can turn your life upside down, affecting your home, career, and relationships. Strict protective orders may even keep you away from loved ones or your own residence. Misunderstandings and heightened emotions often play a major role in these cases, making skilled legal guidance crucial.
Why Hire Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers if You’re Arrested for Terroristic Threat Family Violence?
When you’re accused of family violence involving a terroristic threat in Fort Worth, TX, you need every possible advantage. Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers offers what you need to protect yourself and your future.
Here’s why you should work with us:
- Our team has over 60 years of combined criminal defense experience, so we know how to fight back.
- We’re more than just defense lawyers. Our team includes a former magistrate judge, a previous federal public defender, two board-certified criminal defense lawyers, and a law professor.
- We also have former prosecutors on our team, so we know how the other side will build their case and how to counter those tactics.
These types of accusations can be life-changing in just an instant. Let our team help you. Contact our team today to schedule a time to speak with a Fort Worth criminal defense attorney.
Overview of Terroristic Threat Family Violence in Texas
Facing allegations of making a terroristic threat tied to family violence in Texas is a serious matter. These charges often carry not only criminal penalties but also personal consequences that can impact relationships, housing, and employment.
Terroristic Threat
In Texas, a terroristic threat happens when a person threatens to carry out violence against someone or their property, and intends for that threat to cause real fear or disruption. This isn’t just an offhanded rude remark – it’s about scaring someone into believing injury is imminent, causing emergency services to respond, interrupting the use or enjoyment of property, shutting down vital public functions, or even trying to influence how a government behaves.
The threat must be believable, even if the accused doesn’t go through with it and never intended to go through with it.
When Family or Dating Violence Comes Into Play
In Texas, any threat rising to this legal standard becomes even more serious if made in the context of family or dating violence. Family violence includes actions or threats that threaten members of a family unit, those living in the same house (or who were formerly household members), or those who share a child.
Dating violence covers romantic or ongoing intimate relationships for non-married people as well. In these cases, the court might enforce stricter sentences, longer protective orders, and extra restrictions, because Texas law treats anything labeled “family violence” as particularly dangerous.
What Are the Penalties For Terroristic Threat Family Violence in Fort Worth, Texas?
Most terroristic threat charges in Texas start as a Class B misdemeanor, which can lead to up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $2,000 if convicted. However, if the threat was directed toward a family member, someone in the same household, or a dating partner and was meant to place that person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury, the offense is upgraded to a Class A misdemeanor.
A conviction at this level carries up to 1 year in jail and a fine as high as $4,000. It’s also common for a no-contact order to be issued if the threat is against a family member or dating partner.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Terroristic Threat Family Violence?
If you’re facing charges for terroristic threats tied to family violence in Texas, you have ways to defend yourself. A criminal defense attorney can determine the best option, but some common ones include:
- No genuine threat was made: If your words or actions were misunderstood, taken out of context, or just didn’t rise to a true, believable threat, your attorney can argue that the elements of the crime simply aren’t met. This should lead to a not guilty verdict.
- No intent to cause fear: For these cases, prosecutors must prove you meant to truly frighten someone or make them fear for their safety. If there’s evidence showing you had no intent to menace or scare, or that you lacked any plan or ability to act, that can seriously weaken the case.
- False allegations or motives: Sometimes, especially in family or dating disputes, accusations are made for reasons that have nothing to do with actual danger, like jealousy, revenge, or custody battles. Showing ulterior motives for these allegations and inconsistent statements by the alleged victim can create doubt.
Fighting a terroristic threat family violence charge takes preparation and experienced strategy, which is where we come in.
Walking through a terroristic threat charge in Fort Worth, TX, especially when family relationships are involved, can be complicated. You deserve a lawyer who understands the law and also how delicate these cases can be. Reach out as soon as you can so we can help you fight back for your freedom and future.
Call Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a consultation with a Fort Worth terroristic threat family violence criminal defense lawyer.
