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Harassment Charges in Texas
Understanding the Law, Penalties, and Defense Strategies
Representation You Can Trust
Harassment charges in Texas can arise from many different situations — from repeated unwanted phone calls to online threats to in-person confrontations. The law is intentionally broad, which means behavior that might not seem criminal can still result in serious charges under Texas Penal Code § 42.07.
In Austin, Travis County, and across Central Texas, prosecutors take harassment allegations seriously. Convictions can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licensing.
At The Hull Firm, we defend clients facing harassment allegations in all contexts — from domestic disputes to workplace conflicts to online harassment claims. Our goal is to challenge weak evidence, protect your rights, and pursue the best possible outcome in your case.
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The Legal Definition of Harassment in Texas
Texas Penal Code § 42.07 Explained
Under Texas law, a person commits harassment if they act with the intent to harass, annoy, alarm, abuse, torment, or embarrass another person, and engage in one or more of the following behaviors:
- Initiating repeated phone calls that are harassing or threatening in nature.
- Sending obscene, threatening, or repeated electronic communications (texts, emails, social media messages).
- Making anonymous calls or leaving repeated hang-up calls.
- Threatening harm to the person, their family, or their property.
- Falsely reporting another person’s death or serious injury.
- Causing the telephone to ring repeatedly or making repeated electronic communications with no legitimate purpose.
The statute covers both direct and indirect communication. That means contacting someone through a friend or using fake accounts can still lead to harassment charges.
Common Contexts for Harassment Charges
Beyond Domestic Situations
Harassment can occur in many different scenarios, including:
- Domestic and Family Disputes – Ongoing communication after a breakup, threats during divorce or custody battles, or repeated unwanted contact in violation of a protective order.
- Workplace Harassment – Threatening or abusive messages to coworkers or supervisors.
- School-Related Harassment – Bullying or intimidation between students or between parents and school staff.
- Online Harassment and Cyberbullying – Social media campaigns, threatening messages, or posting harmful information about someone.
- Neighbor Disputes – Repeated confrontations, threats, or unwanted calls.
In each context, the prosecution must prove intent — but intent can be inferred from repeated actions, even if you did not mean to cause harm.
Harassment vs. Related Offenses
How It Differs From Stalking or Disorderly Conduct
While harassment, stalking, and disorderly conduct can involve similar behavior, they are separate offenses under Texas law:
- Harassment focuses on communication-based conduct — calls, texts, emails, social media, etc.
- Stalking involves a pattern of conduct that causes the victim to fear bodily injury or death.
- Disorderly Conduct typically involves disruptive actions in public, such as offensive gestures or unreasonable noise.
In some cases, harassment charges are filed alongside these other offenses. Understanding the differences can help shape your defense.
Electronic and Online Harassment
How Digital Communication Can Lead to Criminal Charges
In today’s world, many harassment allegations stem from online activity. Under Texas law, electronic harassment includes:
- Sending threatening or obscene messages via text, email, or social media.
- Posting harmful or defamatory content about a person online.
- Repeatedly tagging someone in posts or sending friend requests to circumvent blocking.
- Using fake accounts to contact or monitor someone.
The law applies whether you use your own account or act anonymously — law enforcement can subpoena account information from service providers.
Workplace Harassment and Criminal Liability
When Workplace Conflicts Cross the Legal Line
Most workplace harassment claims are handled under employment law, but certain behavior can lead to criminal charges under Penal Code § 42.07. Examples include:
- Repeatedly calling, texting, or emailing a coworker after they have asked you to stop.
- Threatening a coworker in person or through written communication.
- Using workplace channels (email, messaging apps) to send harassing messages.
Even if an employer handles the matter internally, law enforcement may still investigate if the conduct violates state law.
Penalties for Harassment in Texas
Misdemeanor and Felony Levels
- Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $2,000.
- Class A Misdemeanor: If you have a prior conviction for harassment. Punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $4,000.
- State Jail Felony: Harassment involving a minor with obscene content, punishable by 180 days to 2 years in a state jail and up to $10,000 in fines.
The severity depends on the specific conduct, your criminal history, and whether other charges are filed alongside harassment.
Impact of a Harassment Conviction
Beyond Jail Time and Fines
A harassment conviction can have lasting consequences:
- A permanent criminal record visible to employers, landlords, and licensing boards.
- Loss of certain job opportunities, especially in positions requiring trust or public interaction.
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens.
- Damage to personal and professional reputation.
These collateral consequences make it critical to fight the charges aggressively.
Defending Against Harassment Charges
Legal Strategies That Work
Our defense approach begins with a detailed review of the allegations and all available evidence. Common defense strategies include:
- Challenging Intent – Showing that communication had a legitimate purpose and was not intended to harass or threaten.
- First Amendment Protections – Certain speech is protected, even if offensive.
- False or Exaggerated Claims – Demonstrating that the allegations are untrue or overstated.
- Lack of Evidence – Many cases rely solely on the alleged victim’s account without corroboration.
- Mistaken Identity – Proving that someone else sent the messages or made the calls.
Each case is unique, and the defense must be tailored to the facts.
Harassment and Protective Orders
When Harassment Leads to Additional Restrictions
In some cases, harassment allegations result in a court issuing a protective order. This can create additional legal risks — violating the order is a separate criminal offense. If your harassment case involves a domestic or family context, see our dedicated domestic harassment page for more details.
Local Court Experience
We have defended harassment cases in Travis, Williamson, and Hays Counties, and we know each jurisdiction’s unique approach:
Travis County
Williamson County
Hays County
Prioritizes cases involving minors or vulnerable victims.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do text messages count as harassment?
Yes. Electronic communication is explicitly covered under the statute.
Is online criticism harassment?
Can harassment be a felony?
Can I contact someone if they block me?
Can I be charged for calling someone more than once?
Possibly — if the calls are made with intent to harass, annoy, or threaten.
What if the person started the communication?
Can charges be dropped?
Will I go to jail for harassment?
Is intent hard to prove?
Should I talk to police about harassment allegations?
Serving Clients Across Austin and Central Texas
We defend harassment cases throughout Austin and the surrounding Central Texas communities, including Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, San Marcos, Buda, Kyle, Pflugerville, Lakeway, and Dripping Springs, as well as rural areas in Travis County, Williamson County, and Hays County. Whether your case is in a large urban court or a smaller county jurisdiction, our team is ready to protect your rights and build a strong defense.
Speak to a Texas Harassment Defense Lawyer Today
Protect Your Rights and Your Future
If you’ve been accused of harassment in Austin or anywhere in Texas, you need an attorney who understands both the law and the real-world consequences of a conviction.
At The Hull Firm, we:
- Investigate the allegations and gather evidence in your favor.
- Challenge weak or false claims.
- Protect your rights in court and in negotiations.
Call us today or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation and get the defense you deserve.
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