A verbal threat or verbal assault is considered illegal in Texas. According to Chapter 22, Title Five of the Texas Penal Code, a person commits the crime of verbal assault when they intentionally or knowingly threaten another person with imminent bodily injury. This includes a person’s spouse.

Verbal assaults might include:

  • Threatening to kill someone
  • Threatening to hurt someone through physical harm
  • Yelling in an abusive and threatening manner
  • Threatening someone verbally over the phone or online through email or social media
  • Making specific violent threats to a person over the phone, online, or through social media

Verbal threats can happen in the workplace, at home, or anywhere conflict occurs, and people are involved.

Is it Against the Law to Threaten Violence?

Even if you have no intention of hurting another person, saying that you will is enough to convict a person of verbal assault. There also could be crossover related to intimidation, verbal threats, and criminal harassment if a person threatens to commit a felony against another person, their property, or one of their family members.

If a person must fear for their life or be concerned with their safety, there is cause for concern and the potential of a lawsuit.

If law enforcement is called to the scene, they often file charges to prevent further escalation, domestic abuse, or violent crimes that could lead to serious injury. This is how seriously verbal threats are taken.

What Are the Consequences of Verbal Assault?

The consequences of verbal assault vary depending on the circumstances and gravity of the threat and whether a person has any prior criminal convictions or a history of assault.

Harmless verbal threats or intimidation can result in a class C misdemeanor and a $500 fine. More specific threats with a promise of violence could result in class B misdemeanor charges, $2,000 in fines, and up to 180 days in jail if convicted.

What Should I Do if Someone Threatens Me?

Threats often happen when tensions run high or in emotional situations. You never know where a verbal threat might lead; as such, it’s the duty of law enforcement and the legal system to protect people from harm and injury.

Verbal threats can stay verbal or be a precursor to physical violence. Contact our attorneys to intervene if someone intimidates you with threats or verbally assaults a loved one.

In situations where physical violence is a possibility or someone physically assaulted you, contact the police so they can file a report and prevent any further harm until you can hire an attorney to file a lawsuit and protect yourself.

Share more about your potential case and call us for an initial consultation: (254) 323-5506.