Terroristic Threat
Threatens to commit any offense involving violence with intent to (1) cause emergency-agency reaction, (2) place any person in fear of imminent SBI, (3) prevent/interrupt occupation of public place or public service, (4) cause impairment of public utilities, (5) place public in fear of serious bodily injury, or (6) influence government conduct.
To prove this offense, the State must establish each of the following elements: Threatens to commit any offense involving violence to person or property; With intent: emergency response, fear of imminent SBI, disrupt public service/place, influence government, or impair utilities; Class B (default); Class A or felony with various aggravators.
The base classification is Class B misdemeanor (default), with possible enhancements depending on the conduct, victim, location, or prior history of the actor.
Elements you must prove
- Threatens to commit any offense involving violence to person or property
- With intent: emergency response, fear of imminent SBI, disrupt public service/place, influence government, or impair utilities
- Class B (default); Class A or felony with various aggravators
Threatens to commit any offense involving violence with intent to (1) cause emergency-agency reaction, (2) place any person in fear of imminent SBI, (3) prevent/interrupt occupation of public place or public service, (4) cause impairment of public utilities, (5) place public in fear of serious bodily injury, or (6) influence government conduct.
| If this condition applies… | Charge escalates to | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Against family/household member or public servant | Class A misdemeanor | §22.07(c) |
| Causing pecuniary loss to government, school, etc. ≥ $1,500 | State jail / 3rd degree | §22.07(d)–(e) |
Practice 2 questions on this topic
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Worked examples
Terroristic Threat under §22.07 is committed by threatening to commit any offense involving violence with the intent to:
- Provoke laughter
- Place any person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury (among other listed culpable purposes) Correct
- Sell drugs
- Recover stolen property
During an argument, a defendant tells his neighbor: 'I'm coming over there tonight to kill you.' The neighbor closes the door immediately and calls 911. Charge?
- Disorderly Conduct — Class C misdemeanor
- Terroristic Threat (intent to place another in fear of imminent SBI) — Class B misdemeanor Correct
- Assault by Threat — Class C misdemeanor
- Harassment — Class B misdemeanor