Penal Code · §42.07
Harassment
Elements
- With intent to harass, annoy, alarm, abuse, torment, or embarrass another
- A person commits any of the conduct enumerated in §42.07(a): initiates communication and makes obscene comment/request/suggestion; threatens to inflict bodily injury or commit a felony against a person, family member, household, or property; conveys false report of injury/death; causes the telephone of another to ring repeatedly or makes repeated communications anonymously or in a manner calculated to annoy/alarm; sends repeated electronic communications in a manner calculated to harass/annoy/abuse/torment/embarrass; publishes on internet repeated electronic communications in a manner reasonably likely to harass/annoy/etc. (cyber-stalking)
Penalty
Class B misdemeanor base — up to 180 days county jail + up to $2,000 fine (§12.22).
Enhancements
Class A misdemeanor if: actor has previously been convicted under §42.07; OR victim is a child under 18 and actor commits the offense with intent that the victim commit suicide or engage in conduct causing serious bodily injury — up to 1 year county jail + up to $4,000 fine (§12.21). Stalking under §42.072 is the felony-level escalation.