Penal Code · §22.07
Terroristic Threat
Elements
- A person threatens to commit any offense involving violence to any person or property
- With intent to: cause a reaction by an official agency dealing with emergencies; place any person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury; prevent or interrupt occupation/use of a building, vehicle, place of public assembly, or place of employment; cause impairment or interruption of public utilities; place the public or substantial group in fear of serious bodily injury; or influence the conduct or activities of a branch or agency of government
- Threat must be communicated, but need not be capable of being carried out — intent is the focus
Penalty
Class B misdemeanor base — up to 180 days county jail + up to $2,000 fine (§12.22). Class A misdemeanor if committed against family member, household, or dating relationship (§22.07(c)(1)). State jail felony if causes pecuniary loss of $1,500+ to the owner or causes interruption of public utility, building closure, public service, etc. Third-degree felony if threat is made against a peace officer or judge.
Enhancements
Class A if against a public servant or in furtherance of certain emergency-disruption circumstances; state jail felony if pecuniary loss between $1,500 and $30,000 or causes substantial public service interruption; third-degree felony if loss exceeds $30,000 or against peace officer/judge.