When most people hear the words “harassment” and “stalking,” they picture something minor — a few unwanted texts, maybe a heated argument. But in Texas, those words describe specific criminal offenses with real teeth, and a pattern of threatening messages can land someone in county jail. The new arrest of Hernandez Govan in Memphis — the man acquitted last year in the Young Dolph murder case — is a useful lens for understanding how Texas treats threats, stalking, and the threat to post someone’s private images online. At L & L Law Group, PLLC, we break down what these charges would look like in a Frisco or DFW courtroom.
What Happened
According to the Memphis Police Department, 47-year-old Hernandez Govan was arrested on June 11, 2026, on a warrant charging him with harassment and stalking. Police say the charges stem from a domestic-related incident reported on June 4, during which Govan allegedly repeatedly harassed the victim, threatened to “shoot up” her residence, and threatened to post explicit content of her on social media.
As WKIM-FM reported, a judge set bond at $4,000 and ordered Govan to stay away from the alleged victim. The case drew attention because Govan was found not guilty last year in the high-profile murder case of Memphis rapper Young Dolph.
This is L & L Law Group’s legal commentary on a national news story. We do not represent anyone involved, and nothing here is a prediction about that case.
Harassment Under Texas Law
In Texas, harassment is defined by Penal Code § 42.07. A person commits the offense if, with intent to harass, annoy, alarm, abuse, torment, or embarrass another, they do things like make repeated phone calls or send repeated electronic communications in a manner reasonably likely to harass, or threaten in a way that causes the other person to fear bodily injury or death. Repeated threatening texts and calls — the conduct described in the Govan reporting — are the classic fact pattern.
Harassment is generally a Class B misdemeanor in Texas, punishable by up to 180 days in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000. It becomes a Class A misdemeanor (up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine) if the person has a prior harassment conviction or certain other aggravating facts apply.
Stalking Is a Felony in Texas
Stalking is far more serious. Under Penal Code § 42.072, stalking involves a course of conduct — meaning more than one incident — directed at a specific person that the actor knows or reasonably should know will place that person in fear of bodily injury, death, or that an offense will be committed against their property, and that would cause a reasonable person to feel that fear.
In Texas, stalking is a third-degree felony, carrying 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. A second stalking conviction can be charged as a second-degree felony (2 to 20 years). The line between Class B misdemeanor harassment and felony stalking often comes down to whether the State can prove a repeated course of conduct and a reasonable, sustained fear — which is exactly where these cases are won or lost.
Threats and the “Revenge Porn” Angle
Two more Texas statutes would likely be in play on these facts. A threat to “shoot up” a home can support a terroristic threat charge under Penal Code § 22.07 — threatening violence with intent to place someone in fear of imminent serious bodily injury, typically a Class B misdemeanor but enhanceable depending on the target and circumstances.
Separately, threatening to post someone’s explicit images implicates Texas’s unlawful disclosure or promotion of intimate visual material law, Penal Code § 21.16 — often called the “revenge porn” statute. Actually disclosing such material without consent is a Class A misdemeanor, and the threat to do so can factor into harassment and coercion allegations.
How a Frisco or DFW Case Would Unfold
A North Texas defendant facing the same allegations in Collin County or Dallas County would be booked, then have a magistrate set bond — almost always with a no-contact / stay-away condition like the one reported here, and often a prohibition on possessing firearms. Misdemeanor harassment counts proceed in county criminal court; a felony stalking count would go to a district court.
Because so much of these cases is built on digital evidence, the defense fight is often technical. Common defenses include:
- Lack of intent. Harassment and stalking are specific-intent crimes — the State must prove the accused acted with intent to harass, alarm, or place the person in fear, not merely that messages were unwelcome.
- No qualifying “course of conduct.” Stalking requires repeated acts. A single incident, however ugly, may not meet the felony threshold.
- Identity and authenticity. Who actually sent the messages, and whether screenshots are complete and unaltered, are real fact questions.
- First Amendment limits. Some communications are protected speech; Texas courts have scrutinized § 42.07 to ensure it targets unprotected threats and harassment, not merely offensive words.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is stalking a felony in Texas?
Yes. Stalking under Penal Code § 42.072 is a third-degree felony — 2 to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine — and a repeat offense can be a second-degree felony (2 to 20 years).
What is the difference between harassment and stalking?
Harassment (§ 42.07) is usually a misdemeanor focused on individual acts like repeated calls or threats. Stalking (§ 42.072) requires a repeated course of conduct that places a specific person in sustained, reasonable fear, and is a felony.
Can threatening to post someone’s private photos be a crime in Texas?
Yes. Actually disclosing intimate visual material without consent is a Class A misdemeanor under Penal Code § 21.16, and a threat to do so can support harassment and related charges.
What does a no-contact bond condition mean?
It is a court order, as a condition of release, requiring the accused to stay away from and not communicate with the alleged victim. Violating it can lead to a bond revocation and a new arrest, separate from the underlying case.
How L & L Law Group Can Help
Harassment and stalking cases move fast and lean heavily on texts, calls, and social-media records — evidence that a skilled defense team can challenge for context, intent, and authenticity. At L & L Law Group, PLLC, we defend clients in Frisco, Collin County, Dallas County, and across North Texas against harassment, stalking, terroristic threat, and related charges. We protect your rights at every stage, from the bond hearing to trial, and we fight to keep one accusation from defining your future. If you are facing these charges, call us at (972) 370-5060 for a confidential consultation.