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Can Verbal Threats Lead To An Assault Charge In Texas?
John D.
You don’t have to throw a punch to face legal trouble in Texas. In fact, under certain conditions, your words alone can lead to an assault charge in Texas. Most people think assault always involves physical violence, but that’s not how Texas law works. If you say something that causes someone to fear immediate harm, even without touching them, you could be charged.
This is especially true in heated moments where threats sound serious, believable, and direct. Whether it’s a phone call, a text message, or a face-to-face confrontation, the impact of your words can carry weight in court.
This blog will break down when a verbal threat becomes a legal issue, how the law treats those words, and what to expect if someone files a complaint against you.
What Counts As A Verbal Threat?
Not every angry sentence counts as a threat under the law. In Texas, the keyword is “imminent.” A verbal threat becomes serious when someone says they’ll hurt another person, and that person believes it could happen right away.
So if someone yells, “I’m going to beat you up right now!” while standing a few feet away with clenched fists, the threat is taken more seriously than a vague, “One day, I’ll get you.” It’s not just about the words. The tone, the context, and the fear it causes matter just as much.
Texas law doesn’t care about empty trash talk. But if the person hearing it feels real fear that something violent might happen immediately, it starts crossing legal lines.
Are Words Alone Enough For An Assault Charge?
Yes, sometimes they are. Under Texas assault laws, you don’t need to hurt someone or even touch them to be charged with assault. The law clearly states that threatening someone with bodily injury, if it seems real enough, is enough to file charges.
That means if someone says something threatening during a heated argument and the other person takes it seriously, there’s a chance the police will get involved. The more direct and immediate the threat sounds, the stronger the case.
It’s not about what you meant deep down. It’s about how the other person felt in that moment and whether a reasonable person would’ve felt scared too.
When Does It Become A Crime?
Let’s look at a few examples. If two people are shouting in a parking lot and one threatens to “smash the other’s face in,” that could lead to charges, especially if witnesses saw it or someone called 911 in fear. If a person sends repeated messages saying they’ll show up and cause harm, even that can be used in court.
The moment a threat makes someone fear for their safety, it becomes more than just a bad choice of words.
It also matters where it happens. If the threat takes place in public, near children, or in a place like a school or hospital, it might carry harsher penalties.
Is It Assault Or Something Else?
Not every verbal threat is charged as assault. Sometimes, prosecutors file charges for “terroristic threat,” which is slightly different. A terroristic threat usually involves someone threatening violence to cause panic, disrupt services, or scare a group of people, not just one person.
Both are serious, but they fall under different parts of the law. The main difference? Assault by threat targets individuals. Terroristic threats tend to target larger groups or public settings.
If you’re charged with the wrong one, your lawyer can challenge that in court.
Can You Be Arrested For A Verbal Threat?
Yes, and it happens more often than you’d think. If someone calls the police and says they were threatened, and they sound convincing, that might be enough for officers to arrest you on the spot.
Police don’t need to witness the event. If the story checks out and the person seems genuinely afraid, it gives them “probable cause.” That alone can lead to handcuffs and a trip to jail.
Even if it’s a misdemeanor, the record can stick with you. It may also come with conditions like protective orders, court dates, and hefty legal bills.
What Must The Prosecutor Prove?
To convict someone of verbal assault, prosecutors have to show three things:
- You intended to threaten the person.
- The threat was for real, immediate, and believable.
- The other person reasonably feared they’d be hurt.
There’s no need for bruises or physical evidence. Often, a verbal assault case depends on witness accounts, camera footage, text messages, or how believable the victim’s fear sounds to a judge or jury. So even a heated moment captured on a phone could turn into evidence.
Penalties For Verbal Assault
Penalties vary based on the details. In many cases, threatening someone is charged as a Class C misdemeanor. That might seem minor, but if the threat involves family violence or is directed at certain people (like public servants or elderly individuals), it can bump up to Class B or A, and even become a felony in extreme situations.
That means you could face:
- Fines up to $4,000
- Jail time up to a year (or more for felonies)
- A criminal record that follows you
And the damage doesn’t end there.
Defending Against The Charge
Being accused doesn’t mean you’re guilty. There are ways to fight back. Maybe the threat was taken out of context. Maybe the person made it up. Maybe you were venting and never meant it as a real threat.
Here’s how a defense might work:
- Show there was no real intent to harm.
- Prove the words weren’t meant to be taken seriously.
- Question whether the victim truly feared for their safety.
- Present witnesses or messages that tell a different story.
What you say and do after the accusation also matters. Staying calm and letting a lawyer speak for you helps avoid making things worse.
Long-Term Consequences Beyond Jail Time
A conviction for even a low-level threat can haunt you. It may show up on background checks when applying for jobs, loans, housing, or even college. You might face restrictions on owning firearms, and if it involves family violence, it can affect custody or visitation rights.
The courts don’t just look at what happened in the moment, they also consider whether there’s a risk it could happen again.
What To Do If You’re Falsely Accused
Stay quiet. Don’t try to explain yourself on the spot. Let your attorney handle it.
Also, gather anything that might help your side: text messages, screenshots, audio recordings, or anyone who saw the event happen. These details can help paint a fuller picture.
One wrong sentence can quickly spiral. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of getting ahead of the charge.
Final Thoughts
Facing an assault charge in Texas for something you said might sound extreme, but the law takes verbal threats seriously when they cause real fear. Your tone, your timing, and even your body language all play a role in how those words are judged.
While Texas law doesn’t punish casual arguments, it does crack down on threats that sound immediate and dangerous. Whether it’s a misunderstanding or a moment of anger, the results can be life-changing.
If you’re dealing with a charge or accusation, L&L Law Group in Texas can help you figure out the next steps and fight to protect your future. Don’t wait, reach out today for a confidential consultation.