Fort Worth Harassment Defense Attorney

Knowledgeable Lawyer for Harassment Charges in Fort Worth, Texas and the Surrounding Area

Although harassment might not sound like a serious crime, it is important to understand that, in Texas, the offense can carry major penalties. In some cases, the state can even pursue felony punishments. For legal help, turn to a Fort Worth, TX harassment defense lawyer who can help you fight the charge in court.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we have years of experience and hundreds of 5-star reviews praising our strong representation and straightforward counsel. Attorney Edwardo Meza can review your case in detail to look for weaknesses in the prosecution's argument, exploring all possible avenues to get the charge reduced or dismissed altogether.

What Kind of Acts Can Lead to Harassment Charges in Texas?

Harassment charges in Texas can result from a wide range of communications and behavior meant to upset, frighten, or embarrass another person. The key issue in most cases is intent. Prosecutors must show that the accused person acted with the goal of bothering, alarming, or tormenting someone else. Some of the acts that may lead to a harassment charge include:

• Sending sexually explicit or obscene messages to someone
• Threatening to hurt another person, their family, or their property
• Falsely telling someone that a loved one has been seriously hurt or killed
• Calling someone over and over, especially with hang-ups or without identifying yourself
• Repeatedly texting, emailing, or messaging someone on social media in a way likely to upset them
• Letting another person use your phone or account to carry out any of these acts

Many harassment cases begin with a falling-out between former partners, family members, neighbors, or coworkers. A string of angry texts sent late at night can quickly lead to an arrest. Screenshots and call logs are often the main evidence in these cases, but they do not always tell the full story.

Is Harassment a Misdemeanor or Felony?

Harassment is usually a misdemeanor in Texas. In most cases, it is a Class B misdemeanor, which can lead to up to 180 days in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000. A conviction can also appear on background checks and may affect employment, housing, and child custody decisions.

Certain aggravating circumstances can raise harassment to a Class A misdemeanor. These include having a prior harassment conviction or having previously violated a court order, such as a restraining order, connected to the same situation. The charge can also be enhanced when online or electronic harassment targets a child and is meant to push the child toward self-harm or suicide. A Class A misdemeanor carries up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $4,000.

In some cases, harassment can rise to the level of a felony. This is reserved for cases where the alleged offender has a prior conviction and the targeted person is a court employee. Harassing a judge is always a felony charge, regardless of whether or not it was the offender's first offense.

Repeated harassment aimed at one person can also lead to a stalking charge. Stalking is a felony in Texas and carries the possibility of prison time.

How The Meza Law Firm, PLLC Can Help You Address Harassment Charges in Fort Worth

Fighting a harassment charge in Fort Worth requires a close look at the messages, calls, or actions at the center of the case. Our attorney will review the full communication history between you and the accuser, not just the pieces selected by the police or the other party. Context can change how a message reads. A heated exchange between two people who were both angry is very different from one-sided harassment.

The state must prove that you intended to harass, annoy, or alarm the other person. Our attorney can point to evidence that your contact had a legitimate purpose, such as arranging child exchanges, resolving a business matter, or returning property. False accusations also occur, especially during divorces, custody disputes, and breakups. In some cases, the accuser may have been the one sending threatening or abusive messages.

There may also be questions about whether you actually sent the messages, particularly when they came from shared devices or social media accounts. Depending on the facts, it may be possible to negotiate a dismissal, reduced charge, or pretrial diversion.

Contact Our Fort Worth, TX Harassment Defense Lawyer

A harassment accusation can damage your reputation and your relationships, even before the case is resolved. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we work to protect your rights and present the full context behind the charge. Contact our Fort Worth, Texas harassment defense attorney or call 817-732-6392 to schedule a free consultation.