TERRORISTIC THREAT on Texas arrest paperwork, a bond sheet, or a court docket means: Terroristic Threat, charged under Texas Penal Code § 22.07.

Charge level: Class B misdemeanor (base); Class A against family/household member or public servant; felony variants for public places and utilities

Punishment range: Class B: up to 180 days jail and $2,000. Class A: up to 1 year and $4,000. Felony variants: state jail to third-degree

What this charge really means

Despite the name, this charge is usually about heated words — an alleged threat ‘with intent to place a person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.’ Context is everything: hyperbole, conditional statements (‘if you ever…’), and statements without imminence often don’t meet the standard. Family-violence variants carry the same collateral consequences as assault findings.

Common questions

I said something in anger — is that a terroristic threat?

Only if the state proves intent to place someone in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. Anger, hyperbole, and conditional or future statements are strong defense territory.

Is a terroristic threat a felony?

Base charges are misdemeanors; threats against public servants, in public places, or involving utilities can be felonies. Family-member variants are Class A with family-violence findings attached.

Do deleted texts or social media posts matter?

Yes — the full context of a conversation often rebuts the ‘imminent fear’ element. Preserve everything and give your attorney the complete thread.

Charged with TERRORISTIC THREAT? Move fast.

Charges like this are shaped in the first weeks — evidence gets preserved or lost, and early counsel changes outcomes. Our attorneys are former police officers who know how these cases are built. Get a free consultation — we’ll review the facts, explain your realistic options, and quote a flat fee. Available 24/7.

This page is general legal information for Texas, not legal advice about your specific case. Penalty ranges can change with enhancements, priors, and case-specific facts. Last reviewed July 2026.