Is harrassment via phone texting considered a crimial offense in the state of Texas?

Question

For instance, if someone mistakenly texts you a hate message (profanity laced racism) intended for another number, and in turn continues to send threatening messages when you try to explain to them that they obviously have the wrong number.

Answer 1

In legal circles, the term "harassment" is generally reserved for "sexual harassment" in the employment law context. If I understand your question correctly, however, I believe you probably meant stalking.

The Texas Stalking Law is codified in section 42.072 of the Texas Penal Code.

To be convicted under the Texas Stalking Law, the stalker must have the intent or the knowledge that his/her actions will instill fear of death or bodily injury to the victim or a member of the victim's family or household. Threats can be explicit or implied. Threats have to be aimed at a specific person; they cannot be general threats.

The acts may include threatening contact by mail or by phone, or damaging the victim's property. I believe text messaging threats are covered here. However, I do not believe that excessive text message, without more, is enough to be convicted under the Texas Stalking Law.

A conviction under the Texas Stalking Law is a class A misdemeanor - $4,000 and/or up to one year in jail unless there is a prior conviction for stalking, in which case the penalty is upgraded to a 3rd degree felony (2 to 10 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000).

More information on the Texas Stalking Law can be found in the link below.

http://www.oag.state.tx.us/victims/stalking.shtml

Answer 2

Harassment is harassment, and is illegal however it's done.

BUT..... 95% of what people "think" is harrasment is just annoying and isn't *legally* harassment at all.

Richard

Answer 3

I think it is. Everywhere it is I think. But it's not as bad as other things.

Good luck and i hope this helps.