Texas Terroristic Threat Charges: Interrupting a Public Place

 Posted on July 11, 2025 in Criminal Defense

On July 4, the police were involved in chasing a man on the Dallas Love Field tarmac. The man intentionally rammed another car in the parking lot before driving through a gate at about 6 a.m., then drove through the gate onto the secured tarmac. There were no injuries involved, and the man was taken into custody and charged with making a terroristic threat that interrupts a public place, criminal trespass, and evading arrest with a vehicle.     

Making a threat in Texas can escalate quickly into a serious criminal charge. If the threat involves a public place, such as a school, church, or shopping center, the charges and penalties will be more severe. If the intent of the terroristic threat is to cause public fear, trigger an emergency response, or disrupt services, then even if no one is harmed, a single statement can lead to arrest, prosecution, and a permanent criminal record. The statement can be verbal, written, or posted online.

Terroristic threat charges in Texas can be found under Texas Penal Code Section 22.07. If you are facing allegations of making a terroristic threat in a public setting, it is essential that you understand the legal stakes, as well as your defense options. Consulting with a Karnes City, TX criminal defense attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your charges, minimizing the long-term consequences.

What Makes a Terroristic Threat Worse When a Public Place Is Involved?

Terroristic threats are worse when a public place is involved because of the potential for widespread fear and disruption. Threats in public spaces can disrupt normal activities, causing widespread panic and impacting many people. As an example, calling in a bomb threat to a college campus can cause fear and panic, disrupt classes, and even cause injuries due to the panic.

Terroristic threats in public places impact public safety and have heightened legal consequences due to the increased risk to a greater number of people. A public place can be anywhere where large numbers of people gather, such as schools, malls, airports, bus and train stations, churches, and theme parks.  

Are Terroristic Threats Involving Public Areas Misdemeanors or Felonies?

The penalties for terroristic threats involving public areas can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the specifics of the threat and the consequences. If there is an intent to cause fear or interrupt public services, or cause property damage, it can be charged as a felony.  

If the threats are made against a public servant, such as a police officer, the charges will be a felony, and there will be more severe punishments. If the threat is against public infrastructure, like a power line or communication system, it could be charged as a third-degree felony. If the terroristic threat is intended to cause widespread fear and panic, it will be charged as a felony.  

Are There Defenses to the Charges of Terroristic Threats Involving Public Areas?

The specific defense will depend on the facts and circumstances of the charges as well as the context and evidence. The most common defenses include:

•  Lack of intent
• Misunderstanding
• There was no credible threat involved.
• The statement is protected under the First Amendment.
• There was a lack of immediacy to the threat.
• There was no reasonable fear from the alleged victim or victims.
• The threat was made in the heat of the moment with no intent to follow through.
• There were police errors, or the defendant’s constitutional rights were violated.

Contact a Karnes County, TX Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are accused of making a terroristic threat in Texas, especially if it was in a public place, you should not face the justice system alone. These are serious charges with serious consequences.

Having an experienced Karnes City, TX criminal defense attorney from BRCK Criminal Defense Attorneys by your side means your rights and your future will be protected throughout the process. Every partner in the firm is either a former criminal prosecutor or a judge, which benefits every client. Call 830-769-1010 to schedule a free consultation. Our attorneys speak Spanish.