Recently, a Denton woman's drunken altercation with law enforcement led to misdemeanor and felony charges. According to a report from the Denton Record-Chronicle, officers arrived at the scene of a fight and found a visibly intoxicated woman.
Reportedly, the woman's breath smelled of alcohol and her eyes were bloodshot. She was initially arrested for public intoxication. However, matters escalated when she allegedly pulled away from her arresting officers and spat on one of the officers.
The entire incident resulted in the woman being charged with several crimes, including the before-mentioned public intoxication, resisting arrest, and harassment of a public servant.
Definition of Harassment of a Public Servant in Texas
In Texas, the crime of harassment of a public servant is defined as an act that intentionally causes a public servant to feel harassed or threatened. This includes any physical contact involving offensive or provocative behavior directed at a public servant in a manner likely to be considered menacing. Harassment of a public servant can also involve electronic communication via text, email, video, and more, which is aimed at harassing a public servant.
What Are the Penalties for Committing Harassment of a Public Servant in Texas?
In Texas, people convicted of committing harassment of a public servant can face severe penalties. Harassment of a public servant is considered a third-degree felony. Penalties for committing harassment of a public servant in Texas include:
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Up to 10 years in prison
In addition, since it’s a felony and remains your criminal record, people convicted of harassment of a public servant may have trouble finding housing and employment following their conviction.
Defenses Against Harassment of a Public Servant Charges in Texas
If you have been charged with harassment of a public servant in Texas, there are a few legal defense strategies that can help you, including:
- The defendant lacks the mental state necessary for finding criminal intent.
- The alleged conduct was not done with malicious intent or malice.
- The defendant did not engage in any type of threatening behavior towards the public servant.
- The prosecution has failed to establish willful malice.
Other defenses can include mistakes of fact and self-defense. Regardless of which defense is applicable to your case, an experienced attorney will be able to assist in determining what action should be taken to ensure your rights are fully protected during this difficult process.
Facing Harassment of a Public Servant Charges in Denton? Contact Derek A. Adame, Attorney at Law for a Free Initial Consultation Today
When facing charges for harassment of a public servant in Texas, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Attorney Derek A. Adame has been handling criminal matters in Texas for over 25 years. Attorney Adame understands what it takes to successfully defend you against harassment of a public servant charges.
As our case results prove, Attorney Adame has a long history of helping our clients secure the most favorable outcome possible for their situation, including getting the charges against them reduced or dismissed.
To learn more about harassment of a public servant charges in Texas, or to speak to our experienced harassment of a public servant defense lawyer in Denton, call Derek A. Adame, Attorneys at Law at 940.441.4239 or get in touch with us online today for a free initial consultation.