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.