Frisco, TX Juvenile Terroristic Threat Lawyers

Knowledgeable Attorneys Helping Minors Defend Against Terroristic Threat Charges in Frisco, Texas

Allegations of making a terroristic threat are taken seriously in Texas, even when they involve minors. In some cases, juveniles may be accused of making verbal, written, or electronic threats. These accusations may lead to juvenile crime charges that can result in severe legal consequences. When minors are accused of making threats to schools or students, posting threatening messages on social media, or engaging in threatening behavior in other public settings, they may face penalties such as juvenile detention, school discipline, or long-term court supervision.

The attorneys at Barbieri Law Firm understand that minors may not fully realize the implications of their actions or statements. In many cases, a threat may have been made impulsively, as a joke, or under peer pressure. Regardless of a person's intent, the legal system takes these accusations seriously. Our lawyers work with families to defend young people who are facing terroristic threat charges. We work to protect the rights of minors and help them resolve juvenile delinquency cases or criminal charges in ways that will help them avoid long-term damage to their records and their futures.

Understanding Terroristic Threat Charges

Texas Penal Code §22.07 defines the offense of terroristic threat, which may involve threats to commit a violent act with the intent to:

• Cause a reaction from emergency services
• Cause someone to fear that they will suffer a serious bodily injury
• Interrupt the use of a building or place of assembly
• Impair public communication, transportation, or other public utilities
• Influence the activities of a government or public agency

In juvenile cases, these charges may be based on statements a child has made at school or on school grounds, on social media, in text messages to fellow students, during confrontations with peers, or when participating in pranks or dares.

For example, a student may post a message online referencing a school shooting that they intended to be a joke. However, others may view this as a threat, believing that the student intends to take violent actions. This could lead to classes being interrupted as school officials respond to the potential threat. Based on the reactions to perceived threats, the child could be charged with making terroristic threats.

Penalties for Minors Accused of Terroristic Threat

In Texas, charges against minors between the ages of 10 and 17 are generally handled in juvenile court. While these cases are handled differently from adult criminal cases, a juvenile adjudication for a terroristic threat can still result in serious consequences, including:

• Detention in a juvenile facility
• Probation or court supervision
• Community service
• Mandatory counseling
• A permanent juvenile record, which may affect a child's future education or employment opportunities
• Possible school expulsion or placement in an alternative education program

The severity of the potential penalties may depend on several factors, including the nature of the threat, whether anyone was injured due to the minor's actions, whether emergency services were involved, and whether a minor's actions allegedly led to interruptions in school functions, public communications, or public transportation.

In some cases, prosecutors may seek to certify the juvenile as an adult, especially if the threat is tied to weapons or a planned act of violence. In these cases, a minor could face criminal charges in adult court. Depending on the circumstances of the alleged offense, misdemeanor or felony charges could apply. Charges are more likely to be serious in situations involving threats that allegedly affected a large number of people or influenced the activities of local or state government officials.

Defense for Minors Facing Terroristic Threat Charges

The legal team at Barbieri Law Firm provides strong representation in juvenile crime cases, focusing on solutions that will protect a child's future. When defending against terroristic threat allegations, our attorneys may take the following steps:

• Investigating the full context of the alleged threat, including the source of the information, the setting, and any surrounding circumstances
• Addressing whether a minor's statements or actions actually meet the legal definition of a terroristic threat
• Presenting evidence of the juvenile's lack of intent, poor judgment, or misunderstandings
• Working with mental health professionals when appropriate to provide evaluations or treatment plans
• Advocating for deferred prosecution, probation, or other alternatives that will minimize the impact on a child's life
• Negotiating with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges based on the minor's age, history, and behavior
• Providing representation in school disciplinary hearings or expulsion proceedings, if necessary

Contact Our Frisco Juvenile Defense Attorneys for Terroristic Threat Charges

When a child has been accused of making a terroristic threat, it is essential to act quickly to address these charges. These cases can escalate rapidly, and early intervention from an experienced attorney can make a critical difference in the outcome of a case. At Barbieri Law Firm, we can provide a strong, compassionate defense for a minor who is facing serious allegations. We will work closely with the child and their family to resolve a case in a way that will preserve the child's future. Contact our Frisco, TX terroristic threat defense lawyers at 972-424-1902 to arrange a free consultation.