mintzerlaw

Harassment

Houston Harassment Lawyer

Any type of behavior or communication that is intended to torment, embarrass, frighten or abuse another
person may be considered harassment. Harassing behavior is an action or series of actions that are
intrusive, unwanted and reasonably likely to cause stress, fear or an embarrassed response.

Examples of harassing behavior may include stalking, repeated phone calls or emails, obscene
language, threats and property damage.

There are different kinds of charges for bothering others. Unwanted sexual advances could lead to
charges of sexual harassment. Making life difficult for someone because of their race or ethnicity
could be considered racial harassment. No matter what type, harassment is a legally prohibited
behavior that can have legal consequences.

Penalties for Harassment

Legal Defenses for Bothering People

The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant engaged in the alleged
harassing behavior with the specific intention to annoy, harass, torment, abuse or embarrass
|another person in Texas. This is not always easy to do.

For example, the defense attorney could introduce evidence to show that the defendant did not
intend to threaten or frighten anyone. In the case of a romantic breakup, the attorney could
argue that the defendant was legitimately concerned about the ex-partner and was
trying to reestablish a connection.

The attorney could argue that the alleged victim did not make it clear that the relationship
had ended or that the alleged victim also engaged in harassing behavior. These arguments may
weaken the prosecution’s evidence and convince the judge to reduce or drop the charges.