Can Verbal Arguments Lead to Assault Charges in Texas?

In the heat of a disagreement, things can escalate quickly. Words fly, voices rise, and before you know it, someone calls the police. Many people are shocked to learn that no physical contact is necessary to be arrested for assault in Texas. If you’ve been involved in a verbal argument—even one without punches thrown—you could still face criminal assault charges.

In this post, we’ll explain how Texas law defines verbal assault, when arguments cross the legal line, and why you should speak with a lawyer near you if you’re facing charges stemming from something you said.

The Short Answer: Yes, Verbal Arguments Can Lead to Assault Charges

Under Texas Penal Code §22.01, assault doesn’t require physical injury or even physical contact. A person can be charged with assault if they:

Intentionally or knowingly threaten another with imminent bodily injury

Make physical contact the other person finds offensive (this could be verbal + minor contact)

Actually cause bodily injury

So, if you threaten someone—even without touching them—you may have committed Assault by Threat, a Class C misdemeanor.

What Counts as a “Threat” in Texas?

To qualify as an assault charge, a verbal threat must be:

Intentional or knowing (not a joke or accident)

Credible in the eyes of the victim or law enforcement

Refer to imminent (immediate) bodily injury—not a vague or future threat

Examples of threats that may lead to assault charges:

“I’m going to knock your teeth out right now.”

“If you take one more step, I’ll break your nose.”

“Keep talking and I’ll hurt you.”

If the other person believes they are in immediate danger, they or a witness can contact police—and you could be arrested, even if you never laid a finger on them.

Common Situations That Lead to Verbal Assault Charges

Here are some real-world examples from cases in Harris and Galveston Counties where verbal disputes led to charges:

Domestic Disputes

Arguments between spouses, partners, or roommates often involve yelling and threats. If police are called and one person reports feeling threatened, Assault – Family Violence charges may be filed.

Road Rage Incidents

If you threaten another driver during a traffic confrontation—especially if you exit your vehicle or appear aggressive—you may be arrested for assault by threat, even without physical contact.

Workplace Arguments

A loud confrontation between coworkers, particularly if it includes threats or aggressive behavior, may lead to police involvement and misdemeanor charges.

Neighbor Disputes

A shouting match over a property line, noise complaint, or barking dog can escalate if one party claims they were threatened with violence.

In each of these situations, the words you use and how others perceive them can determine whether or not you face criminal consequences.

What Happens After You’re Charged?

If police believe there is probable cause that you made a threat of imminent harm, they may arrest you or issue a citation for Class C misdemeanor assault. You may then be required to appear in:

Municipal court (if the incident occurred within city limits)

Justice of the Peace court (if it occurred in an unincorporated area)

Even though a Class C charge carries no jail time, it is a criminal offense, not a civil matter or traffic ticket. A conviction creates a permanent record, which can affect:

Employment

Housing

Custody or family court cases

Gun ownership and background checks

Can You Defend Against a Verbal Assault Charge?

Yes. An experienced criminal defense lawyer near you can evaluate your case and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s claim.

Common defenses include:

No intent to threaten: You were venting, joking, or using hyperbole, not issuing a true threat

Lack of imminence: Your words were about a future event, not an immediate danger

Mutual confrontation: The other party was just as aggressive, and no one was truly in fear

False accusation: The other person made a report out of spite, jealousy, or to gain leverage

In many cases, especially for first-time offenders, your attorney may be able to seek dismissal, pre-trial diversion, or deferred adjudication to avoid a conviction.

How These Cases Are Handled in Harris and Galveston Counties

Both Harris and Galveston Counties take verbal assault allegations seriously—especially if the alleged victim is:

A family member or romantic partner

A public servant

An elderly person

A person who has a protective order in place

Even without injury or contact, prosecutors may push to:

Attach a “family violence” label to the charge

Request a protective order or no-contact bond condition

Seek probation conditions, like anger management classes

This is why you should never assume “it was just an argument” means the charge will go away on its own. It won’t.

Why You Need a Lawyer Near You

You don’t have to face these charges alone. At the Law Office of JL Carpenter, we’ve successfully defended clients charged with verbal threats and other forms of non-physical assault in both Harris and Galveston County courts.

JL Carpenter is a former felony prosecutor, which means she knows how police and the district attorney’s office build their case—and how to break it down before it gets to trial.

Whether your case stems from a misunderstanding, a one-time outburst, or a false allegation, an experienced lawyer near you can:

Help protect your rights from day one

Negotiate for case dismissal or reduced charges

Keep your record clean whenever possible

Final Thoughts

Yes—verbal arguments can absolutely lead to assault charges in Texas. If your words are interpreted as a real and immediate threat of harm, the law allows prosecutors to treat it like any other assault case—even if no one was touched.

If you’re facing these charges, your next step should be legal representation. The consequences can impact your job, your family, and your freedom.

Call the Law Office of JL Carpenter at (713) 201-6767 or visit https://jlcarpenterlaw.com/contact/ to speak with a trusted lawyer near you who can help you move forward.