Tarrant County Stalking Lawyer & Harassment Defense in Fort Worth
Stalking is a serious criminal offense in Texas that can upend lives in ways few people anticipate. While many picture a shadowy figure lurking outside a window, the reality under Texas law is far broader—and often involves conduct that was never meant to intimidate or harm. If you or a loved one has been charged with stalking in Tarrant County, the situation demands immediate attention. At The McLarty Law Firm in Fort Worth, we approach every case with the gravity it deserves while extending genuine empathy to clients who feel overwhelmed by the sudden weight of these allegations. Our experienced Tarrant County criminal defense team is here to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.
What Constitutes Stalking in Texas?
Under Texas Penal Code § 42.072, a person commits the offense of stalking when, on more than one occasion and pursuant to the same scheme or course of conduct directed at a specific individual, they knowingly engage in behavior that they know or reasonably should know will cause the other person to fear bodily injury or death, or fear for the safety of a family or household member, a dating partner, or their property. Texas expanded these protections in 2021 to cover current dating relationships more clearly and to recognize a wider range of emotional impacts—including feeling harassed, alarmed, abused, tormented, embarrassed, or offended. No physical contact is ever required. Common examples that frequently lead to charges in Tarrant County and Fort Worth include:
- Repeated unwanted calls, texts, emails, or social-media messages
- Repeatedly driving by a home, workplace, or school
- Electronic tracking or monitoring without consent
- Sending unsolicited gifts, flowers, or packages
- Any pattern of conduct that a reasonable person would find threatening or alarming
The key is the “course of conduct”—multiple acts that together create the prohibited fear or distress.
Can You Go to Jail for a Stalking Charge in Texas?
Yes. Stalking is a felony offense with substantial prison time.
- A first-offense stalking charge is a **third-degree felony**, punishable by **2 to 10 years in prison** and a fine of up to **$10,000**.
- If the accused has a prior stalking conviction (or certain similar offenses), the charge escalates to a **second-degree felony**, carrying **2 to 20 years in prison** and the same maximum fine.
A conviction also triggers lifelong collateral consequences: employment barriers, housing restrictions, reputational damage, and potential loss of professional licenses. The stakes are simply too high to navigate alone.
Is Online Stalking a Crime?
Absolutely. Online or “cyber” stalking is fully prosecutable in Texas. Repeated electronic communications—threatening texts, emails, social-media posts, anonymous accounts, or location tracking via apps—can satisfy the elements of stalking when they form a continuing course of conduct that causes the required fear or emotional distress. Prosecutors treat digital evidence with the same seriousness as in-person behavior, and the penalties are identical.
How Can an Attorney Help with a Stalking Charge?
An experienced Tarrant County stalking lawyer can be the difference between a devastating conviction and a favorable resolution. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you acted “knowingly” and that a reasonable person would have felt threatened. A skilled defender will:
- Scrutinize every detail of the alleged course of conduct and digital evidence
- Challenge weaknesses in proving the “knowingly” element or the reasonableness of the victim’s fear
- Investigate context—such as contentious divorces, custody disputes, or retaliatory accusations
- Negotiate aggressively for dismissal or reduction to a lesser offense
- Build and present a robust defense at trial when necessary
At The McLarty Law Firm, we combine thorough investigation with compassionate client guidance. We understand these cases are deeply personal and emotionally charged, and we fight relentlessly to preserve your freedom and record. Stalking charges in Tarrant County or Fort Worth are not minor matters—they are serious felony accusations carrying life-altering prison sentences and permanent consequences. The law is clear, the penalties are severe, and the window for effective defense narrows quickly. If you or someone you care about faces a stalking investigation or charge anywhere in Tarrant County, do not wait. Contact The McLarty Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation. Our dedicated Fort Worth criminal defense team is available 24/7 for urgent matters and stands ready to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
**Call (817) 900-3235** immediately or visit our office at **855 Texas St., Suite 140, Fort Worth, TX 76102**. Your future depends on experienced, local representation—let us put our proven track record to work for you.
