Doxxing—publishing someone’s private information online without consent has become increasingly common in our digital age. While Texas doesn’t have a specific “doxxing” statute, this behavior can trigger serious criminal charges under harassment and stalking laws. Depending on the circumstances and intent, you could face penalties ranging from fines to years in prison.
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, our experienced criminal defense attorneys understand the complexities of Texas cyber crime laws. If you are being investigated or charged with doxxing-related offenses, contact our attorneys immediately at (972) 528-0116.
What Is Doxxing?
Doxxing involves publishing private personal information about someone online without permission, including:
- Home addresses and phone numbers
- Workplace information and employer details
- Social Security numbers or financial data
- Family member information
- Personal photos or private communications
The intent behind doxxing matters significantly under Texas law. While Texas doesn’t have a law specifically titled “doxxing,” the conduct can violate multiple criminal statutes depending on circumstances and consequences.
Is Doxxing a Crime Under Texas Law?
Texas doesn’t criminalize “doxxing” by name, but related conduct can trigger criminal charges under several statutes.
Harassment (Texas Penal Code § 42.07)
Texas harassment law covers electronic communications intended to harass, annoy, alarm, abuse, torment, or embarrass another person. Publishing someone’s personal information online to cause harassment may qualify as criminal harassment.
You can face charges for:
- Making repeated electronic communications
- Threatening to inflict bodily injury or property damage
- Sending communications likely to harass or cause alarm
Harassment is typically a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $2,000. Charges can escalate to Class A misdemeanor for repeat offenses (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine).
Stalking (Texas Penal Code § 42.072)
Doxxing escalates to stalking when it involves repeated conduct that would cause a reasonable person to fear bodily injury or death. Stalking requires:
- Repeated conduct targeting a specific person
- Credible threats or behavior causing fear
- Intent to place the victim in fear
Stalking is a third-degree felony, punishable by 2-10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Second offenses become second-degree felonies (2-20 years prison).
Unlawful Disclosure of Residence Address
Texas Penal Code § 42.074 provides special protections for judges, peace officers, and family violence victims. Publishing the home addresses or telephone numbers of protected persons can result in specific criminal charges, even without malicious intent.
Online Impersonation & Cyber Harassment
Texas law criminalizes:
- Creating fake online profiles to harm someone’s reputation
- Impersonating others online to cause harm
- Electronic communications to harass or threaten
When Doxxing Becomes a Felony
Aggravating factors that elevate charges to felony level:
🚨 Threats of violence or bodily harm
🚨 Targeting public servants or protected persons
🚨 Prior harassment or stalking convictions
🚨 Causing actual physical harm or property damage
🚨 Involving minors as targets
Can You Be Sued for Doxxing in Texas?
Beyond criminal charges, doxxing exposes you to civil liability. Criminal cases don’t prevent victims from filing separate civil lawsuits. Common civil claims include:
- Invasion of privacy – Publishing private information without consent
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress – Causing severe emotional harm
- Defamation – Damaging reputation with false information
- Negligent infliction of harm – Failing to consider foreseeable consequences
Civil lawsuits can result in monetary damages, injunctive relief, and attorney’s fees—proceeding independently of criminal charges.
Does the First Amendment Protect Doxxing?
The First Amendment protects free speech but has limits. Doxxing often falls outside constitutional protections because it involves harassment, true threats, or incitement to violence.
Courts generally don’t protect speech that:
- Constitutes “true threats” against specific individuals
- Harasses or intimidates others
- Incites imminent lawless action
- Invades privacy rights
The context and intent behind your actions matter more than the information itself.
What Are the Penalties for Doxxing-Related Charges in Texas?
| Offense Level | Potential Jail Time | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class C Misdemeanor | No jail time | $500 |
| Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 180 days | $2,000 |
| Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | $4,000 |
| State Jail Felony | 180 days – 2 years | $10,000 |
| Third-Degree Felony | 2-10 years | $10,000 |
| Second-Degree Felony | 2-20 years | $10,000 |
Additional consequences include:
- Protective orders prohibiting victim contact
- Permanent criminal record affecting employment and housing
- Professional license suspension or revocation
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
What Should You Do If You’re Accused of Doxxing?
Take these steps immediately:
- Do not contact the alleged victim – Any communication can be used as evidence
- Preserve all digital evidence – Don’t delete posts, messages, or accounts
- Avoid discussing the case – Don’t post online or discuss with friends
- Exercise your right to remain silent – Don’t speak to police without representation
- Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately – Early intervention significantly impacts outcomes
Anything you say or do after the accusation can be used against you in court.
How Our Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help
The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy provides comprehensive defense strategies for doxxing and cyber crime allegations:
- Immediate case assessment and emergency intervention
- Digital evidence review and preservation
- Constitutional defense arguments based on First Amendment rights
- Intent-based defense strategies challenging the prosecution’s case
- Negotiation with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges
- Trial representation when plea negotiations fail
With over 35 years of combined experience defending clients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we understand how to challenge prosecution evidence and protect your rights. Contact our criminal defense lawyers today for a confidential case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is doxxing automatically illegal in Texas?
No. It becomes illegal when it violates harassment, stalking, or threat statutes. The key factors are intent and consequences, not just sharing information.
Can I go to jail for posting someone’s address online?
Yes, if prosecutors prove intent to harass, threaten, or endanger the person. Penalties range from fines to years in prison depending on circumstances and criminal history.
Is doxxing a felony in Texas?
Doxxing can be charged as a felony when involving threats of violence, stalking behavior, or harm to protected persons. Most cases start as misdemeanors but can escalate.
Can the victim file a restraining order against me?
Yes. Alleged victims can petition Texas courts for protective orders in qualifying harassment or stalking cases, restricting your movements, communications, and online activities.
What if I only shared publicly available information?
Even publicly available information can violate Texas law if shared with intent to harass, threaten, or cause harm. Courts examine context, motivation, and consequences.
How long do doxxing charges stay on my record?
Criminal convictions typically remain on your permanent record unless expunged or sealed. Texas law allows record clearing in certain circumstances, particularly for first-time offenders.