How Dropping F-Bombs, or Other Cuss Words, in Texas Could Land You in Jail

In Texas, cussing or using swear words has somehow become a normal part of people's conversations. It's very crude. It can be unprofessional to use in a business environment. It has become an overused part of dialogue in some of our favorite TV shows. Surprisingly, the use of cuss or swear words can even be a criminally punishable offense. No, if you use a cuss word in a public setting around a police officer, you won't be ticketed or arrested. However, if you do use cuss words in a certain way, you can be arrested.

Using Cuss Words

Not one of us is perfect. As much as we try to be patient and understanding in a public environment, there comes a time when that patience wears out and we could lash out. Part of that lashing out could be a physical altercation. Part of the lashing out could also be the use of cuss words. While, for the most part, cussing in public won't get you into legal trouble, the use of cuss words in an aggressive or threatening manner could lead to police putting you in cuffs and charges being brought against you.

The use of cuss words in an aggressive or threatening manner in a public setting can be considered disorderly conduct which is a class C misdemeanor punishable with up to a $500 fine. Obviously, if you take it beyond that, then the penalties do increase. For instance, if you brandish a firearm, that can go up to a class B misdemeanor which can result in some jail time. Same thing if you fire a weapon into the air or start a fist fight with someone in public (mcconathylaw.com).

According to Tex. Penal Code § 42.01, an individual can be charged with disorderly conduct if they intentionally or knowingly:

Use abusive, indecent, profane, or vulgar language in a public place and the language alone can cause an immediate breach of peace. These types of words can include cursing, cuss words, or racial slurs.

I am Not Perfect

I used to be one of those who would cuss quite a bit. I stayed away from the GD word and saying Jesus Christ out of frustration because God and Jesus are not cuss words, they are our Lord and Savior and should not be used in that manner (Exodus 20:7, Ephesians 4:29). Cussing just became annoying to say and to hear. For some reason, dropping an f-bomb for no reason at all is a sign of "I'm cool" or "I'm a rebel. Look at me."

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