The Texas Court of Appeals has ruled against Allison Camille Lartigue and The Freelance Paralegal, LLC in their appeal of a stalking case brought by Karleana L. Farias. The court affirmed the lower court's decision to deny Lartigue's motion to dismiss the case under the Texas Citizens Participation Act (TCPA). This ruling is significant as it clarifies the application of the TCPA in cases involving alleged stalking and harassment.

The dispute centers on a series of communications between Lartigue and Farias, an attorney who was investigating complaints against Lartigue for practicing law without a license. Farias filed the stalking lawsuit after receiving multiple threatening emails and calls from Lartigue. The case highlights the legal boundaries of free speech and the protections offered under the TCPA, which is designed to safeguard individuals' rights to petition and speak freely.

Background

Allison Camille Lartigue and The Freelance Paralegal, LLC are the appellants in this case, while Karleana L. Farias is the appellee. Farias, an attorney, filed a lawsuit against Lartigue for stalking, alleging that Lartigue engaged in inappropriate and harassing behavior. The case arose amid a separate legal proceeding where the Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee of the State of Texas sought to enjoin Lartigue from practicing law without a license.

The conflict escalated when Lartigue began contacting Farias directly, sending numerous emails and making repeated phone calls. In one email, Lartigue threatened to involve the police if Farias did not disclose information about a potential client. After a series of alarming communications, Farias felt compelled to file charges against Lartigue, leading to the stalking lawsuit.

The Ruling

The Texas Court of Appeals ruled on June 16, 2026, affirming the trial court's denial of Lartigue's motion to dismiss the stalking claim under the TCPA. The court found that Farias's claims were not based on or in response to any rights protected by the TCPA. The court stated, "Because we conclude that Farias’s stalking claim is not based on or in response to Lartigue’s exercise of any right or act that the TCPA protects, we affirm the trial court’s order denying her motion to dismiss."

The ruling was issued by Justice Amparo “Amy” Guerra, with the panel also including Chief Justice Adams and Justice Guiney. The court emphasized that the TCPA is intended to protect individuals' rights to free speech and petition, but it does not shield individuals from accountability for harassment or stalking.

Impact

This ruling has significant implications for future cases involving the TCPA. It clarifies that not all communications related to legal matters are protected under the TCPA, particularly when those communications involve threats or harassment. The court's decision reinforces the idea that individuals cannot use the TCPA as a shield against legitimate claims of stalking or harassment.

The ruling affects not only the parties involved but also sets a precedent for similar cases in Texas. It highlights the need for careful consideration of the context and content of communications when determining whether they fall under the protections of the TCPA.

What's Next

Following this ruling, Lartigue may consider appealing the decision to a higher court, although the court did not indicate whether such an appeal would be successful. There are no related cases pending that were mentioned in the court's opinion. The outcome of this case may influence how future stalking and harassment claims are handled in Texas.