2007 – 2008 TEXAS PENAL CODE

TITLE 1
INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS

Chapter
1 General Provisions.
2 Burden of Proof.
3 Multiple Prosecutions.

TITLE 2
GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY

6 Culpability Generally.
7 Criminal Responsibility for Conduct of Another.
8 General Defenses to Criminal Responsibility.
9 Justification Excluding Criminal Responsibility.

TITLE 3
PUNISHMENTS

12 Punishments.

TITLE 4
INCHOATE OFFENSES

15 Preparatory Offenses.
16 Criminal Instruments, Interception of Wire or Oral Communication, and
Installation of Tracking Device.

TITLE 5
OFFENSES AGAINST THE PERSON

19 Criminal Homicide.
20 Kidnapping and Unlawful Restraint .
20A Trafficking of Persons.
21 Sexual Offenses.
22 Assaultive Offenses.

TITLE 6
OFFENSES AGAINST THE FAMILY

25 Offenses Against the Family.

TITLE 7
OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY

28 Arson, Criminal Mischief, and Other Property Damage or Destruction.

29 Robbery.
30 Burglary and Criminal Trespass.
31 Theft.
32 Fraud.
33 Computer Crimes.
33A Telecommunications Crimes.
34 Money Laundering.
35 Insurance Fraud.
35A Medicaid Fraud.

TITLE 8
OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

36 Bribery and Corrupt Influence.

37 Perjury and Other Falsification.
38 Obstructing Governmental Operation.
39 Abuse of Office.

TITLE 9
OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER AND DECENCY

42 Disorderly Conduct and Related Offenses.

43 Public Indecency.

TITLE 10
OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND MORALS

46 Weapons.
47 Gambling.
48 Conduct Affecting Public Health.
49 Intoxication and Alcoholic Beverage Offenses.

TITLE 11
ORGANIZED CRIME

71 Organized Crime.

TITLE 1
INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section
1.01. Short Title.
1.02. Objectives of Code.
1.03. Effect of Code.
1.04. Territorial Jurisdiction.
1.05. Construction of Code.
1.06. Computation of Age.
1.07. Definitions.
1.08. Preemption.
1.09. Concurrent Jurisdiction Under This Code to Prosecute Offenses That
Involve State Property.

Sec. 1.01. Short Title.

This code shall be known and may be cited as the Penal Code.

Sec. 1.02. Objectives of Code.

The general purposes of this code are to establish a system of prohibitions, penalties, and
correctional measures to deal with conduct that unjustifiably and inexcusably causes or threatens
harm to those individual or public interests for which state protection is appropriate. To this end,
the provisions of this code are intended, and shall be construed, to achieve the following
objectives:
(1) to insure the public safety through:
(A) the deterrent influence of the penalties hereinafter provided;
(B) the rehabilitation of those convicted of violations of this code; and
(C) such punishment as may be necessary to prevent likely recurrence of criminal
behavior;
(2) by definition and grading of offenses to give fair warning of what is prohibited and of
the consequences of violation;
(3) to prescribe penalties that are proportionate to the seriousness of offenses and that
permit recognition of differences in rehabilitation possibilities among individual
offenders;
(4) to safeguard conduct that is without guilt from condemnation as criminal;
(5) to guide and limit the exercise of official discretion in law enforcement to prevent
arbitrary or oppressive treatment of persons suspected, accused, or convicted of offenses;
and
(6) to define the scope of state interest in law enforcement against specific offenses and
to systematize the exercise of state criminal jurisdiction.

Sec. 1.03. Effect of Code.

(a) Conduct does not constitute an offense unless it is defined as an offense by statute, municipal
ordinance, order of a county commissioners court, or rule authorized by and lawfully adopted
under a statute.
(b) The provisions of Titles 1, 2, and 3 apply to offenses defined by other laws, unless the statute
defining the offense provides otherwise, however, the punishment affixed to an offense defined
outside this code shall be applicable unless the punishment is classified in accordance with this
code.
(c) This code does not bar, suspend, or otherwise affect a right or liability to damages, penalty,
forfeiture, or other remedy authorized by law to be recovered or enforced in a civil suit for
conduct this code defines as an offense, and the civil injury is not merged in the offense.

Sec. 1.04. Territorial Jurisdiction.

(a) This state has jurisdiction over an offense that a person commits by his own conduct or the
conduct of another for which he is criminally responsible if:
(1) either the conduct or a result that is an element of the offense occurs inside this state;
(2) the conduct outside this state constitutes an attempt to commit an offense inside this
state;
(3) the conduct outside this state constitutes a conspiracy to commit an offense inside this
state, and an act in furtherance of the conspiracy occurs inside this state; or
(4) the conduct inside this state constitutes an attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to
commit, or establishes criminal responsibility for the commission of, an offense in
another jurisdiction that is also an offense under the laws of this state.
(b) If the offense is criminal homicide, a "result" is either the physical impact causing death or
the death itself. If the body of a criminal homicide victim is found in this state, it is presumed
that the death occurred in this state. If death alone is the basis for jurisdiction, it is a defense to
the exercise of jurisdiction by this state that the conduct that constitutes the offense is not made
criminal in the jurisdiction where the conduct occurred.
(c) An offense based on an omission to perform a duty imposed on an actor by a statute of this
state is committed inside this state regardless of the location of the actor at the time of the
offense.
(d) This state includes the land and water and the air space above the land and water over which
this state has power to define offenses

Sec. 1.05. Construction of Code.

(a) The rule that a penal statute is to be strictly construed does not apply to this code. The
provisions of this code shall be construed according to the fair import of their terms, to promote
justice and effect the objectives of the code.
(b) Unless a different construction is required by the context, Sections 311.011, 311.012, 311.
014, 311.015, and 311.021 through 311.032 of Chapter 311, Government Code (Code Construc-
tion Act), apply to the construction of this code.
(c) In this code:
(1) a reference to a title, chapter, or section without further identification is a reference to
a title, chapter, or section of this code; and
(2) a reference to a subchapter, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, or other numbered or
lettered unit without further identification is a reference to a unit of the next-larger unit of
this code in which the reference appears.

Sec. 1.06. Computation of Age.

A person attains a specified age on the day of the anniversary of his birthdate.

Sec. 1.07. Definitions.

(a) In this code:

(1) "Act" means a bodily movement, whether voluntary or involuntary, and includes
speech.
(2) "Actor" means a person whose criminal responsibility is in issue in a criminal action.
Whenever the term "suspect" is used in this code, it means "actor."
(3) "Agency" includes authority, board, bureau, commission, committee, council,
department, district, division, and office.
(4) "Alcoholic beverage" has the meaning assigned by Section 1.04, Alcoholic Beverage
Code.
(5) "Another "means a person other than the actor.
(6) "Association" means a government or governmental subdivision or agency, trust,
partnership, or two or more persons having a joint or common economic interest.
(7) "Benefit" means anything reasonably regarded as economic gain or advantage,
including benefit to any other person in whose welfare the beneficiary is interested.
(8) "Bodily injury" means physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical condition.
(9) "Coercion" means a threat, however communicated:
(A) to commit an offense;
(B) to inflict bodily injury in the future on the person threatened or another;
(C) to accuse a person of any offense;
(D) to expose a person to hatred, con, tempt, or ridicule;
(E) to harm the credit or business repute of any person; or
(F) to take or withhold action as a public servant, or to cause a public servant to
take or withhold action.
(10) "Conduct" means an act or omission and its accompanying mental state.
(11) "Consent" means assent in fact, whether express or apparent.
(12) "Controlled substance" has the meaning assigned by Section 481.002, Health and
Safety Code.
(13) "Corporation" includes nonprofit corporations, professional associations created
pursuant to statute, and joint stock companies.
(14) "Correctional facility" means a place designated by law for the confinement of a
person arrested for, charged with, or convicted of a criminal offense. The term includes:
(A) a municipal or county jail;
(B) a confinement facility operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice;
(C) a confinement facility operated under contract with any division of the Texas
Department of Criminal Justice; and
(D) a community corrections facility operated by a community supervision and
corrections department.
(15) "Criminal negligence" is defined in Section 6.03 (Culpable Mental States).
(16) "Dangerous drug" has the meaning assigned by Section 483.001, Health and Safety
Code.
(17) "Deadly weapon" means:
(A) a firearm or anything manifestly designed, made, or adapted for the purpose
of inflicting death or serious bodily injury; or
(B) anything that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing
death or serious bodily injury.
(18) "Drug" has the meaning assigned by Section 481.002, Health and Safety Code.
(19) "Effective consent" includes consent by a person legally authorized to act for the
owner Consent is not effective if:
(A) induced by force, threat, or fraud;
(B) given by a person the actor knows is not legally authorized to act for the
owner;
(C) given by a person who by reason of youth, mental disease or defect, or
intoxication is known by the actor to be unable to make reasonable decisions; or
(D) given solely to detect the commission of an offense.
(20) "Electric generating plant" means a facility that generates electric energy for
distribution to the public.
(21) "Electric utility substation" means a facility used to switch or change voltage in
connection with the transmission of electric energy for distribution to the public
(22) "Element of offense" means:
(A) the forbidden conduct;
(B) the required culpability;
(C) any required result; and
(D) the negation of any exception to the offense.
(23) “Felony" means an offense so designated by law or punishable by death or
confinement in a penitentiary.
(24) "Government" means:
(A) the state;
(B) a county, municipality, or political subdivision of the state; or
(C) any branch or agency of the state, a county, municipality, or political
subdivision.
(25) "Harm" means anything reasonably regarded as loss, disadvantage, or injury,
including harm to another person in whose welfare the person affected is interested.
(26) “Individual" means a human being who is alive, including an unborn child at every
stage of gestation from fertilization until birth.
(27) "Institutional division" means the institutional division of the Texas Department of
Criminal Justice.
(28) "Intentional" is defined in Section 6.03 (Culpable Mental States)
(29) "Knowing" is defined in Section 6.03 (Culpable Mental States).
(30) "Law" means the constitution or a statute of this state or of the United States, a
written opinion of a court of record, a municipal ordinance, an order of a county
commissioners court, or a rule authorized by and lawfully adopted under a statute.
(31) "Misdemeanor" means an offense so designated .by law or punishable by fine, by
confinement in jail, or by both fine and confinement in jail.
(32) "Oath" includes affirmation.
(33) "Official proceeding" means any type of administrative, executive, legislative, or
judicial proceeding that may be conducted before a public servant.
(34) "Omission" means failure to act.
(35) "Owner" means a person who:
(A) has title to the property, possession of the property, whether lawful or not, or
a greater right to possession of the property than the actor; or
(B) is a holder in due course of a negotiable instrument.
(36) "Peace officer" means a person elected, employed, or appointed as a peace officer
under Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, Section 51.212 or 51.214, Education
Code, or other law.
(37) "Penal institution" means a place designated by law for confinement of persons
arrested for, charged with, or convicted of an offense.
(38) "Person" means an individual, corporation, or association.
(39) "Possession" means actual care, custody, control, or management.
(40) "Public place" means any place to which the public or a substantial group of the
public has access and includes, but is not limited to, streets, highways, and the common
areas of schools, hospitals, apartment houses, office buildings, transport facilities, and
shops.
(41) “Public servant" means a person elected, selected, appointed, employed, or
otherwise designated as one of the following, even if he has not yet qualified for office or
assumed his duties:
 (A) an officer, employee, or agent of government;
(B) a juror or grand juror; or
(C) an arbitrator, referee, or other person who is authorized by law or private
written agreement to hear or determine a cause or controversy; or
(D) an attorney at law or notary public when participating in the performance of a
governmental function; or
(E) a candidate for nomination or election to public office; or
(F) a person who is performing a governmental function under a claim of right
although he is not legally qualified to do so.
(42) "Reasonable belief" means a belief that would be held by an ordinary and prudent
man in the same circumstances as the actor.
(43) "Reckless" is defined in Section 6.03 (Culpable Mental States).
(44) "Rule" includes regulation.
(45) "Secure correctional facility" means:
(A) a municipal or county, jail; or
(B) a confinement facility operated by or under a contract with any division of the
Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
(46) "Serious bodily injury" means bodily injury that creates a substantial risk of death or
that causes death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of
the function of any bodily member or organ
(47) "Swear" includes affirm.
(48) "Unlawful" means criminal or tortious or both and includes what would be criminal
or tortious but for a defense not amounting to justification or privilege.
(49) "Death" includes, for an individual who is an unborn child, the failure to be born
alive.
(b) The definition of a term in this code applies to each grammatical variation of the term.

Sec. 1.08. Preemption.

No governmental subdivision or agency may enact or enforce a law that makes any conduct
covered by this code an offense subject to a criminal penalty. This section shall apply only as
long as the law governing the conduct proscribed by this code is legally enforceable.

Sec. 1.09. Concurrent Jurisdiction Under This Code to Prosecute Offenses That Involve
State Property.

With the consent of the appropriate local county or district attorney, the attorney general has
concurrent jurisdiction with that consenting local prosecutor to prosecute under this code any
offense an element of which occurs on state property or any offense that involves the use,
unlawful appropriation, or misapplication of state property, including state funds.

CHAPTER 2
BURDEN OF PROOF

Section
2.01. Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt.
2.02. Exception.
2.03. Defense.
2.04 Affirmative Defense.
2.05. Presumption.
Sec. 2.01. Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt.

All persons are presumed to be innocent and no person may be convicted of an offense unless
each element of the offense is proved beyond a reasonable doubt. The fact that he has been
arrested, confined, or indicted for, or otherwise charged with, the offense gives rise to no
inference of guilt at his trial.

Sec. 2.02. Exception.

(a) An exception to an offense in this code is so labeled by the phrase: "It is an exception to the
application of ….”
(b) The prosecuting attorney must negate the existence of an exception in the accusation
charging commission of the offense and prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant or
defendant's conduct does not fall within the exception.
(c) This section does not affect exceptions applicable to offenses enacted prior to the effective
date of this code.

Sec. 2.03. Defense.

(a) A defense to prosecution for an offense in this code is so labeled by the phrase: "It is a
defense to prosecution . . ."
(b) The prosecuting attorney is not required to negate the existence of a defense in the accusation
charging commission of the offense.
(c) The issue of the existence of a defense is not submitted to the jury unless evidence is admitted
supporting the defense.
(d) If the issue of the existence of a defense is submitted to the jury, the court shall charge that a
reasonable doubt on the issue requires that the defendant be acquitted.
(e) A ground of defense in a penal law that is not plainly labeled in accordance with this chapter
has the procedural and evidentiary consequences of a defense.

Sec. 2.04. Affirmative Defense.

(a) An affirmative defense in this code is so labeled by the phrase: "It is an affirmative defense to
prosecution . . . ."
(b) The prosecuting attorney is not required to negate the existence of an affirmative defense in
the accusation charging commission of the offense.
(c) The issue of the existence of an affirmative defense is not submitted to the jury unless
evidence is admitted supporting the defense.
(d) If the issue of the existence of an affirmative defense is submitted to the jury, the court shall
charge that the defendant must prove the affirmative defense by a preponderance of evidence.

Sec. 2.05. Presumption.

(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), when this code or another penal law establishes a
presumption with respect to any fact, it has the following consequences:
(1) if there is sufficient evidence of the facts that give rise to the presumption, the issue of
the existence of the presumed fact must be submitted to the jury, unless the court is
satisfied that the evidence as a whole clearly precludes a finding beyond a reasonable
doubt of the presumed fact; and
(2) if the existence of the presumed fact is submitted to the jury, the court shall charge the
jury, in terms of the presumption and the specific element to which it applies, as follows:
 (A) that the facts giving rise to the presumption must be proven beyond a
reasonable doubt;
(B) that if such facts are proven beyond a reasonable doubt the jury may find that
the element of the offense sought to be presumed exists, but it is not bound to so
find;
(C) that even though the jury may find the existence of such element, the state
must prove beyond a reasonable doubt each of the other elements of the offense
charged; and
(D) if the jury has a reasonable doubt as to the existence of a fact or facts giving
rise to the presumption, the presumption fails and the jury shall not consider the
presumption for any purpose.
(b) When this code or another penal law establishes a presumption in favor of the defendant with
respect to any fact, it has the following consequences:
(1) if there is sufficient evidence of the facts that give rise to the presumption, the issue of
the existence of the presumed fact must be submitted to the jury unless the court is
satisfied that the evidence as a whole clearly precludes a finding beyond a reasonable
doubt of the presumed fact; and
(2) if the existence of the presumed fact is submitted to the jury, the court shall charge the
jury, in terms of the presumption, that:
(A) the presumption applies unless the state proves beyond a reasonable doubt
that the facts giving rise to the presumption do not exist;
(B) if the state fails to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the facts giving rise
to the presumption do not exist, the jury must find that the presumed fact exists;
(C) even though the jury may find that the presumed fact does not exist, the state
must prove beyond a reasonable doubt each of the elements of the offense
charged; and
(D) if the jury has a reasonable doubt as to whether the presumed fact exists, the
presumption applies and the jury must consider the presumed fact to exist,

CHAPTER 3
MULTIPLE PROSECUTIONS

Section
3 01 Definition.
3.02. Consolidation and Joinder of Prosecutions.
3.03. Sentences for Offenses Arising out of Same Criminal Episode.
3.04. Severance.

Sec. 3.01. Definition.

In this chapter, "criminal episode" means the commission of two or more offenses, regardless of
whether the harm is directed toward or inflicted upon more than one person or item of property,
under the following circumstances:
(1) the offenses are committed pursuant to the same transaction or pursuant to two or
more transactions that are connected or constitute a common scheme or plan; or
(2) the offenses are the repeated commission of the same or similar offenses

Sec. 3.02. Consolidation and Joinder of Prosecutions.

(a) A defendant may be prosecuted in a single criminal action for all offenses arising out of the
same criminal episode:
(b) When a single criminal action is based on more than one charging instrument within the
jurisdiction of the trial court, the state shall file written notice of the action not less than 30 days
prior to the trial.
(c) If a judgment of guilt is reversed, set aside, or vacated, and a new trial ordered, the state may
not prosecute in a single criminal action in the new trial any offense not joined in the former
prosecution unless evidence to establish probable guilt for that offense was not known to the
appropriate prosecuting official at the time the first prosecution commenced.

Sec. 3.03. Sentences for Offenses Arising out of Same Criminal Episode.

(a) When the accused is found guilty of more than one offense arising out of the same criminal
episode prosecuted in a single criminal action, a sentence for each offense for which he has been
found guilty shall be pronounced except as provided by Subsection (b), the sentences shall run
concurrently.
(b) If the accused is found guilty of more than one offense arising out of the same criminal
episode, the sentences may run concurrently or consecutively if each sentence is for a conviction
of
(1) an offense:
(A) under Section 49.07 or 49.08, regardless of whether the accused is convicted
of violations of the same section more than once or is convicted of violations of
both sections; or
(B) for which a plea agreement was reached in a case in which the accused was
charged with more than one offense listed in Paragraph (A), regardless of whether
the accused is charged with violations of the same section more than once or is
charged with violations of both sections;
(2) an offense:
(A) under Section 33.021 or an offense under Section 21.02, 21.11, 22.011,
22.021, 25.02, or 43.25 committed against a victim younger than 17 years of age
at the time of the commission of the offense regardless of whether the accused is
convicted of violations of the same section more than once or is convicted of
violations of more than one section; or
(B) for which a plea agreement was reached in a case in which the accused was
charged with more than one offense listed in Paragraph (A) committed against a
victim younger than 17 years of age at the time of the commission of the offense
regardless of whether the accused is charged with violations of the same section
more than once or is charged with violations of more than one section; or
(3) an offense:
(A) under Section 21.15 or 43 26, regardless of whether the accused is convicted
of violations of the same section more than once or is convicted of violations of
both sections; or
(B) for which a plea agreement was reached in a case in which the accused was
charged with more than one offense listed in Paragraph (A), regardless of whether the
accused is charged with violations of the same section more than once or is charged with
violations of both sections.

Sec. 3.04. Severance.

(a) Whenever two or more offenses have been consolidated or, joined for trial under Section
3.02, the defendant shall have a right to a severance of the offenses.
(b) In the event of severance under this section, the provisions of Section 3.03 do not apply, and
the court in its discretion may order the sentences to run either concurrently or consecutively.
(c) The right to severance under this section does not apply to a prosecution for offenses
described by Section 3.03(b) unless the court determines that the defendant or the state would be
unfairly prejudiced by a joinder of offenses, in which event the judge may order the offenses to
be tried separately or may order other relief as justice requires.

TITLE 2
GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY

CHAPTER 6
CULPABILITY GENERALLY

Section
6.01. Requirement of Voluntary Act or Omission.
6.02. Requirement of Culpability.
6.03. Definitions of Culpable Mental States.
6.04. Causation: Conduct and Results

Sec. 6.01. Requirement of Voluntary Act or Omission.

(a) A person commits an offense only if he voluntarily engages in conduct, including an act, an
omission, or possession.
(b) Possession is a voluntary act if the possessor knowingly obtains or receives the thing
possessed or is aware of his control of the thing for a sufficient time to permit him to terminate
his control.
(c) A person who omits to perform an act does not commit an offense unless a law as defined by
Section 1.07 provides that the omission is an offense or otherwise provides that he has a duty to
perform the act.

Sec. 6.02. Requirement of Culpability.

(a) Except as provided in Subsection (b), a person does not commit an offense unless he
intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence engages in conduct as the
definition of the offense requires.
(b) If the definition of an offense does not prescribe a culpable mental state, a culpable mental
state is nevertheless required unless the definition plainly dispenses with any mental element.
(c) If the definition of an offense does not prescribe a culpable mental state, but one is
nevertheless required under Subsection (b), intent, knowledge, or recklessness suffices to
establish criminal responsibility.
(d) Culpable mental states are classified according to relative degrees, from highest to lowest, as
follows:
(1) intentional;
(2) knowing;
(3) reckless;
(4) criminal negligence
(e) Proof of a higher degree of culpability than that charged constitutes proof of the culpability
charged.
(f) An offense defined by municipal ordinance or by order of a county commissioners court may
not dispense with the requirement of a culpable mental state if the offense is punishable by a fine
exceeding the amount authorized by Section 12.23.

Sec. 6.03. Definitions of Culpable Mental States.

(a) A person acts intentionally, or with intent, with respect to the nature of his conduct or to a
result of his conduct when it is his conscious objective or desire to engage in the conduct or
cause the result.
(b) A person acts knowingly, or with knowledge, with respect to the nature of his conduct or to
circumstances surrounding his conduct when he is aware of the nature of his conduct or that the
circumstances exist. A person acts knowingly, or with knowledge, with respect to a result of his
conduct when he is aware that his conduct is reasonably certain to cause the result.
(c) A person acts recklessly, or is reckless, with respect to circumstances surrounding his conduct
or the result of his conduct when he is aware of but consciously disregards a substantial and
unjustifiable risk that the circumstances exist or the result will occur. The risk must be of such a.
nature and degree that its disregard constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care that an
ordinary person would exercise under all the circumstances as viewed from the actors standpoint.
(d) A person acts with criminal negligence, or is criminally negligent, with respect to
circumstances surrounding his conduct or the result of his conduct when he ought to be aware of
a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the circumstances exist or the result will occur. The risk
must be of such a nature and degree that the failure to perceive it constitutes a gross deviation
from the standard of care that an ordinary person would exercise under all the circumstances as
viewed from the actors standpoint.

Sec. 6.04. Causation: Conduct and Results.

(a) A person is criminally responsible if the result would not have occurred but for his conduct,
operating either alone or concurrently with another cause, unless the concurrent cause was
clearly sufficient to produce the result and the conduct of the actor clearly insufficient.
(b) A person is nevertheless criminally responsible for causing a result if the only difference
between what actually occurred and what he desired, contemplated, or risked is that:
(1) a different offense was committed; or
(2) a different person or property was injured, harmed, or otherwise affected.

CHAPTER 7
CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONDUCT OF ANOTHER

Subchapter A. Complicity

Section
7.01. Parties to Offenses.
7.02. Criminal Responsibility for Conduct of Another.
7.03. Defenses Excluded.

Subchapter B. Corporations and Associations

7.21. Definitions.
7.22. Criminal Responsibility of Corporation or Association.
7.23. Criminal Responsibility of Person for Conduct in Behalf of Corporation or
Association.
7.24 Defense to Criminal Responsibility of Corporation or Association.

SUBCHAPTER A
COMPLICITY
Sec. 7.01. Parties to Offenses.

(a) A person is criminally responsible as a party to an offense if the offense is committed by his
own conduct, by the conduct of another for which he is criminally responsible, or by both.
(b) Each party to an offense may be charged with commission of the offense.
(c) All traditional distinctions between accomplices and principals are abolished by this section,
and each party to an offense may be charged and convicted without alleging that he acted as a
principal or accomplice.

Sec. 7.02. Criminal Responsibility for Conduct of Another.

(a) A person is criminally responsible for an offense committed by the conduct of another if:
(1) acting with the kind of culpability required for the offense, he causes or aids an
innocent or non responsible person to engage in conduct prohibited by the definition of
the offense;
(2) acting with intent to promote or assist the commission of the offense, he solicits,
encourages, directs, aids, or attempts to aid the other person to commit the offense; or
(3) having a legal duty to prevent commission of the offense and acting with intent to
promote or assist its commission, he fails to make a reasonable effort to prevent
commission of the offense.
(b) If, in the attempt to carry out a conspiracy to commit one felony, another felony is committed
by one of the conspirators, all conspirators are guilty of the felony actually committed, though
having no intent to commit it, if the offense was committed in furtherance of the unlawful
purpose and was one that should have been anticipated as a result of the carrying out of the
conspiracy.

Sec. 7.03. Defenses Excluded.

In a prosecution in which an actors criminal responsibility is based on the conduct of another, the
actor may be convicted on proof of commission of the offense and that he was a party to its
commission, and it is no defense:
(1) that the actor belongs to a class of persons that by definition of the offense is legally
incapable of committing the offense in an individual capacity; or
(2) that the person for whose conduct the actor is criminally responsible has been
acquitted, has not been prosecuted or convicted, has been convicted of a different offense
or of a different type or class of offense, or is immune from prosecution.

SUBCHAPTER B
CORPORATIONS ANDASSOCIATIONS

Sec. 7.21. Definitions.

In this subchapter:
(1) "Agent" means a director, officer, employee, or other person authorized to act in
behalf of a corporation or association.
(2) "High managerial agent" means:
(A) a partner in a partnership;
(B) an officer of a corporation or association;
(C) an agent of a corporation or association who has duties of such responsibility
that his conduct reasonably may be assumed to represent the policy of the
corporation or association.
Sec. 7.22. Criminal Responsibility of Corporation or Association.

(a) If conduct constituting an offense is performed by an agent acting in behalf of a corporation

or association and within the scope of his office or employment, the corporation or association is
criminally responsible for an offense defined:
(1) in this code where corporations and associations are made subject thereto;
(2) by law other than this code in which a legislative purpose to impose criminal
responsibility on corporations or associations plainly appears; or
(3) by law other than this code for which strict liability is imposed, unless a legislative
purpose not to impose criminal responsibility on corporations or associations plainly
appears.
(b) A corporation or association is criminally responsible for a felony offense only if its
commission was authorized, requested, commanded, performed, or recklessly tolerated by:
(1) a majority of the governing board acting in behalf of the corporation or association; or
(2) a high managerial agent acting in behalf of the corporation or association and within
the scope of his office or employment.

Sec. 7.23. Criminal Responsibility of Person for Conduct in Behalf of Corporation or

Association.

(a) An individual is criminally responsible for conduct that he performs in the name of or in
behalf of a corporation or association to the same extent as if the conduct were performed in his
own name or behalf.
(b) An agent having primary responsibility for the discharge of a duty to act imposed by law on a
corporation on association is criminally responsible for omission to discharge the duty to the
same extent as if the duty were imposed by law directly on him.
(c) If an individual is convicted of conduct constituting an offense performed in the name of or
on behalf of a corporation or association, he is subject to the sentence authorized by law for an
individual convicted of the offense.

Sec. 7.24. Defense to Criminal Responsibility of Corporation or Association.

It is an affirmative defense to prosecution of a corporation or association under Section 7.

22(a)(1) or (a)(2) that the high managerial agent having supervisory responsibility over the
subject matter of the offense employed due diligence to prevent its commission.

CHAPTER 8
GENERAL DEFENSES TO CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY

Section
8.01. Insanity.
8.02. Mistake of Fact.
8.03. Mistake of Law.
8.04. Intoxication.
8.05. Duress.
8.06. Entrapment.
8.07. Age Affecting Criminal Responsibility.

Sec. 8.01. Insanity.

(a) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution that, at the time of the conduct charged, the actor,
as a result of severe mental disease or defect, did not know that his conduct was wrong.
(b) The term "mental disease or defect" does not include an abnormality manifested only by
repeated criminal or otherwise antisocial conduct.

Sec. 8.02. Mistake of Fact.

(a) It is a defense to prosecution that the actor through mistake formed a reasonable belief about
a matter of fact if is mistaken belief negated the kind of culpability required for commission of
the offense.
(b) Although an actors mistake of fact may constitute a defense to the offense charged, he may
nevertheless be convicted of any lesser included offense of which he would be guilty if the fact
were as he believed.

Sec. 8.03. Mistake of Law.

(a) It is no defense to prosecution that the actor was ignorant of the provisions of any law after
the law has taken effect.
(b) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution that the actor reasonably believed the conduct
charged did not constitute a crime and that he acted in reasonable reliance upon:
(1) an official statement of the law contained in a written order or grant of permission by
an administrative agency charged by law with responsibility for interpreting the law in
question; or
(2) a written interpretation of the law contained in an opinion of a court of record or made
by a public official charged by law with responsibility for interpreting the law in
question.
(c) Although an actors mistake of law may constitute a defense to the offense charged, he may
nevertheless be convicted of a lesser included offense of which he would be guilty if the law
were as he believed.

Sec. 8.04. Intoxication.

(a) Voluntary Intoxication does not constitute a defense to the commission of crime.
(b) Evidence of temporary insanity caused by Intoxication may be introduced by the actor in
mitigation of the penalty attached to the offense for which he is being tried.
(c) When temporary insanity is relied upon as a defense and the evidence tends to show that such
insanity was caused by Intoxication, the court shall charge the jury in accordance with the
provisions of this section.
(d) For purposes of this section "Intoxication" means disturbance of mental or physical capacity
resulting from the introduction of any substance into the body.

Sec. 8.05. Duress.

(a) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution that the actor engaged in the proscribed conduct
because he was compelled to do so by threat of imminent death or serious bodily injury to
himself or another.
(b) In a prosecution for an offense that does not constitute a felony, it is an affirmative defense to
prosecution that the actor engaged in the proscribed conduct because he was compelled to do so
by force or threat of force.
(c) Compulsion within the meaning of this section exists only if the force or threat of force
would render a person of reasonable firmness incapable of resisting the pressure.
(d) The defense provided by this section is unavailable if the actor intentionally, knowingly, or
recklessly placed himself in a situation in which it was probable that he would be subjected to
compulsion.
(e) It is no defense that a person acted at the command or persuasion of his spouse, unless he
acted under compulsion that would establish a defense under this section.

Sec. 8.06. Entrapment.

(a) It is a defense to prosecution that the actor engaged in the conduct charged because he was
induced to do so by a law enforcement agent using persuasion or other means likely to cause
persons to commit the offense. Conduct merely affording a person an opportunity to commit an
offense does not constitute entrapment.
(b) In this section "law enforcement agent" includes personnel of the state and local law
enforcement agencies as well as of the United States and any person acting in accordance with
instructions from such agents.

Sec. 8.07. Age Affecting Criminal Responsibility.

(a) A person may not be prosecuted for or convicted of any offense that the person committed
when younger than 15 years of age except:
(1) perjury and aggravated perjury when it appears by proof that the person had sufficient
discretion to understand the nature and obligation of an oath;
(2) a violation of a penal statute cognizable under Chapter 729, Transportation Code,
except for conduct for which the person convicted may be sentenced to imprisonment or
confinement in jail;
(3) a violation of a motor vehicle traffic ordinance of an incorporated city or town in this
state;
(4) a misdemeanor punishable by fine only other than public Intoxication;
(5) a violation of a penal ordinance of a political subdivision;
(6) a violation of a penal statute that is, or is a lesser included offense of, a capital felony,
an aggravated controlled substance felony, or a felony of the first degree for which the
person is transferred to the court under Section 54.02, Family Code, for prosecution if the
person committed the offense when 14 years of age or older; or
(7) a capital felony or an offense under Section 19.02 for which the person is transferred
to the court under Section 54.02(j)(2)(A), Family Code.
(b) Unless the juvenile court waives jurisdiction under Section 54.02, Family Code, and certifies
the individual for criminal prosecution or the juvenile court has previously waived jurisdiction
under that section and certified the individual for criminal prosecution, a person may not be
prosecuted for or convicted of any offense committed before reaching 17 years of age except an
offense described by Subsections (a)(1)-(5).
(c) No person may, in any case, be punished by death for an offense committed while the person
was younger than 18 years.

CHAPTER 9
JUSTIFICATION EXCLUDING CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY

Subchapter A. General Provisions

Section
9.01. Definitions.
9.02. Justification as a Defense.
9.03. Confinement as Justifiable Force.
9.04. Threats as Justifiable Force.
9.05. Reckless Injury of Innocent Third Person.
9.06. Civil Remedies Unaffected.

Subchapter B, Justification Generally

9.21. Public Duty.
9.22. Necessity.

Subchapter C. Protection of Persons.

9.31. Self-Defense.
9.32. Deadly Force in Defense of Person.
9.33. Defense of Third Person.
9.34. Protection of Life or Health.

Subchapter D. Protection of Property

9.41. Protection of One's Own Property.
9.42. Deadly Force to Protect Property.
9.43. Protection of Third Person's Property.
9.44. Use of Device to Protect Property.

Subchapter E. Law Enforcement

9.51. Arrest and Search.
9.52. Prevention of Escape from Custody.
9.53. Maintaining Security in Correctional Facility.

Subchapter F. Special Relationships

9.61. Parent—Child.
9.62 Educator—Student.
9 63 Guardian—Incompetent.
.
SUBCHAPTER A GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 9.01. Definitions.

In this chapter:
(1) "Custody" has the meaning assigned by Section 38.01.
(2) "Escape" has the meaning assigned by Section 38.01.
(3) "Deadly force" means force that is intended or known by the actor to cause, or in the manner
of its use or intended use is capable of causing, death or serious bodily injury.
(4) "Habitation" has the meaning assigned by Section 30.01.
(5) "Vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section 30.01.

Sec. 9.02. Justification as a Defense.

It is a defense to prosecution that the conduct in question is justified under this chapter

Sec. 9.03. Confinement as Justifiable Force.

Confinement is justified when force is justified by this chapter if the actor takes reasonable
measures to terminate the confinement as soon as he knows he safely can unless the person
confined has been arrested for an offense.

Sec. 9.04. Threats as Justifiable Force.

The threat of force is justified when the use of force is justified by this chapter. For purposes of
this section, a threat to cause death or serious bodily injury by the production of a weapon or
otherwise, as long as the actors purpose is limited to creating an apprehension that he will use
deadly force if necessary, does not constitute the use of deadly force.

Sec. 9.05. Reckless Injury of Innocent Third Person.

Even though an actor is justified under this chapter in threatening or using force or deadly force
against another, if in doing so he also recklessly injures or kills an innocent third person, the
justification afforded by this chapter is unavailable in a prosecution for the reckless injury or
killing of the innocent third person.

Sec. 9.06. Civil Remedies Unaffected.

The fact that conduct is justified under this chapter does not abolish or impair any remedy for the
conduct that is available in a civil suit.

SUBCHAPTER B
JUSTIFICATION GENERALLY

Sec. 9.21. Public Duty.

(a) Except as qualified by Subsections (b) and (c), conduct is justified if the actor reasonably
believes the conduct is required or authorized by law, by the judgment or order of a competent
court or other governmental tribunal, or in the execution of legal process.
(b) The other sections of this chapter control when force is used against a person to protect
persons (Subchapter C), to protect property (Subchapter D), for law enforcement (Subchapter E),
or by virtue of a special relationship (Subchapter F).
(c) The use of deadly force is not justified under this section unless the actor reasonably believes
the deadly force is specifically required by statute or unless it occurs in the lawful conduct of
war. If deadly force is so justified, there is no duty to retreat before using it.
(d) The justification afforded by this section is available if the actor reasonably believes:
(1) the court or governmental tribunal has jurisdiction or the process is lawful, even
though the court or governmental tribunal lacks jurisdiction or the process is unlawful; or
(2) his conduct is required or authorized to assist a public servant in the performance of
his official duty, even though the servant exceeds his lawful authority.

Sec. 9.22. Necessity.

Conduct is justified if;

(1) the actor reasonably believes the conduct is immediately necessary to avoid imminent
harm;
(2) the desirability and urgency of avoiding the harm clearly outweigh, according to
ordinary standards of reasonableness, the harm sought to be prevented by the law
proscribing the conduct; and
(3) a legislative purpose to exclude the justification claimed for the conduct does not
otherwise plainly appear.
SUBCHAPTER C
PROTECTION OF PERSONS

Sec. 9.31. Self-Defense.

(a) Except as provided in Subsection (b), a person is justified in using force against another when
and to the degree the actor reasonably believes the force is immediately necessary to protect the
actor against the other's use or attempted use of unlawful force. The actors belief that the force
was immediately necessary as described by this subsection is presumed to be reasonable if the
actor:
(1) knew or had reason to believe that the person against whom the force was used:
(A) unlawfully and with force entered, or was attempting to enter unlawfully and
with force, the actors occupied habitation, vehicle, or place of business or
employment;
(B) unlawfully and with force removed, or was attempting to remove unlawfully
and with force, the actor from the actors habitation, vehicle, or place of business
or employment; or
(C) was committing or attempting to commit aggravated kidnapping, murder,
sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, or aggravated robbery;
(2) did not provoke the person against whom the force was used; and
(3) was not otherwise engaged in criminal activity, other than a Class C misdemeanor
that is a violation of a law or ordinance regulating traffic at the time the force was used.
(b) The use of force against another is not justified:
(1) in response to verbal provocation alone;
(2) to resist an arrest or search that the actor knows is being made by a peace officer, or
by a person acting in a peace officer's presence and at his direction, even though the
arrest or search is unlawful, unless the resistance is justified under Subsection (c);
(3) if the actor consented to the exact force used or attempted by the other;
(4) if the actor provoked the other's use or attempted use of unlawful force, unless:
(A) the actor abandons the encounter or clearly communicates to the other his
intent to do so reasonably believing he cannot safely abandon the encounter; and
(B) the other nevertheless continues or attempts to use unlawful force against the
actor; or
(5) if the actor sought an explanation from or discussion with the other person concerning
the actors differences with the other person while the actor was:
(A) carrying a weapon in violation of Section 46.02; or
(B) possessing or transporting a weapon in violation of Section 46.05
(c) The use of force to resist an arrest or search is justified:
(1) if, before the actor offers any resistance, the peace officer (or person acting at his
direction) uses or attempts to use greater force than necessary to make the arrest or
search; and
(2) when and to the degree the actor reasonably believes the force is immediately
necessary to protect himself against the peace officer's (or other person's) use or
attempted use of greater force than necessary.
(d) The use of deadly force is not justified under this subchapter except as provided in Sections
9.32, 9.33, and 9.34.
(e) A person who has a right to be present at the location where the force is used, who has not
provoked the person against whom the force is used, and who is not engaged in criminal activity
at the time the force is used is not required to retreat before using force as described by this
section
(f) For purposes of Subsection (a), in determining whether an actor described by Subsection (e)
reasonably believed that the use of force was necessary, a finder of fact may not consider
whether the actor failed to retreat.

Sec. 9.32. Deadly Force in Defense of Person.

(a) A person is justified in using deadly force against another:

(1) if the actor would be justified in using force against the other under Section 9.31; and
(2) when and to the degree the actor reasonably believes the deadly force is immediately
necessary:
(A) to protect the actor against the other's use or attempted use of unlawful deadly
force; or
(B) to prevent the other's imminent commission of aggravated kidnapping,
murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, or aggravated robbery
(b) The actors belief under Subsection (a)(2) that the deadly force was immediately necessary as
described by that subdivision is presumed to be reasonable if the actor:
(1) knew or had reason to believe that the person against whom the deadly force was
used:
(A) unlawfully and with force entered, or was attempting to enter unlawfully and
with force, the actors occupied habitation, vehicle, or place of business or
employment;
(B) unlawfully and with force removed, or was attempting to remove unlawfully
and with force, the actor from the actors habitation, vehicle, or place of business
or employment; or
(C) was committing or attempting to commit an offense described by Subsection
(a)(2)(B);
(2) did not provoke the person against whom the force was used; and
(3) was not otherwise engaged in criminal activity, other than a Class C misdemeanor
that is a violation of a law or ordinance regulating traffic at the time the force was used.
(c) A person who has a right to be present at the location where the deadly force is used, who has
not provoked the person against whom the deadly force is used, and who is not engaged in
criminal activity at the time the deadly force is used is not required to retreat before using deadly
force as described by this section.
(d) For purposes of Subsection (a)(2), in determining whether an actor described by Subsection
(c) reasonably believed that the use of deadly force was necessary, a finder of fact may not
consider whether the actor failed to retreat.

Sec. 9.33. Defense of Third Person.

A person is justified in using force or deadly force against another to protect a third person if:
(1) under the circumstances as the actor reasonably believes them to be, the actor would
be justified under Section 9.31 or 9.32 in using force or deadly force to protect himself
against the unlawful force or unlawful deadly force he reasonably believes to be
threatening the third person he seeks to protect; and
(2) the actor reasonably believes that his intervention is immediately necessary to protect
the third person.

Sec. 9.34. Protection of Life or Health.

(a) A person is justified in using force, but not deadly force, against another when and to the
degree he reasonably believes the force is immediately necessary to prevent the other from
committing suicide or inflicting serious bodily injury to himself.
(b) A person is justified in using both force and deadly force against another when and to the
degree he reasonably believes the force or deadly force is immediately necessary to preserve the
other's life in an emergency.

SUBCHAPTER D
PROTECTION OF PROPERTY

Sec. 9.41. Protection of One's Own Property.

(a) A person in lawful possession of land or tangible, movable property is justified in using force
against another when and to the degree the actor reasonably believes the force is immediately
necessary to prevent or terminate the other's trespass on the land or unlawful interference with
the property.
(b) A person unlawfully dispossessed of land or tangible, movable property by another is
justified in using force against the other when and to the degree the actor reasonably believes the
force is immediately necessary to reenter the land or recover the property if the actor uses the
force immediately or in fresh pursuit after the dispossession and:
(1) the actor reasonably believes the other had no claim of right when he dispossessed the
actor; or
(2) the other accomplished the dispossession by using force, threat, or fraud against the
actor.

Sec. 9.42. Deadly Force to Protect Property.

A person is justified in using deadly force against another to protect land or tangible, movable
property:
(1) if he would be justified in using force against the other under Section 9.41; and
(2) when and to the degree he reasonably believes the deadly force is immediately
necessary:
(A) to prevent the other’s imminent commission of arson, burglary, robbery,
aggravated robbery, theft during the nighttime, or criminal mischief during the
nighttime; or
(B) to prevent the other who is fleeing immediately after committing burglary,
robbery, aggravated robbery, or theft during the nighttime from escaping with the
property; and
(3) he reasonably believes that:
(A) the land or property cannot be protected or recovered by any other means; or
(B) the use of force other than deadly force to protect or recover the land or property
would expose the actor or another to a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury

Sec. 9.43. Protection of Third Person's Property.

A person is justified in using force or deadly force against another to protect land or tangible,
movable property of a third person if under the circumstances as he reasonably believes them to
be, the actor would be justified under Section 9.41 or 9.42 in using force or deadly force to
protect his own land or property and:
(1) the actor reasonably believes the unlawful interference constitutes attempted or
consummated theft of or criminal mischief to the tangible, movable property; or
(2) the actor reasonably believes that:
(A) the third person has requested his protection of the land or property;
 (B) he has a legal duty to protect the third person's land or property; or
(C) the third person whose land or property he uses force or deadly force to
protect is the actors spouse, parent, or child, resides with the actor, or is under the
actors care.

Sec. 9.44. Use of Device to Protect Property.

The justification afforded by Sections 9.41 and 9.43 applies to the use of a device to protect land
or tangible, movable property if:
(1) the device is not designed to cause, or known by the actor to create a substantial risk
of causing, death or serious bodily injury; and
(2) use of the device is reasonable under all the circumstances as the actor reasonably
believes them to be when he installs the device.

SUBCHAPTER E
LAW ENFORCEMENT

Sec. 9.51. Arrest and Search.

(a) A peace officer, or a person acting in a peace officer’s presence and at his direction, is
justified in using force against another when and to the degree the actor reasonably believes the
force is immediately necessary to make or assist in making an arrest or search, or to prevent or
assist in preventing escape after arrest, if:
(1) the actor reasonably believes the arrest or search is lawful or, if the arrest or search is
made under a warrant, he reasonably believes the warrant is valid; and
(2) before using force, the actor manifests his purpose to arrest or search and identifies
himself as a peace officer or as one acting at a peace officer's direction, unless he
reasonably believes his purpose and identity are already known by or cannot reasonably
be made known to the person to be arrested.
(b) A person other than a peace officer (or one acting at his direction) is justified in using force
against another when and to the degree the actor reasonably believes the force is immediately
necessary to make or assist in making a lawful arrest, or to prevent or assist in preventing escape
after lawful arrest if, before using force, the actor manifests his purpose to and the reason for the
arrest or reasonably believes his purpose and the reason are already known by or cannot
reasonably be made known to the person to be arrested.
(c) A peace officer is justified in using deadly force against another when and to the degree the
peace officer reasonably believes the deadly force is immediately necessary to make an arrest, or
to prevent escape after arrest, if the use of force would have been justified under Subsection (a)
and:
(1) the actor reasonably believes the conduct for which arrest is authorized included the
use or attempted use of deadly force; or
(2) the actor reasonably believes there is a substantial risk that the person to be arrested
will cause death or serious bodily injury to the actor or another if the arrest is delayed
(d) A person other than a peace officer acting in a peace officer's presence and at his direction is
justified in using deadly force against another when and to the degree the person reasonably
believes the deadly force is immediately necessary to make a lawful arrest, or to prevent escape
after a lawful arrest, if the use of force would have been justified under Subsection (b) and:
(1) the actor reasonably believes the felony or offense against the public peace for which
arrest is authorized included the use or attempted use of deadly force; or
(2) the actor reasonably believes there is a substantial risk that the person to be arrested
will cause death or serious bodily injury to another if the arrest is delayed.
(e) There is no duty to retreat before using deadly force justified by Subsection (c) or (d).
(f) Nothing in this section relating to the actors manifestation of purpose or identity shall be
construed as conflicting with any other law relating to the issuance, service, and execution of an
arrest or search warrant either under the laws of this state or the United States.
(g) Deadly force may only be used under the circumstances enumerated in Subsections (c) and
(d)

Sec. 9.52. Prevention of Escape from Custody.

The use of force to prevent the escape of an arrested person from custody is justifiable when the
force could have been employed to effect the arrest under which the person is in custody, except
that a guard employed by a correctional facility or a peace officer is justified in using any force,
including deadly force, that he reasonably believes to be immediately necessary to prevent the
escape of a person from the correctional facility

Sec. 9.53. Maintaining Security in Correctional Facility.

An officer or employee of a correctional facility is justified in using force against a person in

custody when and to the degree the officer or employee reasonably believes the force is
necessary to maintain the security of the correctional facility, the safety or security of other
persons in custody or employed by the correctional facility, or his own safety or security.

SUBCHAPTER F
SPECIAL RELATIONSHIPS

Sec. 9.61. Parent — Child.

(a) The use of force, but not deadly force, against a child younger than 18 years is justified:
(1) if the actor is the child's parent or stepparent or is acting in loco parentis to the child;
and
(2) when and to the degree the actor reasonably believes the force is necessary to
discipline the child or to safeguard or promote his welfare.
(b) For purposes of this section, "in loco parentis" includes grandparent and guardian, any person
acting by, through, or under the direction of a court with jurisdiction over the child, and anyone
who has express or implied consent of the parent or parents.

Sec. 9.62. Educator—Student.

The use of force, but not deadly force, against a person is justified:
(1) if the actor is entrusted with the care, supervision, or administration of the person for
a special purpose; and
(2) when and to the degree the actor reasonably believes the force is necessary to further,
the special purpose or to maintain discipline in a group.

Sec. 9.63. Guardian—Incompetent.

The use of force, but not deadly force, against a mental incompetent is justified:
(1) if the actor is the incompetent's guardian or someone similarly responsible for the
general care and supervision of the incompetent; and
(2) when and to the degree the actor reasonably believes the force is necessary:
(A) to safeguard and promote the incompetent's welfare; or
 (B) if the incompetent is in an institution for his care and custody, to maintain
discipline in the institution.

TITLE 3
PUNISHMENTS

CHAPTER 12
PUNISHMENTS

Subchapter A. General Provisions.

Section
12.01. Punishment in Accordance with Code.
12.02. Classification of Offenses.
12.03. Classification of Misdemeanors.
12.04. Classification of Felonies.

Subchapter B. Ordinary Misdemeanor Punishments

12.21. Class A Misdemeanor.
12.22. Class B Misdemeanor.
12.23. Class C Misdemeanor.

Subchapter C. Ordinary Felony Punishments

12.31. Capital Felony.
12.32. First Degree Felony Punishment.
12.33. Second Degree Felony Punishment.
12.34. Third Degree Felony Punishment.
12.35. State Jail Felony Punishment.

Subchapter D. Exceptional Sentences

12.41. Classification of Offenses Outside This Code.
12.42. Penalties for Repeat and Habitual Felony.

Offenders
12.43. Penalties for Repeat and Habitual Misdemeanor Offenders.
12.44. Reduction of State Jail Felony Punishment to Misdemeanor Punishment.
12.45. Admission of Unadjudicated Offense.
12.46. Use of Prior Convictions.
12.47. Penalty If Offense Committed Because of Bias or Prejudice.
12.48. Certain Offenses Resulting in Loss to Nursing and Convalescent Homes.
12.49. Penalty If Controlled Substance Used to Commit Offense.

Subchapter. E. Corporations and Associations

12 51 Authorized. Punishments for Corporations and Associations

SUBCHAPTER A
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 12.01. Punishment in Accordance with Code.

(a) A person adjudged guilty of an offense under this code shall be punished in accordance with
this chapter and the Code of Criminal Procedure.
(b) Penal laws enacted after the effective date of this code shall be classified for punishment
purposes in accordance with this chapter.
(c) This chapter does not deprive a court of authority conferred by law to forfeit property,
dissolve a corporation, suspend or cancel a license or permit, remove a person from office, cite
for contempt, or impose any other civil penalty. The civil penalty may be included in the
sentence.

Sec. 12.02. Classification of Offenses.

Offenses are designated as felonies or misdemeanors.

Sec. 12.03. Classification of Misdemeanors.

(a) Misdemeanors are classified according to the relative seriousness of the offense into three
categories:
(1) Class A misdemeanors;
(2) Class B misdemeanors;
(3) Class C misdemeanors.
(b) An offense designated a misdemeanor in this code without specification as to punishment or
category is a Class C misdemeanor.
(c) Conviction of a Class C misdemeanor does not impose any legal disability or disadvantage.

Sec. 12.04. Classification of Felonies.

(a) Felonies are classified according to the relative seriousness of the offense into five categories:
(1) capital felonies;
(2) felonies of the first degree;
(3) felonies of the second degree;
(4) felonies of the third degree; and
(5) state jail felonies.
(b) An offense designated a felony in this code without specification as to category is a state jail
felony.

SUBCHAPTER B
ORDINARY MISDEMEANOR
PUNISHMENTS

Sec. 12.21. Class A Misdemeanor.

An individual adjudged guilty of a Class A misdemeanor shall be punished by:

(1) a fine not to exceed $4,000;
(2) confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year; or
(3) both such fine and confinement.

Sec. 12.22. Class B Misdemeanor.

An individual adjudged guilty of a Class B misdemeanor shall be punished by:

(1) a fine not to exceed $2,000;
(2) confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days; or
(3) both such fine and confinement.
Sec. 12.23. Class C Misdemeanor.

An individual adjudged guilty of a Class C misdemeanor shall be punished by a fine not to

exceed $500

SUBCHAPTER C
ORDINARY FELONY PUNISHMENTS

Sec. 12.31. Capital Felony.

(a) An individual adjudged guilty of a capital felony in a case in which the state seeks the death
penalty shall be punished by imprisonment in the institutional division for life without parole or
by death. An individual adjudged guilty of a capital felony in a case in which the state does not
seek the death penalty shall be punished by imprisonment in the institutional division for life
without parole.
(b) In a capital felony trial in which the state seeks the death penalty, prospective jurors shall be
informed that a sentence of life imprisonment without parole or death is mandatory on conviction
of a capital felony. In a capital felony trial in which the state does not seek the death penalty,
prospective jurors shall be informed that the state is not seeking the death penalty and that a
sentence of life imprisonment without parole is mandatory on conviction of the capital felony.

Sec. 12.32. First Degree Felony Punishment.

(a) An individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the first degree shall be punished by
imprisonment in the institutional division for life or for any term of not more than 99 years or
less than 5 years.
(b) In addition to imprisonment, an individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the first degree may
be punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Sec. 12.33. Second Degree Felony Punishment.

(a) An individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the second degree shall be punished by
imprisonment in the institutional division for any term of not more than 20 years or less than 2
years.
(b) In addition to imprisonment, an individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the second degree
may be punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Sec. 12.34. Third Degree Felony Punishment.

(a) An individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the third degree shall be punished by
imprisonment in the institutional division for any term of not more than 10 years or less than 2
years.
(b) In addition to imprisonment, an individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the third degree
may be punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Sec. 12.35. State Jail Felony Punishment.

(a) Except as provided by Subsection (c), an individual adjudged guilty of a state jail felony shall
be punished by confinement in a state jail for any term of not more than two years or less than
180 days.
(b) In addition to confinement, an individual adjudged guilty of a state jail felony may be
punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000
(c) An individual adjudged guilty of a state jail felony shall be punished for a third degree felony
if it is shown on the trial of the offense that:
(1) a deadly weapon as defined by Section 1.07 was used or exhibited during the
commission of the offense or during immediate flight following the commission of the
offense, and that the individual used or exhibited the deadly weapon or was a party to the
offense and knew that a deadly weapon would be used or exhibited; or
(2) the individual has previously been finally convicted of any felony:
(A) under Section 21.02 or listed in Section 3g(a)(1), Article 42.12, Code of
Criminal Procedure; or
(B) for which the judgment contains an affirmative finding under Section
3g(a)(2), Article 42 12, Code of Criminal Procedure.

SUBCHAPTER D
EXCEPTIONAL SENTENCES

Sec. 12.41. Classification of Offenses Outside This Code.

For purposes of this subchapter, any conviction not obtained from a prosecution under this code
shall be classified as follows:
(1) "felony of the third degree" if imprisonment in a penitentiary is affixed to the offense
as a possible punishment;
(2) "Class B misdemeanor" if the offense is not a felony and confinement in a jail is
affixed to the offense as a possible punishment;
(3) "Class C misdemeanor" if the offense is punishable by fine only

Sec. 12.42. Penalties for Repeat and Habitual Felony Offenders.

(a)(1) If it is shown on the trial of a state jail felony punishable under Section 12.35(a) that the
defendant has previously been finally convicted of two state jail felonies, on conviction the
defendant shall be punished for a third-degree felony
(2) If it is shown on the trial of a state jail felony punishable under Section 12.35(a) that
the defendant has previously been finally convicted of two felonies, and the second
previous felony conviction is for an offense that occurred subsequent to the first previous
conviction having become final, on conviction the defendant shall be punished for a
second-degree felony.
(3) Except as provided by Subsection (c)(2), if it is shown on the trial of a state jail felony
punishable under Section 12.35(c) or on the trial of a third-degree felony that the
defendant has been once before convicted of a felony, on conviction he shall be punished
for a second-degree felony.
(b) Except as provided by. Subsection (c)(2), if it is shown on the trial of a second-degree felony
that the defendant has been once before convicted of a felony, on conviction he shall be punished
for a first degree felony.
(c)(1) If it is shown on the trial of a first-degree felony that the defendant has been once before
convicted of a felony, on conviction he shall be punished by imprisonment in the Texas
Department of Criminal Justice for life, or for any term of not more than 99 years or less than 15
years. In addition to imprisonment, an individual may be punished by a fine not to exceed
$10,000.
(2) Notwithstanding Subdivision (1), a defendant shall be punished by imprisonment in
the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for life if:
 (A) the defendant is convicted of an offense:
(i) under Section 21.11(a)(1), 22.021, or 22.011, Penal Code;
(ii) under Section 20 04(a)(4), Penal Code, if the defendant committed the
offense with the intent to violate or abuse the victim sexually; or
(iii) under Section 30 02, Penal Code, punishable under Subsection (d) of
that section, if the defendant committed the offense with the intent to
commit a felony described by Subparagraph (i) or (ii) or a felony under
Section 21.11, Penal Code; and
(B) the defendant has been previously convicted of an offense:
(i) under Section 43.25 or 43.26, Penal Code, or an offense under Section
43.23, Penal Code, punishable under Subsection (h) of that section;
(ii) under Section 21.02, 21.11, 22.011, 22.021, or 25.02, Penal Code;
(iii) under Section 20.04(a)(4), Penal Code, if the defendant committed the
offense with the intent to violate or abuse the victim sexually;
(iv) under Section 30.02, Penal Code, punishable under Subsection (d) of
that section, if the defendant committed the offense with the intent to
commit a felony described by Subparagraph (ii) or (iii); or
(v) under the laws of another state containing elements that are
substantially similar to the elements of an offense listed in Subparagraph
(i), (iii), or (iv).
(3) Notwithstanding Subdivision (1) or (2), a defendant shall be punished for a capital
felony if it is shown on the trial of an offense under Section 22.021 otherwise punishable
under Subsection (f) of that section that the defendant has previously been finally
convicted of:
(A) an offense under Section 22.021 that was committed against a victim
described by Section 22.021(f)(1) or was committed against a victim described by
Section 22.021(f)(2) and in a manner described by Section 22.021(a)(2)(A); or
(B) an offense that was committed under the laws of another state that:
(i) contains elements that are substantially similar to the elements of an
offense under Section 22.021; and
(ii) was committed against a victim described by Section 22.021(f)(1) or
was committed against a victim described by Section 22.021(f)(2) and in a
manner substantially similar to a manner described by Section
22.021(a)(2)(A)
(4) Notwithstanding Subdivision (1) or (2), a defendant shall be punished by
imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for life without parole if it is
shown on the trial of an offense under Section 21.02. that the defendant has previously
been finally convicted of:
(A) an offense under Section 21.02; or
(B) an offense that was committed under the laws of another state and that
contains elements that are substantially similar to the elements of an offense under
Section 21.02.
(d) Except as provided by Subsection (c)(2), it is shown on the trial of a felony offense other than
a state jail felony punishable under Section 12.35(a) that the defendant has previously been
finally convicted of two felony offenses, and the second previous felony conviction is for an
offense that occurred subsequent to the first previous conviction having become final, on
conviction he shall be punished by imprisonment in the institutional division of the Texas
Department of Criminal Justice for life, or for any term of not more than 99 years or less than 25
years.
(e) A previous conviction for a state jail felony punished under Section 12.35(a) may not be used
for enhancement purposes under Subsection (b), (c), or (d).
(f) For the purposes of Subsections (a), (b), (c)(1), and (e), an adjudication by a juvenile court
under Section 54.03, Family Code, that a child engaged in delinquent conduct on or after January
1, 1996, constituting a felony offense for which the child is committed to the Texas Youth
Commission under Section 54.04(d)(2), (d)(3), or (m), Family Code, or Section 54.05(f), Family
Code, is a final felony conviction.
(g) For the purposes of Subsection (c)(2):
(1) a defendant has been previously convicted of an offense listed under Subsection
(c)(2)(B) if the defendant was adjudged guilty of the offense or entered a plea of guilty or
nolo contendere in return for a grant of deferred adjudication, regardless of whether the
sentence for the offense was ever imposed or whether the sentence was probated and the
defendant was subsequently discharged from community supervision; and
(2) a conviction under the laws of another state for an offense containing elements that
are substantially similar to the elements of an offense listed under Subsection (c)(2)(B) is
a conviction of an offense listed under Subsection (c)(2)(B).

Sec. 12.43. Penalties for Repeat and Habitual Misdemeanor Offenders.

(a) If it is shown on the trial of a Class A misdemeanor that the defendant has been before
convicted of a Class A misdemeanor or any degree of felony, on conviction he shall be punished
by:
(1) a fine not to exceed $4,000;
(2) confinement in jail for any term of not more than one year or less than 90 days; or
(3) both such fine and confinement.
(b) If it is shown on the trial of a Class B misdemeanor that the defendant has been before
convicted of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor or any degree of felony, on conviction he shall
be punished by:
(1) a fine not to exceed $2,000;
(2) confinement in jail for any term of not more than 180 days or less than 30 days; or
(3) both such fine and confinement
(c) If it is shown on the trial of an offense punishable as a Class C misdemeanor under Section
42.01 or 49.02 that the defendant has, been before convicted under either of those sections three
times or three times for any combination of those offenses and each prior offense was committed
in the 24 months preceding the date of commission of the instant offense, the defendant shall be
punished by:
(1) a fine not to exceed $2,000;
(2) confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days; or
(3) both such fine and confinement.
(d) If the punishment scheme for an offense contains a specific enhancement provision
increasing punishment for a defendant who has previously been convicted of the offense, the
specific enhancement provision controls over this section.

Sec. 12.44. Reduction of State Jail Felony Punishment to Misdemeanor Punishment.

(a) A court may punish a defendant who is convicted of a state jail felony by imposing the
confinement permissible as punishment for a Class A misdemeanor if, after considering the
gravity and circumstances of the felony committed and the history, character, and rehabilitative
heeds of the defendant, the court finds that such punishment would best serve the ends of justice
(b) At the request of the prosecuting attorney, the court may authorize the prosecuting attorney
to prosecute a state jail felony as a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 12.45. Admission of Unadjudicated Offense.

(a) A person may, with the consent of the attorney for the state, admit during the sentencing
hearing his guilt of one or more unadjudicated offenses and request the court to take each into
account in determining sentence for the offense or offenses of which he stands adjudged guilty.
(b) Before a court may take into account an admitted offense over which exclusive venue lies in
another county or district, the court must obtain permission from the prosecuting attorney with
jurisdiction over the offense.
(c) If a court lawfully takes into account an admitted offense, prosecution is barred for that
offense.

Sec. 12.46. Use of Prior Convictions.

The use of a conviction for enhancement purposes shall not preclude the subsequent use of such
conviction for enhancement purposes.

Sec. 12.47. Penalty If Offense Committed Because of Bias or Prejudice.

(a) If an affirmative finding under Article 42.014, Code of Criminal Procedure, is made in the
trial of an offense other than a first degree felony or a Class A misdemeanor, the punishment for
the offense is increased to the punishment prescribed for the next highest category of offense. If
the offense is a Class A misdemeanor, the minimum term of confinement for the offense is
increased to 180 days This section does not apply to the trial of an offense of injury to a disabled
individual under Section 22.04, if the affirmative finding in the case under Article 42.014, Code
of Criminal Procedure, shows that the defendant intentionally selected the victim because the
victim was disabled.
(b) The attorney general, if requested to do so by a prosecuting attorney, may assist the
prosecuting attorney in the investigation or prosecution of an offense committed because of bias
or prejudice. The attorney general shall designate one individual in the division of the attorney
general's office that assists in the prosecution of criminal cases to coordinate responses to
requests made under this subsection.

Sec. 12.48. Certain Offenses Resulting in Loss to Nursing and Convalescent Homes.

If it is shown on the trial of an offense under Chapter 31 or 32 that, as a result of a loss incurred
because of the conduct charged, a trustee was appointed and emergency assistance funds, other
than funds used to pay the expenses of the trustee, were used for a nursing or convalescent home
under Subchapter D, Chapter 242, Health and Safety Code, the punishment for the offense is
increased to the punishment prescribed for the next higher category of offense except that a
felony of the first degree is punished as a felony of the first degree.

Sec. 12.49. Penalty If Controlled Substance Used to Commit Offense

If the count makes an affirmative finding under Article 42.012, Code of Criminal Procedure, in
the punishment phase of the trial of an offense under Chapter 29, Chapter 31, or Title 5, other
than a first degree felony or a Class A misdemeanor, the punishment for the offense is increased
to the punishment prescribed for the next highest category of offense. If the offense is a Class A
misdemeanor, the minimum term of confinement for the offense is increased to 180 days.

SUBCHAPTER E
CORPORATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS
Sec. 12.51. Authorized Punishments for Corporations and Associations.

(a) If a corporation or association is adjudged guilty of an offense that provides a penalty

consisting of a fine only, a court may sentence the corporation or association to pay a fine in an
amount fixed by the court, not to exceed the fine provided by the offense.
(b) If a corporation or association is adjudged guilty of an offense that provides a penalty
including imprisonment, or that provides no specific penalty, a court may sentence the
corporation or association to pay a fine in an amount fixed by the court, not to exceed:
(1) $20,000 if the offense is a felony of any category;
(2) $10,000 if the offense is a Class A or Class B misdemeanor;
(3) $2,000 if the offense is a Class C misdemeanor; or
(4) $50,000 if as a result of an offense classified as a felony or Class A misdemeanor, an
individual suffers serious bodily injury or death.
(c) In lieu of the fines authorized by Subsections (a), (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(4), if a court finds
that the corporation or association gained money or property or caused personal injury or death,
property damage, or other loss through the commission of a felony or Class A or Class B
misdemeanor, the court may sentence the corporation or association to pay a fine in an amount
fixed by the court, not to exceed double the amount gained or caused by the corporation or
association to be lost or damaged, whichever is greater.
(d) In addition to any sentence that may be imposed by this section, a corporation or association
that has been adjudged guilty of an offense may be ordered by the court to give notice of the
conviction to any person the court deems appropriate.
(e) On conviction of a corporation or association, the court shall notify the attorney general of
that fact.

TITLE 4
INCHOATE OFFENSES

CHAPTER 15
PREPARATORY OFFENSES

Section
15.01. Criminal Attempt.
15.02. Criminal Conspiracy.
15.03. Criminal Solicitation.
15.031. Criminal Solicitation of a Minor.
15.04. Renunciation Defense.
15.05. No Offense.

Sec. 15.01. Criminal Attempt.

(a) A person commits an offense if, with specific intent to commit an offense, he does an act
amounting to more than mere preparation that tends but fails to effect the commission of the
offense intended.
(b) If a person attempts an offense that may be aggravated, his conduct constitutes an attempt to
commit the aggravated offense if an element that aggravates the offense accompanies the
attempt.
(c) It is no defense to prosecution for criminal attempt that the offense attempted was actually
committed.
(d) An offense under this section is one category lower than the offense attempted, and if the
offense attempted is a state jail felony, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor.
Sec. 15.02. Criminal Conspiracy.

(a) A person commits criminal conspiracy if, with intent that a felony be committed:
(1) he agrees with one or more persons that they or one or more of them engage in
conduct that would constitute the offense; and
(2) he or one or more of them performs an overt act in pursuance of the agreement.
(b) An agreement constituting a conspiracy may be inferred from acts of the parties.
(c) It is no defense to prosecution for criminal conspiracy that:
(1) one or more of the coconspirators is not criminally responsible for the object offense;
(2) one or more of the coconspirators has been acquitted, so long as two or more
coconspirators have not been acquitted;
(3) one or more of the coconspirators has not been prosecuted or convicted, has been
convicted of a different offense, or is immune from prosecution;
(4) the actor belongs to a class of persons that by definition of the object offense is
legally incapable of committing the object offense in an individual capacity; or
(5) the object offense was actually committed.
(d) An offense under this section is one category lower than the most serious felony that is the
object of the conspiracy, and if the most serious felony that is the object of the conspiracy is a
state jail felony, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 15.03. Criminal Solicitation.

(a) A person commits an offense if, with intent that a capital felony or felony of the first degree
be committed, he requests, commands, or attempts to induce another to engage in specific
conduct that, under the circumstances surrounding his conduct as the actor believes them to be,
would constitute the felony or make the other a party to its commission.
(b) A person may not be convicted under this section on the uncorroborated testimony of the
person allegedly solicited and unless the solicitation is made under circumstances strongly
corroborative of both the solicitation itself and the actors intent that the other person act on the
solicitation.
(c) It is no defense to prosecution under this section that:
(1) the person solicited is not criminally responsible for the felony solicited;
(2) the person solicited has been acquitted, has not been prosecuted or convicted, has
been convicted of a different offense or of a different type or class of offense, or is
immune from prosecution;
(3) the actor belongs to a class of persons that by definition of the felony solicited is
legally incapable of committing the offense in an individual capacity; or
(4) the felony solicited was actually committed.
(d) An offense under this section is:
(1) a felony of the first degree if the offense solicited is a capital offense; or
(2) a felony of the second degree if the offense solicited is a felony of the first degree.

Sec. 15.031. Criminal Solicitation of a Minor.

(a) A person commits an offense if, with intent that an offense listed by Section 3g(a)(1), Article
42.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, be committed, the person requests, commands, or attempts
to induce a minor to engage in specific conduct that, under the circumstances surrounding the
actors conduct as the actor believes them to be, would constitute an offense listed by Section
3g(a)(1), Article 42 12, or make the minor a party to the commission of an offense listed by
Section 3g(a)(1), Article 42 12.
(b) A person commits an offense if with intent that an offense under Section 21.02, 21.11,
22.011, 22.021, or 43.25 be committed, the person by any means requests, commands, or
attempts to induce a minor or another whom the person believes to be a minor to engage in
specific conduct that, under the circumstances surrounding the actors conduct as the actor
believes them to be, would constitute an offense under one of those sections or would make the
minor or other believed by the person to be a minor a party to the commission of an offense
under one of those sections.
(c) A person may not be convicted under this section on the uncorroborated testimony of the
minor allegedly solicited unless the solicitation is made under circumstances strongly
corroborative of both the solicitation itself and the actors intent that the minor act on the
solicitation.
(d) It is no defense to prosecution under this section that:
(1) the minor solicited is not criminally responsible for the offense solicited;
(2) the minor solicited has been acquitted, has not been prosecuted or convicted, has been
convicted of a different offense or of a different type or class of offense, or is immune
from prosecution;
(3) the actor belongs to a class of persons that by definition of the offense solicited is
legally incapable of committing the offense in an individual capacity; or
(4) the offense solicited was actually committed.
(e) An offense under this section is one category lower than the solicited offense.
(f) In this section, "minor" means an individual younger than 17 years of age.

Sec. 15.04. Renunciation Defense.

(a) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Section 15.01 that under circumstances
manifesting a voluntary and complete renunciation of his criminal objective the actor avoided
commission of the offense attempted by abandoning his criminal conduct or, if abandonment was
insufficient to avoid commission of the offense, by taking further affirmative action that
prevented the commission.
(b) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Section 15.02 or 15.03 that under
circumstances manifesting a voluntary and complete renunciation of his criminal objective the
actor countermanded his solicitation or withdrew from the conspiracy before commission of the
object offense and took further affirmative action that prevented the commission of the object
offense.
(c) Renunciation is not voluntary if it is motivated in whole or in part:
(1) by circumstances not present or apparent at the inception of the actors course of
conduct that increase the probability of detection or apprehension or that make more
difficult the accomplishment of the objective; or
(2) by a decision to postpone the criminal conduct until another time or to transfer the
criminal act to another but similar objective or victim.
(d) Evidence that the defendant renounced his criminal objective by abandoning his criminal
conduct, countermanding his solicitation, or withdrawing from the conspiracy before the
criminal offense was committed and made substantial effort to prevent the commission of the
object offense shall be admissible as mitigation at the hearing on punishment if he has been
found guilty of criminal attempt, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy, and in the event of
a finding of renunciation under this subsection, the punishment shall be one grade lower than that
provided for the offense committed.

Sec. 15.05. No Offense.

Attempt or conspiracy to commit, or solicitation of, a preparatory offense defined in this chapter
is not an offense.
CHAPTER 16
CRIMINAL INSTRUMENTS, INTERCEPTION OF WIRE OR ORAL
COMMUNICATION, AND INSTALLATION OF TRACKING DEVICE

Section
16.01. Unlawful Use of Criminal Instrument.
16.02. Unlawful Interception, Use, or Disclosure of Wire, Oral, or Electronic
Communications.
16.03. Unlawful Use of Pen Register or Trap and Trace Device.
16.04. Unlawful Access to Stored Communications.
16.05. Illegal Divulgence of Public Communications.
16.06. Unlawful Installation of Tracking Device.

Sec. 16.01. Unlawful Use of Criminal Instrument.

(a) A per on commits an offense if:

(1) he possesses a criminal instrument with intent to use it in the commission of an
offense; or
(2) with knowledge of its character and with intent to use or aid or permit another to use
in the commission of an offense, he manufactures, adapts, sells, installs, or sets up a
criminal instrument.
(b) For the purpose of this section, "criminal instrument" means anything, the possession,
manufacture, or sale of which is not otherwise an offense that is specially designed, made, or
adapted for use in the commission of an offense.
(c) An offense under Subsection (a)(1) is one category lower than the offense intended. An
offense under Subsection (a)(2) is a state jail felony.

Sec. 16.02. Unlawful Interception, Use, or Disclosure of Wire, Oral, or Electronic

Communications.

(a) In this section, "computer trespasser, "covert entry," "communication common carrier,"
"contents," "electronic communication," "electronic, mechanical, or other device," "immediate
life threatening situation," "intercept," "investigative or law enforcement officer," "member of a
law enforcement unit specially trained to respond to and deal with life-threatening situations,"
"oral communication," "protected computer," "readily accessible to the general public," and
"wire communication" have the meanings given those terms in Article 18.20, Code of Criminal
Procedure.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person:
(1) intentionally intercepts, endeavors to intercept, or procures another person to intercept
or endeavor to intercept a wire, oral, or electronic communication;
(2) intentionally discloses or endeavors to disclose to another person the contents of a
wire, oral, or electronic communication if the person knows or has reason to know the
information was obtained through the interception of a wire, oral, or electronic
communication in violation of this subsection;
(3) intentionally uses or endeavors to use the contents of a wire, oral, or electronic
communication if the person knows or is reckless about whether the information was
obtained through the interception of a wire, oral, or electronic communication in violation
of this subsection;
(4) knowingly or intentionally effects a covert entry for the purpose of intercepting wire,
oral, or electronic communications without court order or authorization; or
 (5) intentionally uses, endeavors to use, or procures any other person to use or endeavor
to use any electronic, mechanical, or other device to intercept any oral communication
when the device:
(A) is affixed to, or otherwise transmits a signal through a wire, cable, or other
connection used in wire communications; or
(B) transmits communications by radio or interferes with the transmission of
communications by radio.
(c) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Subsection (b) that:
(1) an operator of a switchboard or an officer, employee, or agent of a communication
common carrier whose facilities are used in the transmission of a wire or electronic
communication intercepts a communication or discloses or uses an intercepted
communication in the normal course of employment while engaged in an activity that is a
necessary incident to the rendition of service or to the protection of the rights or property
of the carrier of the communication, unless the interception results from the
communication common carrier's use of service observing or random monitoring for
purposes other than mechanical or service quality control checks;
(2) an officer, employee, or agent of a communication common carrier provides
information, facilities, or technical assistance to an investigative or law enforcement
officer who is authorized as provided by this section to intercept a wire, oral, or
electronic communication;
(3) a person acting under color of law intercepts:
(A) a wire, oral, or electronic communication, if the person is a party to the
communication or if one of the parties to the communication has given prior
consent to the interception;
(B) a wire, oral, or electronic communication, if the person is acting under the
authority of Article 18.20, Code of Criminal Procedure; or
(C) a wire or electronic communication made by a computer trespasser and
transmitted to through, or from a protected computer, if:
(i) the interception did not acquire a communication other than one
transmitted to or from the computer trespasser;
(ii) the owner of the protected computer consented to the interception of
the computer trespasser's communications on the protected computer; and
(iii) actor was lawfully engaged in an ongoing criminal investigation and
the actor had reasonable suspicion to believe that the contents of the
computer trespasser's communications likely to be obtained would be
material to the investigation;
(4) a person not acting under color of law intercepts a wire, oral, or electronic
communication, if:
(A) the person is a party to the communication; or
(B) one of the parties to the communication has given prior consent to the
interception, unless the communication is intercepted for the purpose of
committing an unlawful act;
(5) a person acting under color of law intercepts a wire, oral, or electronic communication
if.
(A) oral or written consent for the interception is given by a magistrate before the
interception;
(B) an immediate life-threatening situation exists;
(C) the person is a member of a law enforcement unit specially trained to:
(i) respond to and deal with life-threatening situations; or
(ii) install electronic, mechanical, or other devices; and
(D) the interception ceases immediately on termination of the life-threatening
 situation;
(6) an officer, employee, or agent of the Federal Communications Commission intercepts
a communication transmitted by radio or discloses or uses an intercepted communication
in the normal course of employment and in the discharge of the monitoring
responsibilities exercised by the Federal Communications Commission in the
enforcement of Chapter 5, Title 47, United States Code;
(7) a person intercepts or obtains access to an electronic communication that was made
through an electronic communication system that is configured to permit the
communication to be readily accessible to the general public;
(8) a person intercepts radio communication, other than a cordless telephone
communication that is transmitted between a cordless telephone handset and a base unit
that is transmitted:
(A) by a station for the use of the general public;
(B) to ships, aircraft, vehicles, or persons in distress;
(C) by a governmental, law enforcement, civil defense, private land mobile, or
public safety communications system that is readily accessible to the general
public, unless the radio communication is transmitted by a law enforcement
representative to or from a mobile data terminal;
(D) by a station operating on an authorized frequency within the bands allocated
to the amateur, citizens band, or general mobile radio services; or
(E) by a marine or aeronautical communications system;
(9) a person intercepts a wire or electronic communication the transmission of which
causes harmful interference to a lawfully operating station or consumer electronic
equipment, to the extent necessary to identify the source of the interference;
(10) a user of the same frequency intercepts a radio communication made through a
system that uses frequencies monitored by individuals engaged in the provision or the use
of the system, if the communication is not scrambled or encrypted; or
(11) a provider of electronic communications service records the fact that a wire or
electronic communication was initiated or completed in order to protect the provider,
another provider furnishing service towards the completion of the communication, or a
user of that service from fraudulent, unlawful, or abusive use of the service
(d) A person commits an offense if the person:
(1) intentionally manufactures, assembles, possesses, or sells an electronic, mechanical,
or other device knowing or having reason to know that the device is designed primarily
for nonconsensual interception of wire, electronic, or oral communications and that the
device or a component of the device has been or will be used for an unlawful purpose; or
(2) places in a newspaper, magazine, handbill, or other publication an advertisement of an
electronic, mechanical, or other device:
(A) knowing or having reason to know that the device is designed primarily for
nonconsensual interception of wire, electronic, or oral communications;
(B) promoting the use of the device for the purpose of nonconsensual interception
of wire, electronic, or oral communications; or
(C) knowing or having reason to know that the advertisement will promote the
use of the device for the purpose of nonconsensual interception of wire,
electronic, or oral communications
(e) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Subsection (d) that the manufacture,
assembly, possession, or sale of an electronic, mechanical, or other device that is designed
primarily for the purpose of nonconsensual interception of wire, electronic, or oral
communication is by:
(1) a communication common carrier or a provider of wire or electronic communications
service or an officer, agent, or employee of or a person under contract with a
 communication common carrier or provider acting in the normal course of the provider's
or communication carrier's business;
(2) an officer, agent, or employee of a person under contract with, bidding on contracts
with, or doing business with the United States or this state acting in the normal course of
the activities of the United States or this state;
(3) a member of the Department of Public Safety who is specifically trained to install
wire, oral, or electronic communications intercept equipment; or
(4) a member of a local law enforcement agency that has an established unit specifically
designated to respond to and deal with life threatening situations,
(f) An offense under this section is a felony of the second degree, unless the offense is committed
under Subsection (d) or (g), in which event the offense is a state jail felony.
(g) A person commits an offense if, knowing that a government attorney or an investigative or
law enforcement officer has been authorized or has applied for authorization to intercept wire,
electronic, or oral communications, the person obstructs, impedes, prevents, gives notice to
another of, or attempts to give notice to another of the interception

Sec. 16.03. Unlawful Use of Pen Register or Trap and Trace Device.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly installs or uses a pen register or trap
and trace device to record or decode electronic or other impulses for the purpose of identifying
telephone numbers dialed or otherwise transmitted on a telephone line.
(b) In this section, "authorized peace officer," "communications common carrier," "pen register"
and "trap and trace device" have the meanings assigned by Article 18.21, Code of Criminal
Procedure.
(c) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Subsection (a) that the actor is:
(1) an officer, employee, or agent of a communications common carrier and the actor
installs or uses a device or equipment to record a number dialed from or to a telephone
instrument in the normal course of business of the carrier for purposes of:
(A) protecting property or services provided by the carrier; or
(B) assisting another who the actor reasonably believes to be a peace officer
authorized to install or use a pen register or trap and trace device under Article
18.21, Code of Criminal Procedure;
(2) an officer, employee, or agent of a lawful enterprise and the actor installs or uses a
device or equipment while engaged in an activity that:
(A) is a necessary incident to the rendition of service or to the protection of
property of or services provided by the enterprise; and
(B) is not made for the purpose of gathering information for a law enforcement
agency or private investigative agency, other than information related to the theft
of communication or information services provided by the enterprise; or
(3) a person authorized to install or use a pen register or trap and trace device under
Article 18 21, Code of Criminal Procedure.
(d) An offense under this section is a state jail felony.

Sec. 16.04. Unlawful Access to Stored Communications.

(a) In this section, "electronic communication," "electronic storage," "user," and "wire
communication" have the meanings assigned to those terms in Article 18.21, Code of Criminal
Procedure.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person obtains, alters, or prevents authorized access to a
wire or electronic communication while the communication is in electronic storage by:
(1) intentionally obtaining access without authorization to a facility through which a wire
 or electronic communications service is provided; or
(2) intentionally exceeding an authorization for access to a facility through which a wire
or electronic communications service is provided.
(c) Except as provided by Subsection (d), an offense under Subsection (b) is a Class A
misdemeanor.
(d) If committed to obtain a benefit or to harm another, an offense is a state jail felony.
(e) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Subsection (b) that the conduct was
authorized by:
(1) the provider of the wire or electronic communications service;
(2) the user of the wire or electronic communications service;
(3) the addressee or intended recipient of the wire or electronic communication; or
(4) Article 18.21, Code of Criminal Procedure.

Sec. 16.05. Illegal Divulgence of Public Communications.

(a) In this section, "electronic communication," "electronic communications service," and

"electronic communications system" have the meanings given those terms in Article 18.20, Code
of Criminal Procedure.
(b) A person who provides electronic communications service to the public commits an offense
if the person knowingly divulges the contents of a communication to another who is not the
intended recipient of the communication.
(c) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Subsection (b) that the actor divulged the
contents of the communication:
(1) as authorized by federal or state law;
(2) to a person employed, authorized, or whose facilities are used to forward the
communication to the communication's destination; or
(3) to a law enforcement agency if the contents reasonably appear to pertain to the
commission of a crime.
(d) Except as provided by Subsection (e), an offense under Subsection (b) that involves a
scrambled or encrypted radio communication is a state jail felony.
(e) If committed for a tortious or illegal purpose or to gain a benefit, an offense under Subsection
(b) that involves a radio communication that is not scrambled or encrypted:
(1) is a Class A misdemeanor if the communication is not a public land mobile radio
service communication or a paging service communication; or
(2) is a Class C misdemeanor if the communication is a public land mobile radio service
communication or a paging service communication.

Sec. 16.06. Unlawful. Installation of Tracking Device.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Electronic or mechanical tracking device" means a device capable of emitting an
electronic frequency or other signal that may be used by a person to identify, monitor, or
record the location of another person or object.
(2) "Motor vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section 501.002, Transportation Code.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly installs an electronic or mechanical
tracking device on a motor vehicle owned or leased by another person.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the person:
(1) obtained the effective consent of the owner or lessee of the motor vehicle before the
electronic or mechanical tracking device was installed;
(2) was a peace officer who installed the device in the course of a criminal investigation
 or pursuant to an order of a court to gather information for a law enforcement agency;
(3) assisted another whom the person reasonably believed to be a peace officer authorized
to install the device in the course of a criminal investigation or pursuant to an order of a
court to gather information for a law enforcement agency; or
(4) was a private investigator licensed under Chapter 1702, Occupations Code, who
installed the device:
(A) with written consent:
(i) to install the device given by the owner or lessee of the motor vehicle;
and
(ii) to enter private residential property, if that entry was necessary to
install the device, given by the owner or lessee of the property; or
(B) pursuant to an order of or other authorization from a court to gather

TITLE 5
OFFENSES AGAINST THE PERSON

CHAPTER 19
CRIMINAL HOMICIDE

Section
19.01. Types of Criminal Homicide.
19.02. Murder.
19.03. Capital Murder.
19.04. Manslaughter.
19.05. Criminally Negligent Homicide.
19.06. Applicability to Certain Conduct.

Sec. 19.01. Types of Criminal Homicide.

(a) A person commits criminal homicide if he intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with

criminal negligence causes the death of an individual.
(b) Criminal homicide is murder, capital murder, manslaughter, or criminally negligent homicide

Sec. 19.02. Murder.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Adequate cause" means cause that would commonly produce a degree of anger, age,
resentment, or terror in a person of ordinary temper, sufficient to render the mind
incapable of cool reflection.
(2) "Sudden passion" means passion directly caused by and arising out of provocation by
the individual killed or another acting with the person killed which passion arises at the
time of the offense and is not solely the result of former provocation.
(b) A person commits an offense if he:
(1) intentionally or knowingly causes the death of an individual;
(2) intends to cause serious bodily injury and commits an act clearly dangerous to human
life that causes the death of an individual; or
(3) commits or attempts to commit a felony, other than manslaughter, and in the course of
and in furtherance of the commission or attempt, or in immediate flight from the commis-
sion or attempt, he commits or attempts to commit an act clearly dangerous to human life
that causes the death of an individual.
(c) Except as provided by Subsection (d), an offense under this section is a felony of the first
degree.
(d) At the punishment stage of a trial, the defendant may raise the issue as to whether he caused
the death under the immediate influence of sudden passion arising from an adequate cause. If
the defendant proves the issue in the affirmative by a preponderance of the evidence, the offense
is a felony of the second degree

Sec. 19.03. Capital Murder.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person commits murder as defined under Section
19.02(b)(1) and:
(1) the person murders a peace officer or fireman who is acting in the lawful discharge of
an official duty and who the person knows is a peace officer or fireman;
(2) the person intentionally commits the murder in the course of committing or
attempting to commit kidnapping, burglary, robbery, aggravated sexual assault, arson,
obstruction or retaliation, or terroristic threat under Section 22.07(a)(1), (3), (4), (5), or
(6);
(3) the person commits the murder for remuneration or the promise of remuneration or
employs another to commit the murder for remuneration or the promise of remuneration;
(4) the person commits the murder while escaping or attempting to escape from a penal
institution;
(5) the person, while incarcerated in a penal institution, murders another:
(A) who is employed in the operation of the penal institution; or
(B) with the intent to establish, maintain, or participate in a combination or in the
profits of a combination;
(6) the person:
(A) while incarcerated for an offense under this section or Section 19.02, murders
another; or
(B) while serving a sentence of life imprisonment or a term of 99 years for an
offense under Section 20.04, 22.021, or 29.03, murders another;
(7) the person murders more than one person:
(A) during the same criminal transaction; or
(B) during different criminal transactions but the murders are committed pursuant
to the same scheme or course of conduct;
(8) the person murders an individual under six years of age; or
(9) the person murders another person in retaliation for or on account of the service or
status of the other person as a judge or justice of the supreme court, the court of criminal
appeals, a court of appeals, a district court, a criminal district court, a constitutional
county court, a statutory county court, a justice court, or a municipal court.
(b) An offense under this section is a capital felony.
(c) If the jury or, when authorized by law, the judge does not find beyond a reasonable doubt that
the defendant is guilty of an offense under this section, he may be convicted of murder or of
any other lesser included offense.

Sec. 19.04. Manslaughter.

(a) A person commits an offense if he recklessly causes the death of an individual.

(b) An offense under this section is a felony of the second degree

Sec. 19.05. Criminally Negligent Homicide.

(a) A person commits an offense if he causes the death of an individual by criminal negligence.
(b) An offense under this section is a state jail felony.

Sec. 19.06. Applicability to Certain Conduct.

This chapter does not apply to the death of an unborn child if the conduct charged is:
(1) conduct committed by the mother of the unborn child;
(2) a lawful medical procedure performed by a physician or other licensed health care
provider with the requisite consent, if the death of the unborn child was the intended
result of the procedure;
(3) a lawful medical procedure performed by a physician or other licensed health care
provider with the requisite consent as part of an assisted reproduction as defined by
Section 160.102, Family Code; or
(4) the dispensation of a drug in accordance with law or administration of a drug
prescribed in accordance with law.

CHAPTER 20
KIDNAPPING AND UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT

Section
20.01. Definitions.
20.02. Unlawful Restraint.
20.03. Kidnapping.
20.04. Aggravated Kidnapping.
20.05. Unlawful Transport.

Sec. 20.01. Definitions.

In this chapter:
(1) "Restrain" means to restrict a person’s movements without consent, so as to interfere
substantially with the person's liberty, by moving the person from one place to another or
by confining the person. Restraint is “without consent" if it is accomplished by:
(A) force, intimidation, or deception; or
(B) any means, including acquiescence of the victim, if:
(i) the victim is a child who is less than 14 years of age or an incompetent
person and the parent, guardian, or person or institution acting in loco
parentis has not acquiesced in the movement or confinement; or
(ii) the victim is a child who is 14 years of age or older and younger than
17 years of age, the victim is taken outside of the state and outside a 120
mile radius from the victim's residence, and the parent, guardian, or person
or institution acting in loco parentis has not acquiesced in the movement.
(2) "Abduct" means to restrain a person with intent to prevent his liberation by:
(A) secreting or holding him in a place where he is not likely to be found; or
(B) using or threatening to use deadly force.
(3) "Relative" means a parent or stepparent, ancestor, sibling, or uncle or aunt, including
an adoptive relative of the same degree through marriage or adoption.
(4) "Person" means an individual, corporation, or association.
(5) Notwithstanding Section 1.07, "individual" means a human being who has been born
and is alive.

Sec. 20.02. Unlawful Restraint.

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly restrains another person.
(b) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that:
(1) the person restrained was a child younger than 14 years of age;
(2) the actor was a relative of the child; and
(3) the actors sole intent was to assume lawful control of the child.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor, except that the offense is:
(1) a state jail felony if the person restrained was a child younger than 17 years of age; or
(2) a felony of the third degree if;
(A) the actor recklessly exposes the victim to a substantial risk of serious bodily
injury;
(B) the actor restrains an individual the actor knows is a public servant while the
public servant is lawfully discharging an official duty or in retaliation or on
account of an exercise of official power or performance of an official duty as a
public servant; or
(C) the actor while in custody restrains any other person.
(d) It is no offense to detain or move another under this section when it is for the purpose of
effecting a lawful arrest or detaining an individual lawfully arrested.
(e) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that:
(1) the person restrained was a child who is 14 years of age or older and younger than 17
years of age;
(2) the actor does not restrain the child by force, intimidation, or deception; and
(3) the actor is not more than three years older than the child.

Sec. 20.03. Kidnapping.

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly abducts another person.

(b) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that:
(1) the abduction was not coupled with intent to use or to threaten to use deadly force;
(2) the actor was a relative of the person abducted; and
(3) the actors sole intent was to assume lawful control of the victim.
(c) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.

Sec. 20.04. Aggravated Kidnapping.

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly abducts another person with
the intent to:
(1) hold him for ransom or reward;
(2) use him as a shield or hostage;
(3) facilitate the commission of a felony or the flight after the attempt or commission of a
felony;
(4) inflict bodily injury on him or violate or abuse him sexually;
(5) terrorize him or a third person; or
(6) interfere with the performance of any governmental or political function.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly abducts another person
and uses or exhibits a deadly weapon during the commission of the offense.
(c) Except as provided by Subsection (d), an offense under this section is a felony of the first
degree.
(d) At the punishment stage of a trial, the defendant may raise the issue as to whether he
voluntarily released the victim in a safe place. If the defendant proves the issue in the affirmative
by a preponderance of the evidence, the offense is a felony of the second degree.
Sec. 20.05. Unlawful Transport.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person for pecuniary benefit transports an individual in a
manner that:
(1) is designed to conceal the individual from local, state, or federal law enforcement
authorities; and
(2) creates a substantial likelihood that the individual will suffer serious bodily injury or
death.
(b) An offense under this section is a state jail felony

CHAPTER 20A
TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS

Section
20A.01. Definitions.
20A.02. Trafficking of Persons.

Sec. 20A.01. Definitions.

In this chapter:
(1) "Forced labor or services" means labor or services, including conduct that constitutes
an offense under Section 43.02, that are performed or provided by another person and
obtained through an actors:
(A) causing or threatening to cause bodily injury to the person or another person
or otherwise causing the person performing or providing labor or services to
believe that the person or another person will suffer bodily injury;
(B) restraining or threatening to restrain the person or another person in a manner
described by Section 20.01(1) or causing the person performing or providing
labor or services to believe that the person or another person will be restrained;
(C) knowingly destroying, concealing, removing, confiscating, or withholding
from the person or another person, or threatening to destroy, conceal, remove,
confiscate, or withhold from the person or another person, the person's actual or
purported:
(i) government records;
(ii) identifying information; or
(iii) personal property;
(D) threatening the person with abuse of the law or the legal process in relation to
the person or another person;
(E) threatening to report the person or another person to immigration officials or
other law enforcement officials or otherwise blackmailing or extorting the person
or another person;
(F) exerting financial control over the person or another person by placing the
person or another person under the actor's control as security for a debt to the
extent that:
(i) the value of the services provided by the person or another person as
reasonably assessed is not applied toward the liquidation of the debt;
(ii) the duration of the services provided by the person or another person is
not limited and the nature of the services provided by the person or
another person is not defined; or
(iii) the principal amount of the debt does not reasonably reflect the value
of the items or services for which the debt was incurred; or
 (G) using any scheme, plan, or pattern intended to cause the person to believe that
the person or another person will be subjected to serious harm or restraint if the
person does not perform or provide the labor or services.
(2) "Traffic" means to transport, entice, recruit, harbor, provide, or otherwise obtain
another person by any means.

Sec. 20A.02. Trafficking of Persons.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person:

(1) knowingly traffics another person with the intent or knowledge that the trafficked
person will engage in forced labor or services;
(2) intentionally or knowingly benefits from participating in a venture that involves an
activity described by Subdivision (1), including by receiving labor or services the person
knows are forced labor or services.
(b) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, an offense under this section is a felony of
the second degree. An offense under this section is a felony of the first degree if:
(1) the applicable conduct constitutes an offense under Section 43.02 and the person who
is trafficked is younger than 18 years of age at the time of the offense; or
(2) the commission of the offense results in the death of the person who is trafficked.
(c) If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under another
section of this code, the actor may be prosecuted under either section or under both sections.

CHAPTER 21
SEXUAL OFFENSES

Section
21.01. Definitions.
21.02. Continuous Sexual Abuse of Young Child or Children.
21.06. Homosexual Conduct.
21.07. Public Lewdness.
21.08. Indecent Exposure.
21.11. Indecency with a Child.
21.12. Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student.
21.15. Improper Photography or Visual Recording.

Sec. 21.01. Definitions.

In this chapter:
(1) "Deviate sexual intercourse" means:
(A) any contact between any part of the genitals of one person and the mouth or
anus of another person; or
(B) the penetration of the genitals or the anus of another person with an object.
(2) "Sexual contact" means, except as provided by Section 21.11, any touching of the
anus, breast, or any part of the genitals of another person with intent to amuse or gratify
the sexual desire of any person.
(3) "Sexual intercourse" means any penetration of the female sex organ by the male sex
organ.
(4) "Spouse" means a person to whom a person is legally married under Subtitle A, Title
1, Family Code, or a comparable law of another jurisdiction.

Sec. 21.02. Continuous Sexual Abuse of Young Child or Children.

(a) In this section, "child" has the meaning assigned by Section 22.011(c).
(b) A person commits an offense if:
(1) during a period that is 30 or more days in duration, the person commits two or more
acts of sexual abuse, regardless of whether the acts of sexual abuse are committed against
one or more victims; and
(2) at the time of the commission of each of the acts of sexual abuse, the actor is 17 years
of age or older and the victim is a child younger than 14 years of age.
(c) For purposes of this section, "act of sexual abuse" means any act that is a violation of one or
more of the following penal laws:
(1) aggravated kidnapping under Section 20.04(a)(4), if the actor committed the offense
with the intent to violate or abuse the victim sexually;
(2) indecency with a child under Section 21.11(a)(1), if the actor committed the offense
in a manner other than by touching, including touching through clothing, the breast of a
child;
(3) sexual assault under Section 22.011;
(4) aggravated sexual assault under Section 22.021;
(5) burglary under Section 30.02, if the offense is punishable under Subsection (d) of that
section and the actor committed the offense with the intent to commit an offense listed in
Subdivisions (1)-(4); and
(6) sexual performance by a child under Section 43.25
(d) If a jury is the trier of fact, members of the jury are not required to agree unanimously on
which specific acts of sexual abuse were committed by the defendant or the exact date, when
those acts were committed. The jury must agree unanimously that the defendant, during a period
that is 30 or more days in duration, committed two or more acts of sexual abuse.
(e) A defendant may not be convicted in the same criminal action of an offense listed under
Subsection (c) the victim of which is the same victim as a victim of the offense alleged under
Subsection (b) unless the offense listed in Subsection (c):
(1) is charged in the alternative;
(2) occurred outside the period in which the offense alleged under Subsection (b) was
committed; or.
(3) is considered by the trier of fact to be a lesser included offense of the offense alleged
under Subsection (b)
(f) A defendant may not be charged with more than one count under Subsection (b) if all of the
specific acts of sexual abuse that are alleged to have been committed are alleged to have been
committed against a single victim.
(g) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the actor:
(1) was not more than five years older than:
(A) the victim of the offense, if the offense is alleged to have been committed
against only one victim; or
(B) the youngest victim of the offense, if the offense is alleged to have been
committed against more than one victim;
(2) did not use duress, force, or a threat against a victim at the time of the commission of
any of the acts of sexual abuse alleged as an element of the offense; and
(3) at the time of the commission of any of the acts of sexual abuse alleged as an element
of the offense:
(A) was not required under Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, to register
for life as a sex offender; or
(B) was not a person who under Chapter 62 had a reportable conviction or
adjudication for an offense under this section or an act of sexual abuse as
described by Subsection (c)
(h) An offense under this section is a felony of the first degree, punishable by imprisonment in
the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for life, or for any term of not more than 99 years or
less than 25 years.

Sec. 21.06. Homosexual Conduct.

(a) A person commits an offense if he engages in deviate sexual intercourse with another
individual of the same sex.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor

Sec. 21.07. Public Lewdness.

(a) A person commits an offense if he knowingly engages in any of the following acts in a public
place or if not in a public place, he is reckless about whether another is present who will be
offended or alarmed by his:
(1) act of sexual intercourse;
(2) act of deviate sexual intercourse;
(3) act of sexual contact; or
(4) act involving contact between the person's mouth or genitals and the anus or genitals
of an animal or fowl.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor

Sec. 21.08. Indecent Exposure.

(a) A person commits an offense if he exposes his anus or any part of his genitals with intent to
arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person, and he is reckless about whether another is
present who will be offended or alarmed by his act.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.

Sec. 21.11. Indecency with a Child.

(a) A person commits an offense if, with a child younger than 17 years and not the person's
spouse, whether the child is of the same or opposite sex, the person:
(1) engages in sexual contact with the child or causes the child to engage in sexual
contact;
(2) with intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person:
(A) exposes the person's anus or any part of the person's genitals, knowing the
child is present; or
(B) causes the child to expose the child's anus or any part of the child's genitals.
(b) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the actor:
(1) was not more than three years older than the victim and of the opposite sex;
(2) did not use duress, force, or a threat against the victim at the time of the offense; and
(3) at the time of the offense:
(A) was not required under Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, to register
for life as a sex offender; or
(B) was not a person who under Chapter 62 had a reportable conviction or
adjudication for an offense under this section.
(c) In this section, "sexual contact" means the following acts, if committed with the intent to
arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person:
(1) any touching by a person, including touching through clothing, of the anus, breast, or
any part of the genitals of a child; or
 (2) any touching of any part of the body of a child, including touching through clothing,
with the anus, breast, or any part of the genitals of a person.
(d) An offense under Subsection (a)(1) is a felony of the second degree and an offense under
Subsection (a)(2) is a felony of the third degree.

Sec. 21.12. Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student.

(a) An employee of a public or private primary or secondary school commits an offense if the
employee engages in:
(1) sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or deviate sexual intercourse with a person who is
enrolled in a public or private primary or secondary school at which the employee works
and who is not the employee's spouse; or
(2) conduct described by Section 33.021, with a person described by Subdivision (1),
regardless of the age of that person.
(b) An offense under this section is a felony of the second degree.
(c) If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under another
section of this code, the actor may be prosecuted under either section or both sections.
(d) The name of a person who is enrolled in a public or private primary or secondary school and
involved in an improper relationship with an educator as provided by Subsection (a) may not
be released to the public and is not public information under Chapter 552, Government Code.

Sec. 21.15. Improper Photography or Visual Recording.

(a) In this section, "promote" has the meaning assigned by Section 43.21.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person:
(1) photographs or by videotape or other electronic means records, broadcasts, or
transmits a visual image of another at a location that is not a bathroom or private dressing
room:
(A) without the other person's consent; and
(B) with intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person;
(2) photographs or by videotape or other electronic means records, broadcasts, or
transmits a visual image of another at a location that is a bathroom or private dressing
room:
(A) without the other person's consent; and
(B) with intent to:
(i) invade the privacy of the other person; or
(ii) arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person; or
(3) knowing the character and content of the photograph, recording,
broadcast, or transmission, promotes a photograph, recording, broadcast,
or transmission described by Subdivision (1) or (2).
(c) An offense under this section is a state jail felony
(d) If conduct that constitutes an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under any
other law, the actor may be prosecuted under this section or the other law.
(e) For purposes of Subsection (b)(2), a sign or sign posted indicating that the person is being
photographed or that a visual image of the person is being recorded, broadcast, or transmitted is
not sufficient to establish the person's consent under that subdivision.

CHAPTER 22
ASSAULTWE OFFENSES

Section
22. 01. Assault.
22.011. Sexual Assault.
22.015 Coercing, Soliciting, or Inducing Gang. Membership.
22.02. Aggravated Assault.
22.021. Aggravated Sexual Assault.
22.04. Injury to a Child, Elderly Individual, or Disabled Individual.
22 041. Abandoning or Endangering Child.
22.05. Deadly Conduct.
22.06. Consent as Defense to Assaultive Conduct.
22.07. Terroristic Threat.
22.08. Aiding Suicide.
22.09. Tampering with Consume Product.
22.10. Leaving a Child in a Vehicle.
22.11. Harassment by Persons in Certain Correctional Facilities; Harassment of
Public Servant.
22.12. Applicability to Certain Conduct.

Sec. 22.01. Assault.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person:

(1) intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; including the
person's spouse;
(2) intentionally or knowingly threatens another with imminent bodily injury, including
the person's spouse; or
(3) intentionally or knowingly causes physical contact with another when the person
knows or should reasonably believe that the other will regard the contact as offensive or
provocative.
(b) An offense under Subsection (a)(1) is a Class A misdemeanor, except that the offense is a
felony of the third degree if the offense is committed against:
(1) a person the actor knows is a public servant whiles, the public, servant is lawfully
discharging an official duty, or in retaliation or on account of an exercise of official
power or performance of an official duty as a public servant;
(2) a person whose relationship to or association with the defendant is described by
Section 71.0021(b), 71.003, or 71.005, Family Code, if it is shown on the trial of the
offense that the defendant has been previously convicted of an offense under this chapter,
Chapter 19, or Section 20.03, 20.04, or 21.11 against a person whose relationship to or
association with the defendant is described by Section 71.0021(b), 71.003, or 71.005,
Family Code;
(3) a person who contracts with government to perform a service in a facility as defined
by Section 1.07(a)(14), Penal Code, or Section 51.02(13) or (14), Family Code, or an
employee of that person:
(A) while the person or employee is engaged in performing a service within the
scope of the contract, if the actor knows the person or employee is authorized by
government to provide the service; or
(B) in retaliation for or on account of the person's or employee's performance of a
service within the scope of the contract;
(4) a person the actor knows is a security officer while the officer is performing a duty as
a security officer; or
(5) a person the actor knows is emergency services personnel while the person is
providing emergency services.
(c) An offense under Subsection (a)(2) or (3) is a Class C misdemeanor, except that the offense
is:
(1) a Class A misdemeanor if the offense is committed under Subsection (a)(3) against an
elderly individual or disabled individual, as those terms are defined by Section 22.04; or
(2) a Class B misdemeanor if the offense is committed by a person who is not a sports
participant against a person the actor knows is a sports participant either:
(A) while the participant is performing duties or responsibilities in the
participant's capacity as a sports participant; or
(B) in retaliation for or on account of the participant's performance of a duty or
responsibility within the participant's capacity as a sports participant.
(d) For purposes of Subsection (b), the actor is presumed to have known the person assaulted
was a public servant, a security officer, or emergency services personnel if the person was
wearing a distinctive uniform or badge indicating the person's employment as a public servant or
status as a security officer or emergency services personnel
(e) In this section:
(1) "Emergency services personnel" includes firefighters, emergency medical services
personnel as defined by Section 773.003, Health and Safety Code, and other individuals
who, in the course and scope of employment or as a volunteer, provide services for the
benefit of the general public during emergency situations.
(2) (Repealed)
(3) "Security officer" means a commissioned security officer as defined by Section
1702.002, Occupations Code, or a noncommissioned security officer registered under
Section 1702.221, Occupations Code.
(4) "Sports participant" means a person who participates in any official capacity with
respect to an interscholastic, intercollegiate, or other organized amateur or professional
athletic competition and includes an athlete, referee, umpire, linesman, coach, instructor,
administrator, or staff member.
(f) For the purposes of Subsection (b)(2):
(1) a defendant has been previously convicted of an offense listed in Subsection (b)(2)
committed against a person whose relationship to or association with the defendant is
described by Section 71.0021(b), 71.003, or 71.005, Family Code, if the defendant was
adjudged guilty of the offense or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere in return for
a grant of deferred adjudication, regardless of whether the sentence for the offense was
ever imposed or whether the sentence was probated and the defendant was subsequently
discharged from community supervision; and
(2) a conviction under the laws of another state for an offense containing elements that
are substantially similar to the elements of an offense listed in Subsection (b)(2) is a
conviction of an offense listed in Subsection (b)(2).

Sec. 22.011. Sexual Assault.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person:

(1) intentionally or knowingly:
(A) causes the penetration of the anus or sexual organ of another person by any
means, without that person's consent;
(B) causes the penetration of the mouth of another person by the sexual organ of
the actor, without that person's consent; or
(C) causes the sexual organ of another person, without that person's consent, to
contact or penetrate the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person, including
the actor; or
(2) intentionally or knowingly:
(A) causes the penetration of the anus or sexual organ of a child by any means;
 (B) causes the penetration of the mouth of a child by the sexual organ of the actor;
(C) causes the sexual organ of a child to contact or penetrate the mouth, anus, or
sexual organ of another person, including the actor;
(D) causes the anus of a child to contact the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of
another person, including the actor; or
(E) causes the mouth of a child to contact the anus or sexual organ of another
person, including the actor.
(b) A sexual assault under Subsection (a)(1) is without the consent of the other person if:
(1) the actor compels the other person to submit or participate by the use of physical force
or violence;
(2) the actor compels the other person to submit or participate by threatening to use force
or violence against the other person, and the other person believes that the actor has the
present ability to execute the threat;
(3) the other person has not consented and the actor knows the other person is
unconscious or physically unable to resist;
(4) the actor knows that as a result of mental disease or defect the other person is at the
time of the sexual assault incapable either of appraising the nature of the act or of
resisting it;
(5) the other person has not consented and the actor knows the other person is unaware
that the sexual assault is occurring;
(6) the actor has intentionally impaired the other person's power to appraise or control the
other person's conduct by administering any substance without the other person's knowledge;
(7) the actor compels the other person to submit or participate by threatening to use force
or violence against any person, and the other person believes that the actor has the ability
to execute the threat;
(8) the actor is a public servant who coerces the other person to submit or participate;
(9) the actor is a mental health services provider or a health care services provider who
causes the other person, who is a patient or former patient of the actor, to submit or
participate by exploiting the other person's emotional dependency on the actor;
(10) the actor is a clergyman who causes the other person to submit or participate by
exploiting the other person's emotional dependency on the clergyman in the clergyman's
professional character as spiritual adviser; or
(11) the actor is an employee of a facility where the other person is a resident, unless the
employee and resident are formally or informally married to each other under Chapter 2,
Family Code.
(c) In this section:
(1). "Child" means a person younger than 17 years of age who is not the spouse of the
actor.
(2) "Spouse" means a person who is legally married to another.
(3) "Health care services provider" means:
(A) a physician licensed under Subtitle B, Title 3, Occupations Code;
(B) a chiropractor licensed under Chapter 201, Occupations Code;
(C) a physical therapist licensed under Chapter. 453, Occupations Code;
(D) a physician assistant licensed under Chapter 204, Occupations Code; or
(E) a registered nurse, a vocational nurse, or an advanced practice nurse licensed
under Chapter 301, Occupations Code.
(4) "Mental health services provider" means an individual, licensed or unlicensed, who
performs or purports to perform mental health services, including a:
(A) licensed social worker as defined by Section 505.002, Occupations Code;
(B) chemical dependency counselor as defined by Section 504.001, Occupations
Code;
 (C) licensed professional counselor as defined by Section 503.002, Occupations
Code;
(D) licensed marriage and family therapist as defined by Section 502.002,
Occupations Code;
(E) member of the clergy;
(F) psychologist offering psychological services as defined by Section 501.003,
Occupations Code; or
(G) special officer for mental health assignment certified under Section 1701.404,
Occupations Code.
(5) "Employee of a facility" means a person who is an employee of a facility defined by
Section 250.001, Health and Safety Code, or any other person who provides services for
a facility for compensation, including a contract laborer.
(d) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(2) that the conduct consisted of medical
care for the child and did not include any contact between the anus or sexual organ of the child
and the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of the actor or a third party.
(e) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(2) that:
(1) the actor was not more than three years older than the victim and at the time of the
offense:
(A) was not required under Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, to register
for life as a sex offender; or
(B) was not a person who under Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, had a
reportable conviction or adjudication for an offense under this section; and
(2) the victim:
(A) was a child of 14 years of age or older; and
(B) was not a person whom the actor was prohibited from marrying or purporting
to marry or with whom the actor was prohibited from living under the appearance
of being married under Section 25.01.
(f) An offense under this section is a felony of the second degree, except that an offense under
this section is a felony of the first degree if the victim was a person whom the actor was
prohibited from marrying or purporting to marry or with whom the actor was prohibited from
living under the appearance of being married under Section 25.01.

Sec. 22.015. Coercing, Soliciting, or Inducing Gang Membership.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Child" means an individual younger than 17 years of age.
(2) "Criminal street gang” has the meaning assigned by Section 71.01.
(b) A person commits an offense if with intent to coerce, induce, or solicit a child to actively
participate in the activities of a criminal street gang, the person:
(1) threatens the child with imminent bodily injury; or
(2) causes bodily injury to the child.
(c) An offense under Subsection (b)(1) is a state jail felony. An offense under Subsection (b)(2)
is a felony of the third degree.

Sec. 22.02. Aggravated Assault.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person commits assault as defined in Section 22.01 and
the person:
(1) causes serious bodily injury to another, including the person's spouse; or
(2) uses or exhibits a deadly weapon during the commission of the assault.
(b) An offense under this section is a felony of the second degree, except that the offense is a
felony of the first degree if:
(1) the actor uses a deadly weapon during the commission of the assault and causes
serious bodily injury to a person whose relationship to or association with the defendant
is described by Section 71.0021(b), 71.003, or 71.005, Family. Code; or
(2) regardless of whether the offense is committed under Subsection (a)(1) or (a)(2), the
offense is committed:
(A) by a public servant acting under color of the servant's office or employment;
(B) against a person the actor knows is a public servant while the public servant is
lawfully discharging an official duty, or in retaliation or on account of an exercise
of official power or performance of an official duty as a public servant;
(C) in retaliation against or on account of the service of another as a witness,
prospective witness, informant, or person who has reported the occurrence of a
crime; or
(D) against a person the actor knows is a security officer while the officer is
performing a duty as a security officer.
(c) The actor is presumed to have known the person assaulted was a public servant or a security
officer if the person was wearing a distinctive uniform or badge indicating the person's
employment as a public servant or status as a security officer.
(d) In this section, "security officer" means a commissioned security officer as defined by
Section 1702.002, Occupations Code, or a noncommissioned security officer registered under
Section 1702.221, Occupations Code.

Sec. 22.021. Aggravated Sexual Assault.

(a). A person commits an offense:

(1) if the person:
(A) intentionally or knowingly:
(i) causes the penetration of the anus or sexual organ of another person by
any means, without that person's consent;
(ii) causes the penetration of the mouth of another person by the sexual
organ of the actor, without that person's consent; or
(iii) causes the sexual organ of another person, without that person's
consent, to contact or penetrate the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of
another person, including the actor; or
(B) intentionally or knowingly:
(i) causes the penetration of the anus or sexual organ of a child by any
means;
(ii) causes the penetration of the mouth of a child by the sexual organ of
the actor;
(iii) causes the sexual organ of a child to contact or penetrate the mouth,
anus, or sexual organ of another person, including the actor;
(iv) causes the anus of a child to contact the mouth, anus, or sexual organ
of another person, including the actor; or
(v) causes the mouth of a child to contact the anus or sexual organ of
another person, including the actor; and
(2) if:
(A) the person:
(i) causes serious bodily injury or attempts to cause the death of the victim
or another person in the course of the same criminal episode;
(ii) by acts or words places the victim in fear that death, serious bodily
injury, or kidnapping will be imminently inflicted on any person;
 (iii) by acts or words occurring in the presence of the victim threatens to
cause the death, serious bodily injury, or kidnapping of any person;
(iv) uses or exhibits a deadly weapon in the course of the same criminal
episode;
(v) acts in concert with another who engages in conduct described by
Subdivision (1) directed toward the same victim and occurring during the
course of the same criminal episode; or
(vi) administers or provides flunitrazepam, otherwise known as
rohypnol, gamma hydrorybutyiate, or ketamine to the victim of the offense
with the intent of facilitating the commission of the offense;
(B) the victim is younger than 14 years of age; or
(C) the victim is an elderly individual or a disabled individual.
(b) In this section:
(1) "Child" has the meaning assigned by Section 22.011(c).
(2) "Elderly individual" and "disabled individual" have the meanings assigned by Section
22.04(c).
(c) An aggravated sexual assault under this section is without the consent of the other person if
the aggravated sexual assault occurs under the same circumstances listed in Section 22.011(b).
(d) The defense provided by Section 22.011(d) applies to this section.
(e) An offense under this section is a felony of the first degree.
(f) The minimum term of imprisonment for an offense under this section is increased to 25 years
if:.
(1) the victim of the offense is younger than six years of age at the time the offense is
committed; or
(2) the victim of the offense is younger than 14 years of age at the time the offense is
committed and the actor commits the offense in a manner described by Subsection
(a)(2)(A).

Sec. 22.04. Injury to a Child, Elderly Individual, or Disabled Individual.

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal

negligence, by act or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly by omission, causes to a child,
elderly individual, or disabled individual:
(1) serious bodily injury;
(2) serious mental deficiency, impairment, or injury; or
(3) bodily injury.
(a-1) A person. commits an offense if the person is an owner, operator, or employee of a group
home, nursing facility, assisted living facility, intermediate care facility for persons with mental
retardation, or other institutional care facility and the person intentionally, knowingly, recklessly,
or with .criminal negligence by omission causes to a child, elderly individual, or disabled
individual who is a resident of that group home or facility:
(1) serious bodily injury;
(2) serious mental deficiency, impairment, or injury;
(3) bodily injury; or
(4) exploitation.
(b) An omission that causes a condition described by Subsection (a)(1), (2), or (3) or (a-1) (1),
(2), (3), or (4) is conduct constituting an offense under this section if:
(1) the actor has a legal or statutory duty to act; or
(2) the actor has assumed care, custody, or control of a child, elderly individual, or
disabled individual.
(c) In this section:
 (1) "Child" means a person 14 years of age or younger.
(2) "Elderly individual" means a person 65 years of age or older.
(3) "Disabled individual" means a person older than 14 years of age who by reason of age
or physical or mental disease, defect, or injury is substantially unable to protect himself
from harm or to provide food, shelter, or medical care for himself.
(4) "Exploitation" means the illegal or improper use of an individual or of the resources
of the individual for monetary or personal benefit, profit, or gain.
(d) For purposes of an omission that causes a condition described by Subsection (a)(1), (2), or
(3), the actor has assumed care, custody, or control if he has by act, words, or course of conduct
acted so as to cause a reasonable person to conclude that he has accepted responsibility for
protection, food, shelter, and medical care for a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual.
For purposes of an omission that causes a condition described by Subsection (a-1)(1), (2), (3), or
(4), the actor acting during the actors capacity as owner, operator, or employee of a group home
or facility described by Subsection (a-1) is considered to have accepted responsibility for
protection, food, shelter, and medical care for the child, elderly individual, or disabled individual
who is a resident of the group home or facility.
(e) An offense under Subsection (a)(1) or (2) or (a-1)(1) or (2) is a felony of the first degree
when the conduct is committed intentionally or knowingly. When the conduct is engaged in
recklessly, the offense is a felony of the second degree.
(f) An offense under Subsection (a)(3) or (a1)(3) or (4) is a felony of the third degree when the
conduct is committed intentionally or knowingly. When the conduct is engaged in recklessly, the
offense is a state jail felony.
(g) An offense under Subsection (a) is a state jail felony when the person acts with criminal
negligence. An offense under Subsection (a-1) is a state jail felony when the person, with
criminal negligence and by omission, causes a condition described by Subsection (a-1) (1), (2),
(3), or (4).
(h) A person who is subject to prosecution under both this section and another section of this
code may be prosecuted under either or both sections. Section 3.04 does not apply to criminal
episodes prosecuted under both this section and another section of this code. If a criminal
episode is prosecuted under both this section and another section of this code and sentences are
assessed for convictions under both sections, the sentences shall rim concurrently.
(i) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Subsection (b)(2) that before the offense the
actor:
(1) notified in person the child, elderly individual, or disabled individual that he would no
longer provide any of the care described by Subsection (d); and
(2) notified in writing the parents or person other than himself acting in loco parentis to
the child, elderly individual, or disabled individual that he would no longer provide any
of the care described by Subsection (d); or
(3) notified in writing the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services that he
would no longer provide any of the care set forth in Subsection (d).
(j) Written notification under Subsection (i)(2) or (i)(3) is not effective unless it contains the
name and address of the actor, the name and address of the child, elderly individual, or disabled
individual, the type of care provided by the actor, and the date the care was discontinued.
(k) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the act or omission consisted of:
(1) reasonable medical care occur ring under the direction of or by a licensed physician;
or
(2) emergency medical care administered in good faith and with reasonable care by a
person not licensed in the healing arts.
(l) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section:
(1) that the act or omission was based on treatment in accordance with the tenets and
practices of a recognized religious method of healing with a generally accepted record of
 efficacy;
(2) for a person charged with an act of omission causing to a child, elderly individual, or
disabled individual a condition described by Subsection (a)(1), (2), or (3) that:
(A) there is no evidence that, on the date prior to the offense charged, the
defendant was aware of an incident of injury to the child, elderly individual, or disabled
individual and failed to report the incident; and
(B) the person:
(i) was a victim of family violence, as that term is defined by Section
71.004, Family Code, committed by a person who is also charged with an
offense against the child, elderly individual, or disabled individual under
this section or any other section of this title;
(ii) did not cause a condition described by Subsection (a)(1), (2), or (3);
and
(iii) did not reasonably believe at the time of the omission that an effort to
prevent the person also charged with an offense against the child, elderly
individual, or disabled individual from committing the offense would have
an effect; or
(3) that:
(A) the actor was not more than three years older than the victim at the time of the
offense; and
(B) the victim was a child at the time of the offense.

Sec. 22.041. Abandoning or Endangering Child.

(a) In this section, "abandon" means to leave a child in any place without providing reasonable
and necessary care for the child, under circumstances under which no reasonable, similarly
situated adult would leave a child of that age and ability.
(b) A person commits an offense if, having custody, care, or control of a child younger than 15
years, he intentionally abandons the child in any place under circumstances that expose the
child to an unreasonable risk of harm.
(c) A person commits an offense if he intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal neg-
ligence, by act or omission, engages in conduct that places a child younger than 15 years in
imminent danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment.
(c-1) For purposes of Subsection (c), it is presumed that a person engaged in conduct that places
a child in imminent danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment if:
(1) the person manufactured, possessed, or in any way introduced into the body of any
person the controlled substance methamphetamine in the presence of the child;
(2) the person's conduct related to the proximity or accessibility of the controlled
substance methamphetamine to the child and an analysis of a specimen of the child's
blood, urine, or other bodily substance indicates the presence of methamphetamine in the
child's body; or
(3) the person injected, ingested, inhaled, or otherwise introduced a controlled substance
listed in Penalty Group 1, Section 481.102, Health and Safety Code, into the human body
when the person was not in lawful possession of the substance as defined by Section
481.002(24) of that code.
(d) Except as provided by Subsection (e), an offense under Subsection (b) is:
(1) a state jail felony if the actor abandoned the child with intent to return for the child; or
(2) a felony of the third degree if the actor abandoned the child without intent to return
for the child.
(e) An offense under Subsection (b) is a felony of the second degree if the actor abandons the
child under circumstances that a reasonable person would believe would place the child in
imminent danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment.
(f) An offense under Subsection (c) is a state jail felony.
(g) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (c) that the act or omission enables the child to
practice for or participate in an organized athletic event and that appropriate safety equipment
and procedures are employed in the event.
(h) It is an exception to the application of this section that the actor voluntarily delivered the
child to a designated emergency infant care provider under Section 262.302, Family Code.

Sec. 22.05. Deadly Conduct.

(a) A person commits an offense if he recklessly engages in conduct that places another in
imminent danger of serious bodily injury.
(b) A person commits an offense if he knowingly discharges a firearm at or in the direction of:
(1) one or more individuals; or
(2) a habitation, building, or vehicle and is reckless as to whether the habitation, building,
or vehicle is occupied.
(c) Recklessness and danger are presumed if the actor knowingly pointed a firearm at or in the
direction of another whether or not the actor believed the firearm to be loaded.
(d) For purposes of this section, "building," "habitation," and "vehicle" have the meanings
assigned those terms by Section 30.01.
(e) An offense under Subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor. An offense under. Subsection (b)
is a felony of the third degree.

Sec. 22.06. Consent as Defense to Assault Conduct.

(a) The victim's effective consent or the actors reasonable belief that the victim consented to the
actors conduct is a defense to prosecution under Section 22.01 (Assault), 22 02 (Aggravated
Assault), or 22.05 (Deadly Conduct) if:
(1) the conduct did not threaten or inflict serious bodily injury; or
(2) the victim knew the conduct was a risk of;
(A) his occupation;
(B) recognized medical treatment; or
(C) a scientific experiment conducted by recognized methods.
(b) The defense to prosecution provided by Subsection (a) is not available to a defendant who
commits an offense described by Subsection (a) as a condition of the defendant's or the victim's
initiation or continued member ship in a criminal street gang, as defined by Section 71.01.

Sec. 22.07. Terroristic Threat.

(a) A person commits an offense if he threatens to commit any offense involving violence to any
person or property with intent to:
(1) cause a reaction of any type to his threat by an official or volunteer agency organized
to deal with emergencies;
(2) place any person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury;
(3) prevent or interrupt the occupation or use of a building, room, place of assembly,
place to which the public has access, place of employment or occupation, aircraft,
automobile, or other form of conveyance, or other public place;
(4) cause impairment or interruption of public communications, public transportation,
public water, gas, or power supply or other public service;
(5) place the public or a substantial group of the public in fear of serious bodily injury; or
(6) influence the conduct or activities of a branch or agency of the federal government,
 the state, or a political subdivision of the state.
(b) An offense under Subsection (a) (1) is a Class B misdemeanor.
(c) An offense under Subsection (a) (2) is a Class B misdemeanor, except that the offense is a
Class A misdemeanor if the offense:
(1) is committed against a member of the person's family or household or otherwise
constitutes family violence; or
(2) is committed against a public servant.
(d) An offense under Subsection (a) (3) is a Class A misdemeanor, unless the actor causes
pecuniary loss of $1,500 or more to the owner of the building, room, place, or conveyance, in
which event the offense is a state, jail felony.
(e) An offense under Subsection (a) (4), (a) (5), or (a) (6) is a felony of the third degree.
(f) In this section:
(1) "Family" has the meaning assigned by Section 71.003, Family Code.
(2) "Family violence" has the meaning assigned by Section 71.004, Family Code.
(3) "Household" has the meaning assigned by Section 71.005, Family Code.
(g) For purposes of Subsection (d), the amount of pecuniary loss is the amount of economic loss
suffered by the owner of the building, room, place, or conveyance as a result of the prevention or
interruption of the occupation or use of the building, room, place, or conveyance.

Sec. 22.08. Aiding Suicide.

(a) A person commits an offense if, with intent to promote or assist the commission of suicide by
another, he aids or attempts to aid the other to commit or attempt to commit suicide.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor unless the actors conduct causes
suicide or attempted suicide that results in serious bodily injury, in which event the offense is a
state jail felony.

Sec. 22.09. Tampering with Consumer Product.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Consumer Product" means any product offered for sale to or for consumption by the
public and includes "food" and "drugs" as those terms are defined in Section 431.002,
Health and Safety Code.
(2) "Tamper" means to alter or add a foreign substance to a consumer product to make it
probable that the consumer product will cause serious bodily injury.
(b) A person commits an offense if he knowingly or intentionally tampers with a consumer
product knowing that the consumer product will be offered for sale to the public or as a gift to
another.
(c) A person commits an offense if he knowingly or intentionally threatens to tamper with a
consumer product with the intent to cause fear, to affect the sale of the consumer product, or to
cause bodily injury to any person.
(d) An offense under Subsection (b) is a felony of the second degree unless a person suffers
serious bodily injury, in which event it is a felony of the first degree. An offense under
Subsection (c) is a felony of the third degree.

Sec. 22.10. Leaving a Child in a Vehicle.

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly leaves a child in a motor

vehicle for longer than five minutes, knowing that the child is:
(1) younger than seven years of age; and
(2) not attended by an individual in the vehicle who is 14 years of age or older.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

Sec. 22.11. Harassment by Persons in Certain Correctional Facilities; Harassment of Public

Servant.

(a) A person commits an offense if, with the intent to assault, harass, or alarm, the person:
(1) while imprisoned or confined in a correctional or detention facility, causes another
person to contact the blood, seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, saliva, urine, or feces of the
actor, any other person, or an animal; or
(2) causes another person the actor knows to be a public servant to contact the blood,
seminal fluid; vaginal fluid, saliva, urine, or feces of the actor, any other person, or an
animal while the public servant is lawfully discharging an official duty or in retaliation or
on account of an exercise of the public servant's official power or performance of an
official duty.
(b) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.
(c) If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under another
section of this code, the actor may be prosecuted under either section.
(d) In this section, "correctional or detention facility" means:
(1) a secure correctional facility; or
(2) a "secure correctional facility" or a "secure detention facility" as defined by Section
51.02, Family Code, operated by or under contract with a juvenile board or the Texas
Youth Commission or any other facility operated by or under contract with that
commission.
(e) For purposes of Subsection (a)(2), the actor is presumed to have known the person was a
public servant if the person was wearing a distinctive uniform or badge indicating the person's
employment as a public servant.

Sec. 22.12. Applicability to Certain Conduct.

This chapter does not apply to conduct charged as having been committed against an individual
who is an unborn child if the conduct is:
(1) committed by the mother of the unborn child;
(2) a lawful medical procedure performed by a physician or other health care provider
with the requisite consent;
(3) a lawful medical procedure performed by a physician or other licensed health care
provider with the requisite consent as part of an assisted reproduction as defined by
Section 160.102, Family Code; or
(4) the dispensation of a drug in accordance with law or administration of a drug
prescribed in accordance with law.

TITLE 6
OFFENSES AGAINST THE FAMILY

CHAPTER 25
OFFENSES AGAINST THE FAMILY

Section
25.01. Bigamy.
25.02. Prohibited Sexual Conduct.
25.03. Interference with Child Custody.
25.031. Agreement to Abduct from Custody.
25.04. Enticing a Child.
25.05. Criminal Nonsupport.
25.06. Harboring Runaway Child.
25.07. (2 Versions) Violation of Protective Order or Magistrate's Order.
25.07. (2 Versions) Violation of Certain Court Orders or Conditions of Bond in a
Family Violence Case.
25.071. Violation of Protective Order Preventing Offense Caused by Bias or
Prejudice.
25.08. Sale or Purchase of Child.
25.09. Advertising for Placement of Child.
25.10. Interference with Rights of Guardian of the Person.

Sec. 25.01. Bigamy.

(a) An individual commits an offense if:

(1) he is legally married and he:
(A) purports to marry or does marry a person other than his spouse in this state, or
any other state or foreign country, under circumstances that would, but for the
actors prior marriage, constitute a marriage; or
(B) lives with a person other than his spouse in this state under the appearance of
being married; or
(2) he knows that a married person other than his spouse is married and he:
(A) purports to marry or does marry that person in this state, or any other state or
foreign country, under circumstances that would, but for the person's prior
marriage, constitute a marriage; or
(B) lives with that person in this state under the appearance of being married.
(b) For purposes of this section, "under the appearance of being married" means holding out that
the parties are married with cohabitation and an intent to be married by either party.
(c) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(1) that the actor reasonably believed at the
time of the commission of the offense that the actor and the person whom the actor married or
purported to marry or with whom the actor lived under the appearance of being married were
legally eligible to be married because the actors prior marriage was void or had been dissolved
by death, divorce, or annulment. For purposes of this subsection, an actors belief is reasonable
if the belief is substantiated by a certified copy of a death certificate or other signed document
issued by a court.
(d) For the purposes of this section, the lawful wife or husband of the actor may testify both for
or against the actor concerning proof of the original marriage.
(e) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree, except that if at the time of the
commission of the offense, the person whom the actor marries or purports to marry or with
whom the actor lives under the appearance of being married is:
(1) 16 years of age or older, the offense is a felony of the second degree; or
(2) younger than 16 years of age, the offense is a felony of the first degree.

Sec. 25.02. Prohibited Sexual Conduct.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person engages in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual
intercourse with another person the actor knows to be, without regard to legitimacy:
(1) the actors ancestor or descendant by blood or adoption;
(2) the actors current or former stepchild or stepparent;
(3) the actors parent's brother or sister of the whole or half blood;
(4) the actors brother or sister of the whole or half blood or by adoption;
 (5) the children of the actors brother or sister of the whole or half blood or by adoption;
or
(6) the son or daughter of the actors aunt or uncle of the whole or half blood or by
adoption.
(b) For purposes of this section:
(1) "Deviate sexual intercourse" means any contact between the genitals of one person
and the mouth or anus of another person with intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire
of any person.
(2) "Sexual intercourse" means any penetration of the female sex organ by the male sex
organ.
(c) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree, unless the offense is committed
under Subsection (a)(6), in which event the offense is a felony of the second degree.

Sec. 25.03. Interference with Child Custody.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person takes or retains a child younger than 18 years
when the person:
(1) knows that the person's taking or retention violates the express terms of a judgment
or order, including a temporary order, of a court disposing of the child's custody; or
(2) has not been awarded custody of the child by a court of competent jurisdiction, knows
that a suit for divorce or a civil suit or application for habeas corpus to dispose of the
child's custody has been filed, and takes the child out of the geographic area of the
counties composing the judicial district if the court is a district court or the county if the
court is a statutory county court, without the permission of the court and with the intent to
deprive the court of authority over the child.
(b) A noncustodial parent commits an offense if with the intent to interfere with the lawful
custody of a child younger than 18 years, the noncustodial parent knowingly entices or persuades
the child to leave the custody of the custodial parent, guardian, or person standing in the stead of
the custodial parent or guardian of the child.
(c) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(2) that the actor returned the child to the
geographic area of the counties composing the judicial district if the court is a district court or
the county if the court is a statutory county court, within three days after the date of the
commission of the offense.
(d) An offense under this section is a state jail felony.

Sec. 25.031. Agreement to Abduct from Custody.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person agrees, for remuneration or the promise of
remuneration, to abduct a child younger than 18 years of age by force, threat of force,
misrepresentation, stealth, or unlawful entry, knowing that the child is under the care and control
of a person having custody or physical possession of the child under a court order, including a
temporary order, or under the care and control of another person who is exercising care and
control with the consent of a person having custody or physical possession under a court order,
including a temporary order.
(b) An offense under this section is a state jail felony.

Sec. 25.04. Enticing a Child.

(a) A person commits an offense if with the intent to interfere with the lawful custody of a child
younger than 18 years, he knowingly entices, persuades, or takes the child from the custody of
the parent or guardian or person standing in the stead of the parent or guardian of such child.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor, unless it is shown on the trial of the
offense that the actor intended to commit a felony against the child, in which event an offense
under this section is a felony of the third degree.

Sec. 25.05. Criminal Nonsupport.

(a) An individual commits an offense if the individual intentionally or knowingly fails to provide
support for the individual's child younger than 18 years of age, or for the individual's child who
is the subject of a court order requiring the individual to support the child.
(b) For purposes of this section, "child" includes a child born out of wedlock whose paternity has
either been acknowledged by the actor or has been established in a civil suit under the Family
Code or the law of another state.
(c) Under this section, a conviction may be had on the uncorroborated testimony of a party to the
offense.
(d) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the actor could not provide
support for the actors child.
(e) The pendency of a prosecution under this section does not affect the power of a court to enter
an order for child support under the Family Code.
(f) An offense under this section is a state jail felony.

Sec. 25.06. Harboring Runaway Child.

(a) A person commits an offense if he knowingly harbors a child and he is criminally negligent
about whether the child:
(1) is younger than 18 years; and
(2) has escaped from the custody of a peace officer, a probation officer, the Texas Youth
Council, or a detention facility for children, or is voluntarily absent from the child's home
without the consent of the child's parent or guardian for a substantial length of time or
without the intent to return.
(b) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the actor was related to the child within
the second degree by consanguinity or affinity, as determined under Chapter 573, Government
Code.
(c) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the actor notified:
(1) the person or agency from which the child escaped or a law enforcement agency of
the presence of the child within 24 hours after discovering that the child had escaped
from custody; or
(2) a law enforcement agency or a person at the child's home of the presence of the child
within 24 hours after discovering that the child was voluntarily absent from home without
the consent of the child's parent or guardian.
(d) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(e) On the receipt of a report from a peace officer, probation officer, the Texas Youth Council, a
foster home, or a detention facility for children that a child has escaped its custody or upon
receipt of a report from a parent, guardian, conservator, or legal custodian that a child is missing,
a law enforcement agency shall immediately enter a record of the child into the National Crime
Information Center.

Sec. 25.07. (2 Versions) Violation of Protective Order or Magistrate's Order.

(a) A person commits an offense if in violation of an order issued under Section 6.504 or Chapter
85, Family Code, under Article 17.292, Code of Criminal Procedure, or by another jurisdiction
as provided by Chapter 88, Family Code, the person knowingly or intentionally:
 (1) commits family violence or an act in furtherance of an offense under Section 22.011,
22.021, or 42.072;
(2) communicates:
(A) directly with a protected individual or a member of the family or household in
a threatening or harassing manner;
(B) a threat through any person to a protected individual or a member of the
family or household; or
(C) in any manner with the protected individual or a member of the family or
household except through the person's attorney or a person appointed by the court,
if the order prohibits any communication with a protected individual or a member
of the family or household;
(3) goes to or near any of the following places as specifically described in the order:
(A) the residence or place of employment or business of a protected individual or
a member of the family or household; or
(B) any child care facility, residence, or. school where a child protected by the
order normally resides or attends; or
(4) possesses a firearm.
(b) For the purposes of this section:
(1) "Family violence," "family," "household," and "member of a household" have the
meanings assigned by Chapter 71, Family Code.
(2) "Firearm" has the meaning assigned by Chapter 46.
(c) If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under
another section of this code, the actor may be prosecuted under either section or under both
sections.
(d) Reconciliatory actions or agreements made by persons affected by an order do not affect the
validity of the order or the duty of a peace officer to enforce this section.
(e) A peace officer investigating conduct that may constitute an offense under this section for a
violation of an order may not arrest a person protected by that order for a violation of that order.
(f) It is not a defense to prosecution under this section that certain information has been
excluded, as provided by Section 85.007, Family Code, or Article 17.292, Code of Criminal
Procedure, from an order to which this section applies.
(g) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor unless it is shown on. the trial of the
offense that the defendant has previously been convicted under this section two or more times or
has violated the protective order by committing an assault or the offense of stalking, in which
event the offense is a third degree felony.

Sec: 25.07. (2 Versions) Violation of Certain Court Orders or Conditions of Bond in a

Family Violence Case.

(a) A person commits an offense if in violation of a condition of bond set in a family violence
case and related to the safety of the victim or the safety of the community, an order issued under
Article: 17.292, Code of Criminal Procedure, an order issued under Section 6.504, Family Code,
Chapter 83, Family Code, if the temporary ex parte order has been served on the person, or
Chapter 85, Family Code, or an order issued by another jurisdiction as provided by Chapter 88,
Family Code, the person knowingly or intentionally:
(1) commits family violence or an act in furtherance of an offense under Section 22.011,
22.021, or 42.072.
(2) communicates:
(A) directly with a protected individual or a member of the family or household in
a threatening or harassing manner;
(B) a threat through any person to a protected individual or a member of the
 family or household; or
(C) in any manner with the protected individual or a member of the family or
household except through the person's attorney or a person appointed by the court,
if the violation is of an order described by this subsection and the order prohibits
any communication with a protected individual or a member of the family or
household;
(3) goes to or near any of the following places as specifically described in the order or
condition of bond:
(A) the residence or place of employment or business of a protected individual or
a member of the family or household; or
(B) any child care facility, residence, or school where a child protected by the
order or condition of bond normally resides or attends; or
(4) possesses a firearm.
(b) For the purposes of this section:
(1) "Family violence," "family," "household," and "member of a household" have the
meanings assigned by. Chapter 71, Family Code.
(2) "Firearm" has the meaning assigned by Chapter 46.
(c) If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under another
section of this code, the actor may be prosecuted under either section or under both sections.
(d) Reconciliatory actions or agreements made by persons affected by an order do not affect the
validity of the order or the duty of a peace officer to enforce this section.
(e) A peace officer investigating conduct that may constitute an offense under this section for a
violation of an order may not arrest a person protected by that order for a violation of that
order.
(f) It is not a defense to prosecution under this section that certain information has been
excluded, as provided by Section 85.007, Family Code, or Article 17.292, Code of Criminal
Procedures, from an order to which this section applies.
(g) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor unless it is shown on the trial of the
offense that the defendant has previously been convicted under this section two or more times or
has violated the order or condition of bond by committing an assault or the offense of stalking, in
which event the offense is a third degree felony.

Sec. 25.071. Violation of Protective Order Preventing Offense Caused by Bias or Prejudice.

(a) A person commits an offense if, in violation of an order issued under Article 6.08, Code of
Criminal Procedure, the person knowingly or intentionally:
(1) commits an offense under Title 5 or Section 28.02, 28 03, or 28.08 and commits the
offense because of bias or prejudice as described by Article 42.014, Code of Criminal Procedure;
(2) communicates:
(A) directly with a protected individual in a threatening or harassing manner;
(B) a threat through any person to a protected individual; or
(C) in. any manner with the protected individual, if the order prohibits any
communication with a protected individual; or
(3) goes to or near the residence or place of employment or business of a protected
individual.
(b) If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under another
section of this code, the actor may be prosecuted under either section or under both sections
(c) A peace officer investigating conduct that may constitute an offense under this section for a
violation of an order may not arrest a person protected by that order for a violation of that order.
(d) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor unless it is shown on the trial of the
offense that the defendant has previously been convicted under this section two or more times or
has violated the protective order by committing an assault, in which event the offense is a third
degree felony.

Sec. 25.08. Sale or Purchase of Child.

(a) A person commits an offense if he:

(1) possesses a child younger than 18 years of age or has the custody, conservatorship, or
guardianship of a child younger than 18 years of age, whether or not he has actual
possession of the child, and he offers to accept, agrees to accept, or accepts a thing of
value for the delivery of the child to another or for the possession of the child by another
for purposes of adoption; or
(2) offers to give, agrees to give, or gives a thing of value to another for acquiring or
maintaining the possession of a child for the purpose of adoption.
(b) It is an exception to the application of this section that the thing of value is:
(1) a fee or reimbursement paid to a child-placing agency as authorized by law;
(2) a fee paid to an attorney, social worker, mental health professional, or physician for
services rendered in the usual course of legal or medical practice or in providing adoption
counseling;
(3) a reimbursement of legal or medical expenses incurred by a person for the benefit of
the child; or
(4) a necessary pregnancy-related expense paid by a child placing agency for the benefit
of the child's parent during the pregnancy or after the birth of the child as permitted by
the minimum standards for child-placing agencies and Department of Protective and
Regulatory Services rules.
(c) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree, except that the offense is a
felony of the second degree if the actor commits the offense with intent to commit an offense
under Section 43.25.

Sec. 25.09. Advertising for Placement of Child.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person advertises in the public media that the person will
place a child for adoption or will provide or obtain a child for adoption.
(b) This section does not apply to a licensed child-placing agency that is identified in the
advertisement as a licensed child-placing agency.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor unless the person has been convicted
previously under this section, in which event the offense is a felony of the third degree
(d) In this section:
(1) "Child" has the meaning assigned by Section 101.003, Family Code,
(2) "Public media" has the meaning assigned by Section 38.01. The term also includes
communications through the use of the Internet or another public computer network.

Sec. 25.10. Interference with Rights of Guardian of the Person.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Possessory right" means the right of a guardian of the person to have physical
possession of a ward and to establish the ward's legal domicile, as provided by Section
767(1), Texas Probate Code.
(2) "Ward" has the meaning assigned by Section 601, Texas Probate Code:
(b) A person commits an offense if the person takes, retains, or conceals a ward when the person
knows that the person's taking, retention, or concealment interferes with a possessory right with
respect to the ward.
(c) An offense under this section is a state jail felony.
(d) This section does not apply to a governmental entity where the taking, retention, or
concealment of the ward was authorized by Subtitle E, Title 5, Family Code, or Chapter 48,
Human Resources Code.

TITLE 7
OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY

CHAPTER 28
ARSON, CRIMINAL MISCHIEF, AND OTHER PROPERTY DAMAGE OR
DESTRUCTION

Section
28.01. Definitions.
28.02. Arson.
28.03. Criminal Mischief.
28.04. Reckless Damage or Destruction.
28.05. Actors Interest in Property.
28.06 Amount of Pecuniary Loss.
28.07. Interference with Railroad Property.
28.08. Graffiti.

Sec. 28.01. Definitions.

In this chapter:
(1) "Habitation" means a structure or vehicle that is adapted for the overnight
accommodation of persons and includes:
(A) each separately secured or occupied portion of the structure or vehicle; and
(B) each structure appurtenant to or connected with the structure or vehicle.
(2) "Building" means any structure or enclosure intended for use or occupation as a
habitation or for some purpose of trade, manufacture, ornament, or use.
(3) "Property" means:
(A) real. property;
(B) tangible or intangible personal property, including anything severed from
land; or
(C) a document, including money, that represents or embodies anything of value.
(4) "Vehicle" includes any device in, on, or by which any person or property is or may be
propelled, moved, or drawn in the normal course of commerce or transportation.
(5) "Open-space land" means real property that is undeveloped for the purpose of human
habitation.
(6) "Controlled burning" means the burning of unwanted vegetation with the consent of
the owner of the property on which the vegetation is located and in such a manner that
the fire is controlled and limited to a designated area.

Sec. 28.02. Arson.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person starts a fire, regardless of whether the fire
continues after ignition, or causes an explosion with intent to destroy or damage:
(1) any vegetation, fence, or structure on open-space land; or
(2) any building, habitation, or vehicle:
(A) knowing that it is within the limits of an incorporated city or town;
 (B) knowing that it is insured against damage or destruction;
(C) knowing that it is subject to a mortgage or other security interest;
(D) knowing that it is located on property belonging to another;
(E) knowing that it has located within it property belonging to another; or
(F) when the person is reckless about whether the burning or explosion will
endanger the life of some individual or the safety of the property of another.
(a-1) A person commits an offense if the person recklessly starts a fire or causes an explosion
while manufacturing or attempting to manufacture a controlled substance and the fire or
explosion damages any building, habitation, or vehicle.
(b) It is an exception to the application of Subsection (a)(1) that the fire or explosion was a part
of the controlled burning of open-space land.
(c) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(2)(A) that prior to starting the fire or
causing the explosion, the actor obtained a permit or other written authorization granted in
accordance with a city ordinance, if any, regulating fires and explosions.
(d) An offense under Subsection (a) is a felony of the second degree, except that the offense is a
felony of the first degree if it is shown on the trial of the offense that:
(1) bodily injury or death was suffered by any person by reason of the commission of the
offense; or
(2) the property intended to be damaged or destroyed by the actor was a habitation or a
place of assembly or worship.
(e) An offense under Subsection (a-1) is a state jail felony, except that the offense is a felony of
the third degree if it is shown on the trial of the offense that bodily injury or death was suffered
by any person by reason of the commission of the offense.
(f) It is a felony of the third degree if a person commits an offense under Subsection (a)(2) of this
section and the person intentionally starts a fire in or on a building, habitation, or vehicle, with
intent to damage or destroy property belonging to another, or with intent to injure any person,
and in so doing, recklessly causes damage to the building, habitation, or vehicle.
(g) If conduct that constitutes an offense under Subsection (a-1) or that constitutes an offense
under Subsection (f) also constitutes an offense under another subsection of this section or
another section of this code, the actor may be prosecuted under Subsection (a-1) or Subsection
(f), under the other subsection of this section, or under the other section of this code.

Sec. 28.03. Criminal Mischief.

(a) A person commits an offense if, without the effective consent of the owner:
(1) he intentionally or knowingly damages or destroys the tangible property of the owner;
(2) he intentionally or knowingly tampers with the tangible property of the owner and
causes pecuniary loss or substantial inconvenience to the owner or a third person; or
(3) he intentionally or knowingly makes markings, including inscriptions, slogans,
drawings, or paintings, on the tangible property of the owner.
(b) Except as provided by Subsections (f) and (h), an offense under this section is:
(1) a Class C misdemeanor if:
(A) the amount of pecuniary loss is less than $50; or
(B) except as provided in Subdivision (3)(A) or (3)(B), it causes substantial
inconvenience to others;
(2) a Class B misdemeanor if the amount of pecuniary loss is $50 or more but less than
$500;
(3) a Class A misdemeanor if:
(A) the amount of pecuniary loss is:
(i) $500 or more but less than $1,500; or
(ii) less than $1,500 and the actor causes in whole or in part impairment or
 interruption of public communications, public transportation, public gas or
power supply, or other public service, or causes to be diverted in whole, in
part, or in any manner, including installation or removal of any device for
any such purpose, any public communications or public gas or power
supply; or
(B) the actor causes in whole or in part impairment or interruption of any public
water supply, or causes to be diverted in whole, in part, or in any manner,
including installation or removal of any device for any such purpose, any public
water supply, regardless of the amount of the pecuniary loss;
(4) a state jail felony if the amount of pecuniary loss is:
(A) $1,500 or more but less than $20,000;
(B) less than $1,500, if the property damaged or destroyed is a habitation and if
the damage or destruction is caused by a firearm or explosive weapon; or
(C) less than $1,500, if the property was a fence used for the production or
containment of:
(i) cattle, bison, horses, sheep, swine, goats, exotic livestock, or exotic
poultry; or
(ii) game animals as that term is defined by Section 63.001, Parks and
Wildlife Code;
(5) a felony of the third degree if the amount of the pecuniary loss is $20,000 or more but
less than $100,000;
(6) a felony of the second degree if the amount of pecuniary loss is $100,000 or more but
less than $200,000; or
(7) a felony of the first degree if the amount of pecuniary loss is $200,000 or more.
(c) For the purposes of this section, it shall be presumed that a person who is receiving the
economic benefit of public communications, public water, gas, or power supply, has knowingly
tampered with the tangible property of the owner if the communication or supply has been:
(1) diverted from passing through a metering device; or
(2) prevented from being correctly registered by a metering device; or
(3) activated by any device installed to obtain public communications, public water, gas,
or power supply without a metering device.
(d) The terms "public communication, public transportation, public gas or power supply, or other
public service" and "public water supply" shall mean, refer to and include any such services
subject to regulation by the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the Railroad Commission of
Texas, or the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission or any such services
enfranchised by the State of Texas or any political subdivision thereof.
(e) When more than one item of tangible property, belonging to one or more owners, is damaged,
destroyed, or tampered with in violation of this section pursuant to one scheme or continuing
course of conduct, the conduct may be considered as one offense, and the amounts of pecuniary
loss to property resulting from the damage to, destruction of, or tampering with the property may
be aggregated in determining the grade of the offense.
(f) An offense under this section is a state jail felony if the damage or destruction is inflicted on a
place of worship or human burial, a public monument, or a community center that provides
medical, social, or educational programs and the amount of the pecuniary loss to real property or
to tangible personal property is less than $20,000.
(g) In this section:
(1) "Explosive weapon" means any explosive or incendiary device that is designed, made,
or adapted for the purpose of inflicting serious bodily injury, death, or substantial
property damage, or for the principal purpose of causing such a loud report as to cause
undue public alarm or terror, and includes:
(A) an explosive or incendiary bomb, grenade rocket, and mine.
 (B) a device designed, made, or adapted for delivering or shooting an explosive
weapon; and
(C) a device designed, made, or adapted to start a fire in a time-delayed manner.
(2) "Firearm" has the meaning assigned by Section 46.01.
(3) "Institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003,
Education Code:
(4) "Aluminum wiring" means insulated or noninsulated wire or cable that consists of at
least 50 percent aluminum, including any tubing or conduit attached to the wire or cable.
(5) "Bronze wiring" means insulated or noninsulated wire or cable that consists of at least
50 percent bronze, including any tubing or conduit attached to the wire or cable.
(6) "Copper wiring" means insulated or noninsulated wire or cable that consists of at least
50 percent copper, including any tubing or conduit attached to the wire or cable.
(7) "Transportation communications equipment" means:
(A) an official traffic-control device, railroad sign or signal, or traffic-control
signal, as those terms are defined by Section 541.304, Transportation Code; or
(B) a sign, signal, or device erected by a railroad, public body, or public officer to
direct the movement of a railroad train, as defined by Section 541.202,
Transportation Code.
(8) "Transportation communications device" means any item attached to transportation
communications equipment, including aluminum wiring, bronze wiring, and copper
wiring.
(h) An offense under this section is a state jail felony if the amount of the pecuniary loss to real
property or to tangible personal property is $1,500 or more but less than $20,000 and the damage
or destruction is inflicted on a public or private elementary school, secondary school, or
institution of higher education.
(i) Norwithstanding Subsection (b), an offense under this section is a felony of the first degree if
the property is livestock and the damage is caused by introducing bovine spongiform
encephalopathy, commonly known as mad cow disease, or a disease described by Section
161.041(a), Agriculture Code in this subsection, “livestock" has the meaning assigned by Section
161.001, Agriculture Code.
(j) Norwithstanding Subsection (b), an offense under this section is a felony of the third degree
if:
(1) the tangible property damaged, destroyed, or tampered with is transportation
communications equipment or a transportation communications device; and
(2) the amount of the pecuniary loss to the tangible property is less than $100,000.

Sec. 28.04. Reckless Damage or Destruction.

(a) A person commits an offense if without the effective consent of the owner, he recklessly
damages or destroys property of the owner.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

Sec. 28.05. Actors Interest in Property.

It is no defense to prosecution under this chapter that the actor has an interest in the property
damaged or destroyed if another person also has an interest that the actor is not entitled to
infringe.

Sec. 28.06. Amount of Pecuniary Loss.

(a) The amount of pecuniary loss under this chapter, if the property is destroyed, is:
 (1) the fair market value of the property at the time and place of the destruction; or
(2) if the fair market value of the property cannot be ascertained, the cost of replacing the
property within a reasonable time after the destruction.
(b) The amount of pecuniary loss under this chapter, if the property is damaged, is the cost of
repairing or restoring the damaged property within a reasonable time after the damage occurred.
(c) The amount of pecuniary loss under this chapter for documents, other than those having a
readily ascertainable market value, is:
(1) the amount due and collectible at maturity less any part that has been satisfied, if the
document constitutes evidence of a debt; or
(2) the greatest amount of economic loss that the owner might reasonably suffer by virtue
of the destruction or damage if the document is other than evidence of a debt.
(d) If the amount of pecuniary loss cannot be ascertained by the criteria set forth in Subsections
(a) through (c), the amount of loss is deemed to be greater than $500 but less than $1,500.
(e) If the actor proves by a preponderance of the evidence that he gave consideration for or had a
legal interest in the property involved, the value of the interest so proven shall be deducted from:
(1) the amount of pecuniary loss if the property is destroyed; or
(2) the amount of pecuniary loss to the extent of an amount equal to the ratio the value of
the interest bears to the total value of the property, if the property is damaged.

Sec. 28.07. Interference with Railroad Property.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Railroad property" means:
(A) a train, locomotive, railroad car, caboose, work equipment, rolling stock,
safety device, switch, or connection that is owned, leased, operated, or possessed
by a railroad;
(B) a railroad track, rail, bridge, trestle, or right-of-way owned or used by a
railroad.
(2) "Tamper" means to move, alter, or interfere with railroad property.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person:
(1) throws an object or discharges a firearm or weapon at a train or rail-mounted work
equipment; or
(2) without the effective consent of the owner:
(A) enters or remains on railroad property, knowing that it is railroad property;
(B) tampers with railroad property;
(C) places an obstruction on a railroad track or right-of-way; or
(D) causes in any manner the derailment of a train, railroad car, or other railroad
property that moves on tracks.
(c) An offense under Subsection (b)(1) is a Class B misdemeanor unless the person causes bodily
injury to another, in which event the offense is a felony of the third degree.
(d) An offense under Subsection (b)(2)(A) is a Class C misdemeanor.
(e) An offense under Subsection (b)(2)(B), (b)(2)(C), or (b)(2)(D) is a Class C misdemeanor
unless the person causes pecuniary loss, in which event the offense is:
(1) a Class B misdemeanor if the amount of pecuniary loss is $20 or more but less than
$500;
(2) a Class A misdemeanor if the amount of pecuniary loss is $500 or more but less than
$1,500;
(3) a state jail felony if the amount of pecuniary loss is $1,500 or more but less than
$20,000;
(4) a felony of the third degree if the amount of the pecuniary loss is $20,000 or more but
less than $100,000;
 (5) a felony of the second degree if the amount of pecuniary loss is $100,000 or more but
less than $200,000; or
(6) a felony of the first degree if the amount of the pecuniary loss is $200,000 or more.
(f) The conduct described in Subsection (b)(2)(A) is not an offense under this section if it is
undertaken by an employee of the railroad or by a representative of a labor organization which
represents or is seeking to represent the employees of the railroad as long as the employee or
representative has a right to engage in such conduct under the Railway Labor Act (45 U S.C.
Section 151 et seq.)

Sec. 28.08. Graffiti.

(a) A person commits an offense if, without the effective consent of the owner, the person
intentionally or knowingly makes markings, including inscriptions, slogans, drawings, or
paintings, on the tangible property of the owner with:
(1) aerosol paint;
(2) an indelible marker; or
(3) an etching or engraving device
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (d), an offense under this section is:
(1) a Class B misdemeanor if the amount of pecuniary loss is less than $500;
(2) a Class A misdemeanor if the amount of pecuniary loss is $500 or more but less than
$1,500;
(3) a state jail felony if the amount of pecuniary loss is $1,500 or more but less than
$20,000;
(4) a felony of the third degree if the amount of pecuniary loss is $20,000 or more but
less than $100,000;
(5) a felony of the second degree if the amount of pecuniary loss is $100,000 or more but
less than $200,000; or
(6) a felony of the first degree if the amount of pecuniary loss is $200,000 or more.
(c) When more than one item of tangible property, belonging to one or more owners, is marked
in violation of this section pursuant to one scheme or continuing course of conduct, the conduct
may be considered as one offense, and the amounts of pecuniary loss to property resulting from
the marking of the property may be aggregated in determining the grade of the offense.
(d) An offense under this section is a state jail felony if;
(1) the marking is made on a school, an institution of higher education, a place of worship
or human burial, a public monument, or a community center that provides medical,
social, or educational programs; and
(2) the amount of the pecuniary loss to real property or to tangible personal property is
less than $20,000.
(e) In this section:
(1) "Aerosol paint" means an aerosolized paint product.
(2) "Etching or engraving device" means a device that makes a delineation or impression
on tangible property, regardless of the manufacturer's intended use for that device.
(3) "Indelible marker" means a device that makes a mark with a paint or ink product that
is specifically formulated to be more difficult to erase, wash out, or remove than ordinary
paint or ink products.
(4) "Institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 481.134, Health
and Safety Code.
(5) "School" means a private or public elementary or secondary school.

CHAPTER 29
ROBBERY
Section
29.01. Definitions.
29.02. Robbery.
29.03. Aggravated Robbery.

Sec. 29.01. Definitions.

In this chapter:

(1) "In the course of committing theft" means conduct that occurs in an attempt to
commit, during the commission, or in immediate flight after the attempt or commission
of theft
(2) "Property" means:
(A) tangible or intangible personal property including anything severed from land;
or
(B) a document, including money, that represents or embodies anything of value.

Sec. 29.02. Robbery.

(a) A person commits an offense if in the course of committing theft as defined in Chapter 31
and with intent to obtain or maintain control of the property, he:
(1) intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; or
(2) intentionally or knowingly threatens or places another in fear of imminent bodily
injury or death.
(b) An offense under this section is a felony of the second degree.

Sec. 29.03. Aggravated Robbery.

(a) A person commits an offense if he commits robbery as defined in Section 29.02, and he:
(1) causes serious bodily injury to another;
(2) uses or exhibits a deadly weapon; or
(3) causes bodily injury to another person or threatens or places another person in fear of
imminent bodily injury or death, if the other person is:
(A) 65 years of age or older; or
(B) a disabled person.
(b) An offense under this section is a felony of the first degree.
(c) In this section, "disabled person" means an individual with a mental, physical, or
developmental disability who is substantially unable to protect himself from harm.

CHAPTER 30
BURGLARY AND CRIMINAL TRESPASS

Section
30.01. Definitions.
30.02. Burglary.
30.03. Burglary of Coin-Operated or Coin Collection Machines.
30.04. Burglary of Vehicles.
30.05. Criminal Trespass.
30.06. Trespass by Holder of License to Carry Concealed Handgun.

Sec. 30.01. Definitions.

In this chapter:
(1) "Habitation" means a structure or vehicle that is adapted for the overnight
accommodation of persons, and includes:
(A) each separately secured or occupied portion of the structure or vehicle; and
(B) each structure appurtenant to or connected with the structure or vehicle.
(2) "Building" means any enclosed structure intended for use or occupation as a
habitation or for some purpose of trade, manufacture, ornament, or use.
(3) "Vehicle" includes any device in, on, or by which any person or property is or may be
propelled, moved, or drawn in the normal course of commerce or transportation, except
such devices as are classified as "habitation".

Sec. 30.02. Burglary.

(a) A person commits an offense if, without the effective consent of the owner, the person:
(1) enters a habitation, or a building (or any portion of a building) not then open to the
public, with intent to commit a felony, theft, or an assault; or
(2) remains concealed, with intent to commit a felony, theft, or an assault, in a building or
habitation; or
(3) enters a building or habitation and commits or attempts to commit a felony, theft, or
an assault.
(b) For purposes of this section, "enter" means to intrude:
(1) any part of the body; or
(2) any physical object connected with the body.
(c) Except as provided in Subsection (d), an offense under this section is a:
(1) state jail felony if committed in a building other than a habitation; or
(2) felony of the second degree if committed in a habitation.
(d) An offense under this section is a felony of the first degree if:
(1) the premises are a habitation; and
(2) any party to the offense entered the habitation with intent to commit a felony other
than felony theft or committed or attempted to commit a felony other than felony theft.

Sec. 30.03. Burglary of Coin-Operated or Coin Collection Machines.

(a) A person commits an offense if, without the effective consent of the owner; he breaks or
enters into any coin-operated machine, coin collection machine, or other coin-operated or coin
collection receptacle, contrivance, apparatus, or equipment used for the purpose of providing
lawful amusement, sales of goods, services, or other valuable things, or telecommunications with
intent to obtain property or services.
(b) For purposes of this section, "entry" includes every kind of entry except one made with the
effective consent of the owner.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A Misdemeanor.

Sec. 30.04. Burglary of Vehicles.

(a) A person commits an offense if without the effective consent of the owner, he breaks into or
enters a vehicle or any part of a vehicle with intent to commit any felony or theft.
(b) For purposes of this section, "enter" means to intrude:
(1) any part of the body; or
(2) any physical object connected with the body.
(c) For purposes of this section, a container or trailer carried on a rail car is a part of the rail car.
(d) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor; except that:
(1) the offense is a Class A misdemeanor with a minimum term of confinement of six
months if it is shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant has been previously
convicted of an offense under this section; and
(2) the offense is a state jail felony if:
(A) it is shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant has been previously
convicted two or more times of an offense under this section; or
(B) the vehicle or part of the vehicle broken into or entered is a rail car.
(d-1) For the purposes of Subsection (d), a defendant has been previously convicted under this
section if the defendant was adjudged guilty of the offense or entered a plea of guilty or nolo
contendere in return for a grant of deferred adjudication, regardless of whether the sentence for
the offense was ever imposed or whether the sentence was probated and the defendant was
subsequently discharged from community supervision.
(e) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the actor entered a rail car or any part of a
rail car and was at that time an employee or a representative of employees exercising a right
under the Railway Labor Act (45 U S C. Section 151 et seq.).

Sec. 30.05. Criminal Trespass.

(a) A person commits an offense if he enters or remains on or in property, including an aircraft or

other vehicle, of another without effective consent or he enters or remains in a building of
another without effective consent and he:
(1) had notice that the entry was forbidden; or
(2) received notice to depart but failed to do so.
(b) For purposes of this section:
(1) "Entry" means the intrusion of the entire body.
(2) "Notice" means:
(A) oral or written communication by the owner or someone with apparent
authority to act for the owner;
(B) fencing or other enclosure obviously designed to exclude intruders or to
contain livestock;
(C) a sign or signs posted on the property or at the entrance to the building,
reasonably likely to come to the attention of intruders, indicating that entry is
forbidden;
(D) the placement of identifying purple paint marks on trees or posts on the
property, provided that the marks are:
(i) vertical lines of not less than eight inches in length and not less than
one inch in width;
(ii) placed so that the bottom of the mark is not less than three feet from
the ground or more than five feet from the ground; and
(iii) placed at locations that are readily visible to any person approaching
the property and no more than:
(a) 100 feet apart on forest land; or
(b) 1,000 feet apart on land other than forest land; or
(E) the visible presence on the property of a crop grown for human consumption
that is under cultivation, in the process of being harvested, or marketable if
harvested at the time of entry.
(3) "Shelter center" has the meaning assigned by Section 51.002, Human. Resources
Code.
(4) "Forest land" means land on which the trees are potentially valuable for timber
products.
 (5) "Agricultural land" has the meaning assigned by Section 75.001, Civil Practice and
Remedies Code.
(6) "Superfund site" means a facility that:
(A) is on the National Priorities List established under Section 105 of the federal
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of
1980 (42 U.S.C. Section 9605); or
(B) is listed on the state registry established under Section 361.181, Health and
Safety Code.
(7) "Critical infrastructure facility" means one of the following, if completely enclosed by
a fence or other physical barrier that is obviously designed to exclude intruders:
(A) a chemical manufacturing facility;
(B) a refinery;
(C) an electrical power generating facility, substation, switching station, electrical
control center, or electrical transmission or distribution facility;
(D) a water intake structure, water treatment facility, wastewater treatment plant,
or pump station;
(E) a natural gas transmission compressor station;
(F) a liquid natural gas terminal or storage facility;
(G) a telecommunications central switching office;
(H) a port, railroad switching yard, trucking terminal, or other freight
transportation facility;
(I) a gas processing plant, including a plant used in the processing, treatment, or
fractionation of natural gas; or
(J) a transmission facility used by a federally licensed radio or television station
(c) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the actor at the time of the offense was a
fire fighter or emergency medical services personnel, as that term is defined by Section 773.003,
Health and Safety Code, acting in the lawful discharge of an official duty under exigent
circumstances.
(d) An offense under Subsection (e) is a Class C misdemeanor unless it is committed in a
habitation or unless the actor carries a deadly weapon on or about the actors person during the
commission of the offense, in which event it is a Class A misdemeanor. An offense under
Subsection (a) is a Class B misdemeanor, except that the offense is a Class A misdemeanor if:
(1) the offense is committed:
(A) in a habitation or a shelter center;
(B) on a Superfund site; or
(C) on or in a critical infrastructure facility; or
(2) the actor carries a deadly weapon on or about his person during the commission of the
offense
(e) A person commits an offense if without express consent or if without authorization provided
by any law, whether in writing or other form, the person:
(1) enters or remains on agricultural land of another;
(2) is on the agricultural land and within 100 feet of the boundary of the land when
apprehended; and
(3) had notice that the entry was forbidden or received notice to depart but failed to do so
(f) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that:
(1) the basis on which entry on the property or land or in the building was forbidden is
that entry with a handgun was forbidden; and
(2) the person was carrying a concealed handgun and a license issued under Subchapter
H, Chapter 411, Government Code, to carry a concealed handgun of the same category
the person was carrying.
(g) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the actor entered a railroad switching
yard or any part of a railroad switching yard and was at that time an employee or a representative
of employees exercising a right under the Railway Labor Act (45 U S C Section 151 et seq. )
(h) At the punishment stage of a trial in which the attorney representing the state seeks the
increase in punishment provided by Subsection (d)(1)(C), the defendant may raise the issue as to
whether the defendant entered or remained on or in a critical infrastructure facility as part of a
peaceful or lawful assembly, including an attempt to exercise rights guaranteed by state or
federal labor laws. If the defendant proves the issue in the affirmative by a preponderance of the
evidence, the increase in punishment provided by Subsection (d)(1)(C) does not apply.
(i) This section does not apply if;
(1) the basis on which entry on the property or land or in the building was forbidden is
that entry with a handgun or other weapon was forbidden; and
(2) the actor at the time of the offense was a peace officer, including a commissioned
peace officer of a recognized state, or a special investigator under Article 2.122, Code of
Criminal Procedure, regardless of whether the peace officer or special investigator was
engaged in the actual discharge of an official duty while carrying the weapon.
(j) For purposes of Subsection (i), "recognized state" means another state with which the attorney
general of this state, with the approval of the governor of this state, negotiated an agreement after
determining that the other state:
(1) has firearm proficiency requirements for peace officers; and
(2) fully recognizes the right of peace officers commissioned in this state to carry
weapons in the other state.

Sec. 30.06. Trespass by Holder of License to Carry Concealed Handgun.

(a) A license holder commits an offense if the license holder;

(1) carries a handgun under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government
Code, on property of another without effective consent; and
(2) received notice that:
(A) entry on the property by a license holder with a concealed handgun was
forbidden; or
(B) remaining on the property with a concealed handgun was forbidden and failed
to depart,
(b) For purposes of this section, a person receives notice if the owner of the property or someone
with apparent authority to act for the owner provides notice to the person by oral or written
communication.
(c) In this section:
(1) "Entry" has the meaning assigned by Section 30.05(b).
(2) "License holder" has the meaning assigned by Section 46.035(f)
(3) "Written communication" means:
(A) a card or other document on which is written language identical to the
following: "Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by holder of license
to carry a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H. Chapter
411, Government Code (concealed handgun law), may not enter this property
with a concealed handgun"; or
(B) a sign posted on the property that:
(i) includes the language described by Paragraph (A) in both English and.
Spanish;
(ii) appears in contrasting colors with block letters at least one inch in
height; and
(iii) is displayed in a conspicuous manner clearly visible to the public
(d) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(e) It is an exception to the application of this section that the property on which the license
holder carries a handgun is owned or leased by a governmental entity and is not a premises or
other place on which the license holder is prohibited from carrying the handgun under Section
46.03 or 46.035.

CHAPTER 31
THEFT

Section
31.01. Definitions.
31.02. Consolidation of Theft Offenses.
31.03. Theft.
31.04. Theft of Service.
31.05. Theft of Trade Secrets.
31.06. Presumption for Theft by Check.
31.07. Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle.
31.08. Value.
31.09. Aggregation of Amounts Involved in Theft.
31.10. Actors Interest in Property.
31.11. Tampering with Identification Numbers Section..
31.12. Theft of or Tampering with Multichannel Video or Information Services
31.13. Manufacture, Distribution, or Advertisement of Multichannel Video or
Information Services Device.
31.14. Sale or Lease of Multichannel Video or Information Services Device.
31.15. Possession, Manufacture, or Distribution of Certain Instruments Used to
Commit Retail Theft.
31.16. Organized Retail Theft.

Sec. 31.01. Definitions.

In this chapter:
(1) "Deception" means:
(A) creating or confirming by words or conduct a false impression of law or fact
that is likely to affect the judgment of another in the transaction, and that the actor
does not believe to be true;
(B) failing to correct a false impression of law or fact that is likely to affect the
judgment of another in the transaction, that the actor previously created or
confirmed by words or conduct, and that the actor does not now believe to be true;
(C) preventing another from acquiring information likely to affect his judgment in
the transaction;
(D) selling or otherwise transferring or encumbering property without disclosing a
lien, security interest, adverse claim, or other legal impediment to the enjoyment
of the property, whether the lien, security interest, claim, or impediment is or is
not valid, or is or is not a matter of official record; or
(E) promising performance that is likely to affect the judgment of another in the
transaction and that the actor does not intend to perform or knows will not be
performed, except that failure to perform the promise in issue without other
evidence of intent or knowledge is not sufficient proof that the actor did not
intend to perform or knew the promise would not be performed.
(2) "Deprive" means:
(A) to withhold property from the owner permanently or for so extended a period
 of time that a major portion of the value or enjoyment of the property is lost to the
owner;
(B) to restore property only upon payment. of reward or other compensation; or
(C) to dispose of property in a manner that makes recovery of the property by the
owner unlikely.
(3) "Effective consent" includes consent by a person legally authorized to act for the
owner consent is not effective if:
(A) induced by deception or coercion;
(B) given by a person the actor knows is not legally authorized to act for the
owner;
(C) given by a person who by reason of youth, mental disease or defect, or
intoxication is known by the actor to be unable to make reasonable property
dispositions;
(D) given solely to detect the commission of an offense; or
(E) given by a person who by reason of advanced age is known by the actor to
have a diminished capacity to make informed and rational decisions about the
reasonable disposition of property.
(4) "Appropriate" means:
(A) to bring about a transfer or purported transfer of title to or other
nonpossessory interest in property, whether to the actor or another; or
(B) to acquire or otherwise exercise control over property other than real property
(5) "Property" means:
(A) real property;
(B) tangible or intangible personal property including anything severed from land;
or
(C) a document, including money, that represents or embodies anything of value.
(6) "Service" includes:
(A) labor and professional service;
(B) telecommunication, public utility, or transportation service;
(C) lodging, restaurant service, and entertainment; and
(D) the supply of a motor vehicle or other property for use.
(7) "Steal" means to acquire property or service by theft.
(8) "Certificate of title" has the meaning assigned by Section 501.002, Transportation
Code.
(9) "Used or secondhand motor vehicle" means a used motor vehicle, as that term is
defined by Section 501 002, Transportation Code.
(10) "Elderly individual" has the meaning assigned by Section 22.04(c).

Sec. 31.02. Consolidation of Theft Offenses.

Theft as defined in Section 31.03 constitutes a single offense superseding the separate offenses
previously known as theft, theft by false pretext, conversion by a bailee, theft from the person,
shoplifting, acquisition of property by threat, swindling, swindling by worthless check,
embezzlement, extortion, receiving or concealing embezzled property, and receiving or
concealing stolen property.

Sec. 31.03. Theft.

(a) A person commits an offense if he unlawfully appropriates property with intent to deprive
the owner of property.
(b) Appropriation of property is unlawful if:
 (1) it is without the owner's effective consent;
(2) the property is stolen and the actor appropriates the property knowing it was stolen by
another; or
(3) property in the custody of any law enforcement agency was explicitly represented by
any law enforcement agent to the actor as being stolen and the actor appropriates the
property believing it was stolen by another.
(c) For purposes of Subsection (b):
(1) evidence that the actor has previously participated in recent transactions other than,
but similar to, that which the prosecution is based is admissible for the purpose of
showing knowledge or intent and the issues of knowledge or intent are raised by the
actors plea of not guilty;
(2) the testimony of an accomplice shall be corroborated by proof that tends to connect
the actor to the crime, but the actors knowledge or intent may be established by the
uncorroborated testimony of the accomplice;
(3) an actor engaged in the business of buying and selling used or secondhand personal
property, or lending money on the security of personal property deposited with the actor,
is presumed to know upon receipt by the actor of stolen property (other than a motor
vehicle subject to Chapter 501, Transportation Code) that the property has been
previously stolen from another if the actor pays for or loans against the property $25 or
more (or consideration of equivalent value) and the actor knowingly or recklessly:
(A) fails to record the name, address, and physical description or identification
number of the seller or pledgor;
(B) fails to record a complete description of the property, including the serial
number, if reasonably available, or other identifying characteristics; or
(C) fails to obtain a signed warranty from the seller or pledgor that the seller or
pledgor has the right to possess the property. It is the express intent of this
provision that the presumption arises unless the actor complies with each of the
numbered requirements;
(4) for the purposes. of Subdivision (3)(A), "identification number" means driver's
license number, military identification number, identification certificate, or other official
number capable of identifying an individual;
(5) stolen property does not lose its character as stolen when recovered by any law
enforcement agency;
(6) an actor engaged in the business of obtaining abandoned or wrecked motor vehicles or
parts of an abandoned or wrecked motor vehicle for resale, disposal, scrap, repair, re-
building, demolition, or other form of salvage is presumed to know on receipt by the
actor of stolen property that the property has been previously stolen from another if the
actor knowingly or recklessly:
(A) fails to maintain an accurate and legible inventory of each motor vehicle
component part purchased by or delivered to the actor, including the date of
purchase or delivery, the name, age, address, sex, and driver's license number of
the seller or person making the delivery, the license plate number of the motor
vehicle in which the part was delivered, a complete description of the part, and the
vehicle identification number of the motor vehicle from which the part was
removed, or in lieu of maintaining an inventory, fails to record the name and
certificate of inventory number of the person who dismantled the motor vehicle
from which the part was obtained;
(B) fails on receipt of a motor vehicle to obtain a certificate of authority, sales
receipt, or transfer document as required by Chapter 683, Transportation Code, or
a certificate of title showing that the motor vehicle is not subject to a lien or that
all recorded liens on the motor vehicle have been released; or
 (C) fails on receipt of a motor vehicle to immediately remove an unexpired
license plate from the motor vehicle, to keep the plate in a secure and locked
place, or to maintain an inventory, on forms provided by the Texas Department of
Transportation, of license plates kept under this paragraph, including for each
plate or set of plates the license plate number and the make, motor number, and
vehicle identification number of the motor vehicle from which the plate was
removed;
(7) an actor who purchases or receives a used or secondhand motor vehicle is presumed
to know on receipt by the actor of the motor vehicle that the motor vehicle has been
previously stolen from another if the actor knowingly or recklessly:
(A) fails to report to the Texas Department of Transportation the failure of the
person who sold or delivered the motor vehicle to the actor to deliver to the actor
a properly executed certificate of title to the motor vehicle at the time the motor
vehicle was delivered; or
(B) fails to file with the county tax assessor-collector of the county in which the
actor received the motor vehicle, not later than the 20th day after the date the
actor received the motor vehicle, the registration license receipt and certificate of
title or evidence of title delivered to the actor in accordance with Subchapter D,
Chapter 520, Transportation Code, at the time the motor vehicle was delivered;
(8) an actor who purchases or receives from any source other than a licensed retailer or
distributor of pesticides a restricted-use pesticide or a state-limited-use pesticide or a
compound, mixture, or preparation containing a restricted-use or state-limited-use
pesticide is presumed to know on receipt by the actor of the pesticide or compound,
mixture, or preparation that the pesticide or compound, mixture, or preparation has been
previously stolen from another if the actor:
(A) fails to record the name, address, and physical description of the seller or
pledger;
(B) fails to record a complete description of the amount and type of pesticide or
compound, mixture, or preparation purchased or received; and
(C) fails to obtain a signed warranty from the seller or pledgor that the seller or
pledger has the right to possess the property; and
(9) an actor who is subject to Section 409, Packers and Stockyards Act (7 U.S.C. Section
228b), that obtains livestock from a commission merchant by representing that the actor
will make prompt payment is presumed to have induced the commission merchant's
consent by deception if the actor fails to make full payment in accordance with Section
409, Packers and Stockyards Act (7 U.S.C. Section 228b).
(d) It is not a defense to prosecution under this section that:
(1) the offense occurred as a result of a deception or strategy on the part of a law
enforcement agency, including the use of an undercover operative or peace officer;
(2) the actor was provided by a law enforcement agency with a facility in which to
commit the offense or an opportunity to engage in conduct constituting the offense; or
(3) the actor was solicited to commit the offense by a peace officer and the solicitation
was of a type that would encourage a person predisposed to commit the offense to
actually commit the offense, but would not encourage a person not predisposed to
commit the offense to actually commit the offense
(e) Except as provided by Subsection (f), an offense under this section is:
(1) a Class C misdemeanor if the value of the property stolen is less than:
(A) $50; or
(B) $20 and the defendant obtained the property by issuing or passing a check or
similar sight order in a manner described by Section 31.06;
(2) a Class B misdemeanor if:
 (A) the value of the property stolen is:
(i) $50 or more but less than $500; or
(ii) $20 or more but less than $500 and the defendant obtained the
property by issuing or passing a check or similar sight order in a manner
described by Section 31.06; or
(B) the value of the property stolen is less than:
(i) $50 and the defendant has previously been convicted of any grade of
theft; or
(ii) $20, the defendant has previously been convicted of any grade of theft,
and the defendant obtained the property by issuing or passing a check or
similar sight order in a manner described by Section 31.06;
(3) a Class A misdemeanor if the value of the property stolen is $500 or more but less
than $1,500;
(4) a state, jail felony if:
(A) the value of the property stolen is $1,500 or more but less than $20,000, or the
property is less than 10 head of cattle, horses, or exotic livestock or exotic fowl as
defined by Section 142.001, Agriculture Code, or any part thereof under the value
of $20,000, or less than 100 head of sheep, swine, or goats or any part thereof
under the value of $20,000;
(B) regardless of value, the property is stolen from the person of another or from a
human corpse or grave;
(C) the property stolen is a firearm, as defined by Section 46.01;
(D) the value of the property stolen is less than $1,500 and the defendant has been
previously convicted two or more times of any grade of theft;
(E) the property stolen is an official ballot or official carrier envelope for an
election; or
(F) the value of the property stolen is less than $20,000 and the property stolen is
insulated or noninsulated wire or cable that consists of at least 50 percent:
(i) aluminum;
(ii) bronze; or
(iii) copper;
(5) a felony of the third degree lithe value of the property stolen is $20,000 or more but
less than $100,000, or the property is:
(A) 10 or more head of cattle, horses, or . exotic livestock or exotic fowl as
defined by Section 142.001, Agriculture Code, stolen during a single transaction
and having an aggregate value of less than $100,000; or
(B) 100 or more head of sheep, swine, or goats stolen during a single transaction
and having an aggregate value of less than $100,000;
(6) a felony of the second degree if the value of the property stolen is $100,000 or more
but less than $200,000; or
(7) a felony of the first degree if the value of the property stolen is $200,000 or more.
(f) An offense described for purposes of punishment by Subsections (e)(1)-(6) is increased to the
next higher category of offense if it is shown on. the trial of the offense that:
(1) the actor was a public servant at the time of the offense and the property appropriated
came into the actors custody, possession, or control by virtue of his status as a public
servant;
(2) the actor was in a contractual relationship with government at the time of the offense
and the property appropriated came into the actors custody, possession, or control by
virtue of the contractual relationship; or
(3) the owner of the property appropriated was at the time of the offense an elderly
individual.
(g) For the purposes of Subsection (a), a person is the owner of exotic livestock or exotic fowl as
defined by Section 142.001, Agriculture Code, only if the person qualifies to claim the animal
under Section 142.0021, Agriculture Code, if the animal is an estray
(h) In this section:
(1) "Restricted-use pesticide" means a pesticide classified as a restricted-use pesticide by
the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under 7 U. S. C. Section 136a,
as that law existed on January 1, 1995, and containing an active ingredient listed in the
federal regulations adopted under that law (40 CFR Section 152.175) and in effect on.
that date.
(2) "State limited use pesticide" means a pesticide classified as a state-limited-use
pesticide by the Department of Agriculture under Section 76.003, Agriculture Code, as
that section existed on January 1, 1995, and containing an active ingredient listed in the
rules adopted under that section (4 TAC Section 7.24) as that section existed on that date
(i) For purposes of Subsection (c)(9), "livestock" and "commission merchant" have the meanings
assigned by Section 147 001, Agriculture Code.
(j) With the consent of the appropriate local county or district attorney, the attorney general has
concurrent jurisdiction with that consenting local prosecutor to prosecute an offense under this
section that involves the state Medicaid program.

Sec. 31.04. Theft of Service.

(a) A person commits theft of service if, with intent to avoid payment for service that he knows
is provided only for compensation:
(1) he intentionally or knowingly secures performance of the service by deception, threat,
or false token;
(2) having control over the disposition of services of another to which he is not entitled,
he intentionally or knowingly diverts the other's services to his own benefit or to the
benefit of another not entitled to them;
(3) having control of personal property under a written rental agreement, he holds the
property beyond the expiration of the rental period without the effective consent of the
owner of the property, thereby depriving the owner of the property of its use in further
rentals; or
(4) he intentionally or knowingly secures the performance of the service by agreeing to
provide compensation and, after the service is rendered, fails to make payment after
receiving notice demanding payment.
(b) For purposes of this section, intent to avoid payment is presumed if:
(1) the actor absconded without paying for the service or expressly refused to pay for the
service in circumstances where payment is ordinarily made immediately upon rendering
of the service, as in hotels, campgrounds, recreational vehicle parks, restaurants, and
comparable establishments;
(2) the actor failed to make payment under a service agreement within 10 days after
receiving notice demanding payment;
(3) the actor returns property held under a rental agreement after the expiration of the
rental agreement and fails to pay the applicable rental charge for the property within 10
days after the date on which the actor received notice demanding payment; or
(4) the actor failed to return the property held under a rental agreement:
(A) within five days after receiving notice demanding return, if the property is
valued at less than $1,500; or
(B) within three days after receiving notice demanding return, if the property is
valued at $1,500 or more.
(c) For purposes of Subsections (a)(4), (b)(2), and (b)(4), notice shall be notice in writing, sent
by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested or by telegram with report of delivery
requested, and addressed to the actor at his address shown on the rental agreement or service
agreement.
(d) If written notice is given in accordance with Subsection (c), it is presumed that the notice was
received no later than five days after it was sent.
(e) An offense under this section is:
(1) a Class C misdemeanor if the value of the service stolen is less than $20;
(2) a Class B misdemeanor if the value of the service stolen is $20 or more but less than
$500;
(3) a Class A misdemeanor if the value of the service stolen is $500 or more but less than
$1,500;
(4) a state jail felony if the value of the service stolen is $1,500 or more but less than
$20,000;
(5) a felony of the third degree if the value of the service stolen is $20,000 or more but
less than $100,000;
(6) a felony of the second degree if the value of the service stolen is $100,000 or more
but less than $200,000; or
(7) a felony of the first degree if the value of the service stolen is $200,000 or more.
(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, any police or other report of stolen vehicles
by a political subdivision of this state shall include on the report any rental vehicles whose
renters have been shown to such reporting agency to be in violation of Subsection (b)(2) and
shall indicate that the renting agency has complied with the notice requirements demanding
return as provided in this section.
(g) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that:
(1) the defendant secured the performance of the service by giving a post-dated check or
similar sight order to the person performing the service; and
(2) the person performing the service or any other person presented the check or sight
order for payment before the date on the check or sight order.

Sec. 31.05. Theft of Trade Secrets.

(a) For purposes of this section:

(1) "Article" means any object, material, device, or substance or any copy thereof,
including a writing, recording, drawing, sample, specimen, prototype, model,
photograph, microorganism, blueprint, or map.
(2) "Copy" means a facsimile, replica, photograph, or other reproduction of an article or a
note, drawing, or sketch made of or from an article.
(3) "Representing" means describing, depicting, containing, constituting, reflecting, or
recording.
(4) "Trade secret" means the whole or any part of any scientific or technical information,
design, process, procedure, formula, or improvement that has value and that the owner
has taken measures to prevent from becoming available to persons other than those
selected by the owner to have access for limited purposes.
(b) A person commits an offense if, without the owner's effective consent, he knowingly:
(1) steals a trade secret;
(2) makes a copy of an article representing a trade secret; or
(3) communicates or transmits a trade secret.
(c) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.

Sec. 31.06. Presumption for Theft by Check.

(a) If the actor obtained property or secured performance of service by issuing or passing a check
or similar sight order for the payment of money, when the issuer did not have sufficient funds in
or on deposit with the bank or other drawee for the payment in full of the check or order as well
as all other checks or orders then outstanding, it is prima facie evidence of his intent to deprive
the owner of property under Section 31.03 (Theft) including a drawee or third-party holder in
due course who negotiated the check or to avoid payment for service under Section 31.04 (Theft
of Service) (except in the case of a postdated check or order) if:
(1) he had no account with the bank or other drawee at the time he issued the check or
order; or
(2) payment was refused by the bank or other drawee for lack of funds or insufficient
funds, on presentation within 30 days after issue, and the issuer failed to pay the holder
in full within 10 days after receiving notice of that refusal.
(b) For purposes of Subsection (a)(2) or (f)(3), notice may be actual notice or notice in writing
that:
(1) is sent by:
(A) first class mail, evidenced by an affidavit of service; or
(B) registered or certified mail with return receipt requested;
(2) is addressed to the issuer at the issuer's address shown on:
(A) the check or order;
(B) the records of the bank or other drawee; or
(C) the records of the person to whom the check or order has been issued or
passed; and
(3) contains the following statement: "This is a demand for payment in full for a check or
order not paid because of a lack of funds or insufficient funds. If you fail to make
payment in full within 10 days after the date of receipt of this notice, the failure to pay
creates a presumption for committing an offense, and this matter may be referred for
criminal prosecution."
(c) If written notice is given in accordance with Subsection (b), it is presumed that the notice was
received no later than five days after it was sent.
(d) Nothing in this section prevents the prosecution from establishing the requisite intent by
direct evidence.
(e) Partial restitution does not preclude the presumption of the requisite intent under this section.
(f) If the actor obtained property by issuing or passing a check or similar sight order for the
payment of money, the actors intent to deprive the owner of the property under Section 31.03
(Theft) is presumed, except in the case of a postdated check or order; if:
(1) the actor ordered the bank or other drawee to stop payment on the check or order;
(2) the bank or drawee refused payment to the holder on presentation of the check or
order within 30 days after issue;
(3) the owner gave the actor notice of the refusal of payment and made a demand to the
actor for payment or return of the property; and
(4) the actor failed to:
(A) pay the holder within 10 days after receiving the demand for payment; or
(B) return the property to the owner within 10 days after receiving the demand for
return of the property.

Sec. 31.07. Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle.

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly operates another's boat,

airplane, or motor-propelled vehicle without the effective consent of the owner.
(b) An offense under this section is a state jail felony.
Sec. 31.08. Value.

(a) Subject to the additional criteria of Subsections (b) and (c), value under this chapter is:
(1) the fair market value of the property or service at the time and place of the offense; or
(2) if the fair market value of the property cannot be ascertained, the cost of replacing the
property within a reasonable time after the theft.
(b) The value of documents, other than those having a readily ascertainable market value, is:
(1) the amount due and collectible at maturity less that part which has been satisfied, if
the document constitutes evidence of a debt; or
(2) the greatest amount of economic loss that the owner might reasonably suffer by virtue
of loss of the document, if the document is other than evidence of a debt
(c) If property or service has value that cannot be reasonably ascertained by the criteria set forth
in Subsections (a) and (b), the property or service is deemed to have a value of $500 or more but
less than $1,500.
(d) If the actor proves by a preponderance of the evidence that he gave consideration for or had a
legal interest in the property or service stolen, the amount of the consideration or the value of the
interest so proven shall be deducted from the value of the property or service ascertained under
Subsection (a), (b), or (c) to determine value for purposes of this chapter.

Sec. 31.09. Aggregation of Amounts Involved in Theft.

When amounts are obtained in violation of this chapter pursuant to one scheme or continuing
course of conduct, whether from the same or sever al sources, the conduct may be considered as
one offense and the amounts aggregated in determining the grade of the offense.

Sec. 31.10. Actors Interest in Property.

It is no defense to prosecution under this chapter that the actor has an interest in the property or
service stolen if another person has the right of exclusive possession of the property.

Sec. 31.11. Tampering with Identification Numbers.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person:

(1) knowingly or intentionally removes, alters, or obliterates the serial number or other
permanent identification marking on tangible personal property; or
(2) possesses, sells, or offers for sale tangible personal property and:
(A) the actor knows that the serial number or other permanent identification
marking has been removed, altered, or obliterated; or
(B) a reasonable person in the position of the actor would have known that the
serial number or other permanent identification marking has been removed,
altered, or obliterated.
(b) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the person was:
(1) the owner or acting with the effective consent of the owner of the property involved;
(2) a peace officer acting in the actual discharge of official duties; or
(3) acting with respect to a number assigned to a vehicle by the Texas Department of
Transportation and the person was:
(A) in the actual discharge of official duties as an employee or agent of the
department; or
(B) in full compliance with the rules of the department as an applicant for an
assigned number approved by the department.
(c) Property involved in a violation of this section may be treated as stolen for purposes of
custody and disposition of the property.
(d) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(e) In this section, "vehicle" has the meaning given by Section 541.201, Transportation Code .

Sec. 31.12. Theft of or Tampering with Multichannel Video or Information Services.

(a) A person commits an offense if, without the authorization of the multichannel video or
information services provider, the person intentionally or knowingly:
(1) makes or maintains a connection, whether physically, electrically, electronically, or
inductively, to:
(A) a cable, wire, or other component of or media attached to a multichannel
video or information services system; or
(B) a television set, videotape recorder, or other receiver attached to a
multichannel video or information system;
(2) attaches, causes to be attached, or maintains the attachment of a device to:
(A) a cable, wire, or other component of or media attached to a multichannel
video or information services system; or
(B) a television set, videotape recorder, or other receiver attached to a
multichannel video or information services system;
(3) tampers with, modifies, or maintains a modification to a device installed by a
multichannel video or information services provider; or
(4) tampers with, modifies, or maintains a modification to an access device or uses that
access device or any unauthorized access device to obtain services from a multichannel
video or information services provider.
(b) In this section:
(1) "Access device," "connection," and "device" mean an access device, connection, or
device wholly or partly designed to make intelligible an encrypted, encoded, scrambled,
or other nonstandard signal carried by a multichannel video or information services
provider.
(2) "Encrypted, encoded, scrambled, or other nonstandard signal" means any type of
signal or transmission not intended to produce an intelligible program or service without
the use of a device, signal, or information provided by a multichannel video or
information services provider,
(3) “Multichannel video or information services provider" means a licensed cable
television system, video dialtone system, multichannel multipoint distribution services
system, direct broadcast satellite system, or other system providing video or information
services that are distributed by cable, wire, radio frequency, or other media.
(c) This section does not prohibit the manufacture, distribution, sale, or use of satellite receiving
antennas that are otherwise permitted by state or federal law.
(d) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor unless it is shown on the trial of the
offense that the actor:
(1) has been previously convicted one time of an offense under this section, in which
event the offense is a Class B misdemeanor, or convicted two or more times of an offense
under this section, in which event the offense is a class A misdemeanor; or
(2) committed the offense for remuneration, in which event the offense is a Class A
misdemeanor, unless it is also shown on the trial of the offense that the actor has been
previously convicted two or more times of an offense under this section, in which event
the offense is a Class A misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $2,000 and a minimum
term of confinement of 180 days.
(e) For the purposes of this section, each connection, attachment, modification, or act of
tampering is a separate offense.
Sec. 31,13. Manufacture, Distribution, or Advertisement of Multichannel Video or.
Information Services Device.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person for remuneration intentionally or knowingly
manufactures, assembles, modifies, imports into the state, exports out of the state, distributes,
advertises, or offers for sale, with an intent to aid in the commission of an offense under Section
31.12, a device, a kit or part for a device, or a plan for a system of components wholly or partly
designed to make intelligible an encrypted, encoded, scrambled, or other nonstandard signal
carried or caused by a multichannel video or information services provider.
(b) In this section, "device," "encrypted, encoded, scrambled, or other nonstandard signal," and
"multichannel video or information services provider" have the meanings assigned by Section
31.12.
(c) This section does not prohibit the manufacture, distribution, advertisement, offer for sale, or
use of satellite receiving antennas that are otherwise permitted by state or federal law.
(d) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 31.14. Sale or Lease of Multichannel Video or Information Services Device.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly sells or leases, with an
intent to aid in the commission of an offense under Section 31.2, a device, a kit or part for a
device, or a. plan for a system of components wholly or partly designed to make intelligible an
encrypted, encoded, scrambled, or other nonstandard signal carried or caused by a multichannel
video or information services provider.
(b) In this section, "device," "encrypted, encoded, scrambled, or other nonstandard signal," and
"multichannel video or information services provider" have the meanings assigned by. Section
31.12.
(c) This section does not prohibit the sale or lease of satellite receiving antennas that are
otherwise permitted by state or federal law without providing notice to the comptroller.
(d) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 31.15. Possession, Manufacture, or Distribution of Certain Instruments Used to

Commit Retail Theft.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Retail theft detector" means an electrical, mechanical, electronic, or magnetic device used to
prevent or detect shoplifting and includes any article or component part essential to the proper
operation of the device.
(2) "Shielding or deactivation instrument" means any item or tool designed, made, or adapted for
the purpose of preventing the detection of stolen merchandise by a retail theft detector. The term
includes a metal-lined or foil-lined shopping bag and any item used to remove a security tag
affixed to retail merchandise.
(b) A person commits an offense if with the intent to use the instrument to commit theft, the
person:
(1) possesses a shielding or deactivation instrument; or
(2) knowingly manufactures, sells, offers for sale, or otherwise distributes a shielding or
deactivation instrument.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 31.16. Organized Retail Theft.

(a) In this section, "retail merchandise" means one or more items of tangible personal property
displayed, held, stored, or offered for sale in a retail establishment.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally conducts, promotes, or facilitates an
activity in which the person receives, possesses, conceals, stores, barters, sells, or disposes of a
total value of not less than $1,500 of:
(1) stolen retail merchandise; or
(2) merchandise explicitly represented to the person as being stolen retail merchandise.
(c) An offense under this section is:
(1) a state jail felony if the total value of the merchandise involved in the activity is
$1,500 or more but less than $20,000;
(2) a felony of the third degree if the total value of the merchandise involved in the
activity is $20,000 or more but less than $100,000;
(3) a felony of the second degree if the total value of the merchandise involved in the
activity is $100,000 or more but less than $200,000; or
(4) a felony of the first degree if the total value of the merchandise involved in the
activity is $200,000 or more.
(d) An offense described for purposes of punishment by Subsections (c)(1) - (3) is increased to
the next higher category of offense if it is shown on the trial of the offense that the person
organized, supervised, financed, or managed one or more other persons engaged in an activity
described by Subsection (b).
(e) For the purposes of punishment, an offense under this section or an offense described by
Section 31.03(e)(1) or (2) is increased to the next highest category of offense if it is shown at the
trial of the offense that the defendant, with the intent that a distraction from the commission of
the offense be created, intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly caused an alarm to sound or
otherwise become activated during the commission of the offense.

CHAPTER 32
FRAUD

Subchapter A. General Provisions

Section
32.01. Definitions
32.02. Value.
32.03. Aggregation of Amounts Involved in Fraud.

Subchapter B. Forgery
32.21. Forgery.
32.22 Criminal Simulation.
32.23. Trademark Counterfeiting.
32.24 Stealing or Receiving Stolen Check or Similar Sight Order.

Subchapter C. Credit
32.31. Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse.
32.32. False Statement to Obtain Property or Credit.
32.33. Hindering Secured Creditors.
32.34. Fraudulent Transfer of a Motor Vehicle.
32.35. Credit Card Transaction Record Laundering.

Subchapter D. Other Deceptive Practices

32.41. Issuance of Bad Check.
32.42. Deceptive Business Practices.
32.43. Commercial Bribery.
32 44. Rigging Publicly Exhibited Contest.
32.441. Illegal Recruitment of An Athlete.
32.45. Misapplication of Fiduciary. Property or Property of Financial Institution.
32.46. Securing Execution of Document by Deception.
32.47. Fraudulent Destruction, Removal, or Concealment of Writing.
32.48. Simulating Legal Process.
32.49. Refusal to Execute Release of Fraudulent Lien or Claim.
32.50. Deceptive Preparation and Marketing of Academic Product.
32.51. Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information.
32.52. Fraudulent, Substandard, or Fictitious Deed.

SUBCHAPTER A
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 32.01. Definitions.

In this chapter:
(1) "Financial institution" means a bank, trust company, insurance company, credit union,
building and loan association, savings and loan association, investment trust, investment
company, or any other organization held out to the public as a place for deposit of funds
or medium of savings or collective investment.
(2) "Property" means:
(A) real property;
(B) tangible or intangible personal property including anything severed from land;
or
(C) a document, including money, that represents or embodies anything of value
(3) "Service" includes:
(A) labor and professional service;
(B) telecommunication, public utility, and transportation service;
(C) lodging, restaurant service, and entertainment; and
(D) the supply of a motor vehicle or other property for use.
(4) "Steal" means to acquire property or service by theft.

Sec. 32.02. Value.

(a) Subject to the additional criteria of Subsections (b) and (c), value under this chapter is:
(1) the fair market value of the property or service at the time and place of the offense; or
(2) if the fair market value of the property cannot be ascertained, the cost of replacing the
property within a reasonable time after the offense.
(b) The value of documents, other than those having a readily ascertainable market value is:
(1) the amount due and collectible at maturity less any part that has been satisfied, if the
document constitutes evidence of a debt; or
(2) the greatest amount of economic loss that the owner might reasonably suffer by virtue
of loss of the document, if the document is other than evidence of a debt.
(c) If property or service has value that cannot be reasonably ascertained by the criteria set forth
in Subsections (a) and (b), the property or service is deemed to have a value of $500 or more but
less than $1,500.
(d) If the actor proves by a preponderance of the evidence that he gave consideration for or had a
legal interest in the property or service stolen, the amount of the consideration or the value of the
interest so proven shall be deducted from the value of the property or service ascertained under
Subsection (a), (b), or (c) to determine value for purposes of this chapter.

Sec. 32.03. Aggregation of Amounts Involved in Fraud.

When amounts are obtained in violation of this chapter pursuant to one scheme or continuing
course of conduct, whether from the same or several sources, the conduct may be considered as
one offense and the amounts aggregated in determining the grade of offense.

SUBCHAPTER B
FORGERY

Sec. 32.21. Forgery.

(a) For purposes of this section:

(1) "Forge" means:
(A) to alter, make, complete, execute, or authenticate any writing so that it
purports:
(i) to be the act of another who did not authorize that act;
(ii) to have been executed at a time or place or in a numbered sequence other than
was in fact the case; or
(iii) to be a copy of an original when no such original existed;
(B) to issue, transfer, register the transfer of pass, publish, or otherwise utter a writing
that is forged within the meaning of paragraph (A); or
(C) to possess a writing that is forged within the meaning of paragraph (A) with intent to
utter it in a manner specified in Paragraph (B).
(2) “Writing" includes:
(A) printing or any other method of recording information;
(B) money, coins, tokens, stamps, seals, credit cards, badges, and trademarks; and
(C) symbols of value, right, privilege, or identification.
(b) A person commits an offense if he forges a writing with intent to defy and or harm another.
(c) Except as provided in Subsections (d) and (e) an offense under this section is a Class A
misdemeanor.
(d) An offense under this section is a state jail felony if the writing is or purports to be a will,
codicil, deed, deed of trust, mortgage, security instrument, security agreement, credit card, check,
authorization to debit an account at a financial institution, or similar sight order for payment of
money, contract, release, or other commercial instrument.
(e) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if the writing is or purports to be:
(1) part of an issue of money, securities, postage or revenue stamps;
(2) a government record listed in Section 37.01(2)(C); or
(3) other instruments issued by a state or national government or by a subdivision of
either, or part of an issue of stock, bonds, or other instruments representing interests in or
claims against another person.
(f) A person is presumed to intend to defraud or harm another if the person acts with respect to
two or more writings of the same type and if each writing is a government record listed in
Section 37.01(2)(C).

Sec. 32.22. Criminal Simulation.

(a) A person commits an offense if, with intent to defraud or harm another:
(1) he makes or alters an object, in whole or in part, so that it appears to have value
 because of age, antiquity, rarity, source, or authorship that it does not have;
(2) he possesses an object so made or altered, with intent to sell, pass, or otherwise utter
it;
(3) he authenticates or certifies an object so made or altered as genuine or as different
from what it is.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 32.23. Trademark Counterfeiting.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Counterfeit mark" means a mark that is identical to or substantially indistinguishable
from a protected mark the use or production of which is not authorized by the owner of
the protected mark.
(2) "Identification mark" means a data plate, serial number, or part identification number.
(3) "Protected mark" means a trademark or service mark or an identification mark that is:
(A) registered with the secretary of state;
(B) registered on the principal register of the United States Patent and Trademark
Office;
(C) registered under the laws of another state; or
(D) protected by Section 16 30, Business & Commerce Code, or by 36 U.S.C.
Section 371 et seq.
(4) "Retail value" means the actors regular selling price for a counterfeit mark or an item
or service that bears or is identified by a counterfeit mark, except that if an item bearing a
counterfeit mark is a component of a finished product, the retail value means the actors
regular selling price of the finished product on or in which the component is used,
distributed, or sold.
(5) "Service mark" has the meaning assigned by Section 16.01, Business & Commerce
Code.
(6) "Trademark" has the meaning assigned by Section 16.01, Business & Commerce
Code,
(b) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally manufactures, displays, advertises,
distributes, offers for sale, sells, or possesses with intent to sell or distribute a counterfeit mark or
an item or service that:
(1) bears or is identified by a counterfeit mark; or
(2) the person knows or should have known bears or is identified by a counterfeit mark.
(c) A state or federal certificate of registration of intellectual property is prima facie evidence, of
the facts stated in the certificate.
(d) For the purposes of Subsection (e), when items or services are the subject of counterfeiting
in violation of this section pursuant to one scheme or continuing course of conduct, the conduct
may be considered as one offense and the retail value of the items or services aggregated in
determining the grade of offense.
(e) An offense under this section is a:
(1) Class C misdemeanor if the retail value of the item or service is less than $20;
(2) Class B misdemeanor if the retail value of the item or service is $20 or more but less
than $500;
(3) Class A misdemeanor if the retail value of the item or service is $500 or more but less
than $1,500;
(4) state jail felony if the retail value of the item or service is $1,500 or more but less than
$20,000;
(5) felony of the third degree if the retail value of the item or service is $20,000 or more
but less than $100,000;
 (6) felony of the second degree if the retail value of the item or service is $100,000 or
more but less than $200,000; or
(7) felony of the first degree if the retail value of the item or service is $200,000 or more .

Sec. 32.24. Stealing or Receiving Stolen Check or Similar Sight Order.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person steals an unsigned check or similar sight order or,
with knowledge that an unsigned check or similar sight order has been stolen, receives the check
or sight order with intent to use it, to sell it, or to transfer it to a person other than the person
from whom the check or sight order was stolen.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

SUBCHAPTER C
CREDIT

Sec. 32.31. Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse.

(a) For purposes of this section:

(1) "Cardholder" means the person named on the face of a credit card or debit card to
whom or for whose benefit the card is issued.
(2) "Credit card" means an identification card, plate, coupon, book, number, or any other
device authorizing a designated person or bearer to obtain property or services on credit.
The term includes the number or description of the device if the device itself is not
produced at the time of ordering or obtaining the property or service
(3) "Expired credit card" means a credit card bearing an expiration date after that date has
passed.
(4) "Debit card" means an identification card, plate, coupon, book, number, or any other
device authorizing a designated person or bearer to communicate a request to an
unmanned teller machine or a customer convenience terminal or obtain property or
services by debit to an account at a financial institution. The term includes the number or
description of the device if the device itself is not produced at the time of ordering or
obtaining the benefit.
(5) "Expired debit card" means a debit card bearing as its expiration date a date that has
passed.
(6) "Unmanned teller machine" means a machine, other than a telephone, capable of
being operated by a customer, by which a customer may communicate to a financial
institution a request to withdraw a benefit for himself or for another directly from the
customer's account or from the customer's account under a line of credit previously
authorized by the institution for the customer.
(7) "Customer convenience terminal" means an unmanned teller machine the use of
which does not involve personnel of a financial institution
(b) A person commits an offense if:
(1) with intent to obtain a benefit fraudulently, he presents or uses a credit card or debit
card with knowledge that:
(A) the card, whether or not expired, has not been issued to him and is not used
with the effective consent of the cardholder; or
(B) the card has expired or has been revoked or cancelled;
(2) with intent to obtain a benefit, he uses a fictitious credit card or debit card or the
pretended number or description of a fictitious card;
(3) he receives a benefit that he knows has been obtained in violation of this section;
(4) he steals a credit card or debit card or, with knowledge that it has been stolen,
 receives a credit card or debit card with intent to use it, to sell it, or to transfer it to a
person other than the issuer or the cardholder;
(5) he buys a credit card or debit card from a person who he knows is not the issuer;
(6) not being the issuer, he sells a credit card or debit card;
(7) he uses or induces the cardholder to use the cardholder's credit card or debit card to
obtain property or service for the actors benefit for which the cardholder is financially
unable to pay;
(8) not being the cardholder, and without the effective consent of the cardholder, he
possesses a credit card or debit card with intent to use it;
(9) he possesses two or more incomplete credit cards or debit cards that have not been
issued to him with intent to complete them without the effective consent of the issuer. For
purposes of this subdivision, a card is incomplete if part of the matter that an issuer
requires to appear on the card before it can be used, other than the signature of the card
holder, has not yet been stamped, embossed, imprinted, or written on it;
(10) being authorized by an issuer to furnish goods or services on presentation of a credit
card or debit card, he, with intent to defraud the issuer or the cardholder, furnishes goods
or services on presentation of a credit card or debit card obtained or retained in violation
of this section. or a credit card or debit card that is forged, expired, or revoked; or
(11) being authorized by an issuer to furnish goods or services on presentation of a credit
card or debit card, he, with intent to defraud the issuer or a cardholder, fails to furnish
goods or services that he represents in writing to the issuer that he has furnished.
(c) It is presumed that a person who used a revoked, cancelled, or expired credit card or debit
card had knowledge that the card had been revoked, cancelled, or expired if he had received
notice of revocation, cancellation, or expiration from the issuer. For purposes of this section,
notice may be either notice given orally in person or by telephone, or in writing by mail or by
telegram. If written notice was sent by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested,
or by telegram with report of delivery requested, addressed to the cardholder at the last address
shown by the records of the issuer, it is presumed that the notice was received by the cardholder
no later than five days after sent.
(d) An offense under this section is a state jail felony.

Sec. 32.32. False Statement to Obtain Property or Credit.

(a) For purposes of this section, "credit" includes:

(1) a loan of money;
(2) furnishing property or service on credit;
(3) extending the due date of an obligation;
(4) comaking, endorsing, or guaranteeing a note or other instrument for obtaining credit;
(5) a line or letter of credit;
(6) a credit card, as defined in. Section 32.31 (Credit Card or Debit Card. Abuse); and
(7) a mortgage loan.
(b) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly makes a materially false or
misleading written statement to obtain property or credit, including a mortgage loan.
(c) An offense under this section is:
(1) a Class C misdemeanor if the value of the property or the amount of credit is less than
$50;
(2) a Class B misdemeanor if the value of the property or the amount of credit is $50 or
more but less than $500;
(3) a Class A misdemeanor if the value of the property or the amount of credit is $500 or
more but less than $1,500;
(4) a state jail felony if the value of the property or the amount of credit is $1,500 or more
 but less than $20,000;
(5) a felony of the third degree if the value of the property or the amount of credit is
$20,000 or more but less than $100,000;
(6) a felony of the second degree if the value of the property or the amount of credit is
$100,000 or more but less than $200,000; or
(7) a felony of the first degree if the value of the property or the amount of credit is
$200,000 or more.
(d) The following agencies shall assist a prosecuting attorney of the United States or of a county
or judicial district of this state, a county or state law enforcement agency of this state, or a federal
law enforcement agency in the investigation of an offense under this section involving a
mortgage loan:
(1) the office of the attorney general;
(2) the Department of Public Safety;
(3) the Texas Department of Insurance;
(4) the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner;
(5) the Texas Department of Banking;
(6) the credit union department;
(7) the Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending;
(8) the Texas Real Estate Commission; and
(9) the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board.
(e) With the consent of the appropriate local county or district attorney, the attorney general has
concurrent jurisdiction with that consenting local prosecutor to prosecute an offense under
this section that involves a mortgage loan.

Sec. 32.33. Hindering Secured Creditors.

(a) For purposes of this section:

(1) "Remove" means transport, without the effective consent of the secured party, from
the state in which the property was located when the security interest or lien attached,
(2) "Security interest" means an interest in personal property or fixtures that secures
payment or performance of an obligation.
(b) A person who has signed a security agreement creating a security interest in property or a
mortgage or deed of trust creating a lien on property commits an offense if with intent to hinder
enforcement of that interest or lien, he destroys, removes, conceals, encumbers, or otherwise
harms or reduces the value of the property.
(c) For purposes of this section, a person is presumed to have intended to hinder enforcement of
the security interest or lien if, when any part of the debt secured by the security interest or lien
was due, he failed:
(1) to pay the part then due; and
(2) if the secured party had made demand, to deliver possession of the secured property to
the secured party.
(d) An offense under Subsection (b) is a:
(1) Class C misdemeanor if the value of the property destroyed, removed, concealed,
encumbered, or otherwise harmed or reduced in value is less than $20;
(2) Class B misdemeanor if the value of the property destroyed, removed, concealed,
encumbered, or otherwise harmed or reduced in value is $20 or more but less than $500;
(3) Class A misdemeanor if the value of the property destroyed, removed, concealed,
encumbered, or otherwise harmed or reduced in value is $500 or more but less than
$1,500;
(4) state jail felony if the value of the property destroyed, removed, concealed,
encumbered, or otherwise harmed or reduced in value is $1,500 or more but less than
 $20,000;
(5) felony of the third degree if the value of the property destroyed, removed, concealed,
encumbered, or otherwise harmed or reduced in value is $20,000 or more but less than
$100,000;
(6) felony of the second degree if the value of the property destroyed, removed,
concealed, encumbered, or otherwise harmed or reduced in value is $100,000 or more but
less than $200,000; or
(7) felony of the first degree if the value of the property destroyed, removed, concealed,
encumbered, or otherwise harmed or reduced in value is $200,000 or more.
(e) A person who is a debtor under a security agreement, and who does not have a right to sell or
dispose of the secured property or is required to account to the secured party for the proceeds of
a permitted sale or disposition, commits an offense if the person sells or otherwise disposes of
the secured property, and does not account to the secured party for the proceeds of a sale or other
disposition as required, with intent to appropriate (as defined in Chapter 31) the proceeds or
value of the secured property. A person is presumed to have intended to appropriate proceeds if
the person does not deliver the proceeds to the secured party or account to the secured party for
the proceeds before the 11th day after the day that the secured party makes a lawful demand for
the proceeds or account- An offense under this subsection is:
(1) a Class C misdemeanor if the proceeds obtained from the sale or other disposition are
money or goods having a value of less than $20;
(2) a Class B misdemeanor if the proceeds obtained from the sale or other disposition are
money or goods having a value of $20 or more but less than $500;
(3) a Class A misdemeanor if the proceeds obtained from the sale or other disposition are
money or goods having a value of $500 or more but less than $1,500;
(4) a state jail felony if the proceeds obtained from the sale or other disposition are
money or goods having a value of $1,500 or more but less than $20,000;
(5) a felony of the third degree if the proceeds obtained from the sale or other disposition
are money or goods having a value of $20,000 or more but less than $100,000;
(6) a felony of the second degree if the proceeds obtained from the sale or other
disposition are money or goods having a value of $100,000 or more but less than
$200,000; or
(7) a felony of the first degree if the proceeds obtained from the sale or other disposition
are money or goods having a value of $200,000 or more.

Sec. 32.34. Fraudulent Transfer of a Motor Vehicle.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Lease" means the grant of use and possession of a motor vehicle for consideration,
whether or not the grant includes an option to buy the vehicle.
(2) "Motor vehicle" means a device in on, or by which a person or property is or may be
transported or drawn on a highway, except a device used exclusively on stationary rails
or tracks.
(3) "Security interest" means an interest in personal property or fixtures that secures
payment or performance of an obligation.
(4) "Third party" means a person other than the actor or the owner of the vehicle.
(5) "Transfer" means to transfer possession, whether or not another right is also
transferred, by means of a sale, lease, sublease, lease assignment, or other property
transfer.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person acquires, accepts possession of, or exercises
control over the motor vehicle of another under a written or oral agreement to arrange for the
transfer of the vehicle to a third party and:
 (1) knowing the vehicle is subject to a security interest, lease, or lien, the person transfers
the vehicle to a third party without first obtaining written authorization from the vehicle's
secured creditor, lessor, or lienholder;
(2) intending to defraud or harm the vehicle's owner, the person transfers the vehicle to a
third party;
(3) intending to defraud or harm the vehicle's owner, the person disposes of the vehicle in
a manner other than by transfer to a third party; or
(4) the person does not disclose the location of the vehicle on the request of the vehicle's
owner; secured creditor; lessor, or lienholder.
(c) For the purposes of Subsection (b)(2), the actor is presumed to have intended to defraud or
harm the motor vehicle's owner if the actor does not take reasonable steps to determine whether
or not the third party is financially able to pay for the vehicle.
(d) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (b)(1) that the entire indebtedness secured by
or owed under the security interest, lease, or lien is paid or satisfied in full not later than the 30th
day after the date that the transfer was made.
(e) It is not a defense to prosecution under Subsection (b)(1) that the motor vehicle's owner has
violated a contract creating a security interest, lease, or lien in the motor vehicle.
(f) An offense under Subsection (b)(1), (b)(2), or (b)(3) is:
(1) a state jail felony if the value of the motor vehicle is less than $20,000; or.
(2) a felony of the third degree if the value of the motor vehicle is $20,000 or more.
(g) An offense under Subsection (b)(4) is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 32.35. Credit Card Transaction Record Laundering.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Agent" means a person authorized to act on behalf of another and includes an
employee.
(2) "Authorized vendor" means a person authorized by a creditor to furnish property,
service, or anything else of value upon presentation of a credit card by a cardholder,
(3) "Cardholder" means the person named on the face of a credit card to whom or for
whose benefit the credit card is issued, and includes the named person's agents.
(4) "Credit card" means an identification card, plate, coupon, book, number, or any other
device authorizing a designated person or bearer to obtain property or services on credit.
It includes the number or description on the device if the device itself is not produced at
the time of ordering or obtaining the property or service.
(5) "Creditor" means a person licensed under Chapter 342, Finance Code, a bank, savings
and loan association, credit union, or other regulated financial institution that lends
money or otherwise extends credit to a cardholder through a credit card and that
authorizes other persons to honor the credit card.
(b) A person. commits an offense if the person is an authorized vendor who, with intent to
defraud the creditor or cardholder, presents to a creditor, for payment, a credit card transaction
record of a sale that was not made by the authorized vendor or the vendors agent.
(c) A person commits an offense if, without the creditors authorization, the person employs,
solicits, or otherwise causes an authorized vendor or the vendors agent to present to a creditor,
for payment, a credit card transaction record of a sale that was not made by the authorized
vendor or the vendors agent.
(d) It is presumed that a person is not the agent of an authorized vendor if a fee is paid or offered
to be paid by the person to the authorized vendor in connection with the vendors presentment to
a creditor of a credit card transaction record.
(e) An offense under this section is a:
(1) Class C misdemeanor if the amount of the record of a sale is less than $20;
 (2) Class B misdemeanor if the amount of the record of a sale is $20 or more but less than
$500;
(3) Class A misdemeanor if the amount of the record of a sale is $500 or more but less
than $1,500;
(4) state jail felony if the amount of the record of a sale is $1,500 or more but less than
$20,000;
(5) felony of the third degree if the amount of the record of a sale is $20,000 or more but
less than $100,000;
(6) felony of the second degree if the amount of the record of a sale is $100,000 or more
but less than $200,000; or
(7) felony of the first degree if the amount of the record of a sale is $200,000 or more.

SUBCHAPTER D
OTHER DECEPTIVE PRACTICES

Sec. 32.41. Issuance of Bad Check.

(a) A person commits an offense if he issues or passes a check or similar sight order for the
payment of money knowing that the issuer does not have sufficient funds in or on deposit with
the bank or other drawee for the payment in full of the check or order as well as all other checks
or orders outstanding at the time of issuance.
(b) This section does not prevent the prosecution from establishing the required knowledge by
direct evidence, however, for purposes of this section, the issuer's knowledge of insufficient
funds is presumed (except in the case of a postdated check or order) if:
(1) he had no account with the bank or other drawee at the time he issued the check or
order; or
(2) payment was refused by the bank or other drawee for lack of funds or insufficient
funds on presentation within 30 days after issue and the issuer failed to pay the holder in
full within 10 days after receiving notice of that refusal.
(c) Notice for purposes of Subsection (b)(2) may be actual notice or notice in writing that:
(1) is sent by:
(A) first class mail, evidenced by an affidavit of service; or
(B) registered or certified mail with return receipt requested;
(2) is addressed to the issuer at the issuer's address shown on:
(A) the check or order;
(B) the records of the bank or other drawee; or
(C) the records of the person to whom the check or order has been issued or
passed; and
(3) contains the following statement: "This is a demand for payment in full for a check or
order not paid because of a lack of funds or insufficient funds If you fail to make
payment in full within 10 days after the date of receipt of this notice, the failure to pay
creates a presumption for committing an offense, and this matter may be referred for
criminal prosecution."
(d) If notice is given in accordance with Subsection (c), it is presumed that the notice was
received no later than five days after it was sent.
(e) A person charged with an offense under this section may make restitution for the bad checks.
Restitution shall be made through the prosecutors office if collection and processing were
initiated through that office. In other cases restitution may be, with the approval of the court in
which the offense is filed:
(1) made through the court; or
(2) collected by a law enforcement agency if a peace officer of that agency executes a
 warrant against the person charged with the offense.
(f) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, an offense under this section is a Class C
misdemeanor. If the check or similar sight order that was issued or passed was for a child support
payment the obligation for which is established under a court order, the offense is a Class B
misdemeanor.
(g) An offense under this section is not a lesser included offense of an offense under Section
31.03 or 31.04.

Sec. 32.42. Deceptive Business Practices.

(a) For purposes of this section:

(1) "Adulterated" means varying from the standard of composition or quality prescribed
by law or set by established commercial usage.
(2) "Business" includes trade and commerce and advertising, selling, and buying service
or property.
(3) "Commodity" means any tangible or intangible personal property.
(4) "Contest" includes sweepstake, puzzle, and game of chance.
(5) "Deceptive sales contest" means a sales contest:
(A) that misrepresents the participant's chance of winning a prize;
(B) that fails to disclose to participants on a conspicuously displayed permanent
poster (if the contest is conducted by or through a retail outlet) or on each card,
game piece, entry blank, or other paraphernalia required for participation in the
contest (if the contest is not conducted by or through a retail outlet):
(i) the geographical area or number of outlets in which the contest is to be
conducted;
(ii) an accurate description of each type of prize;
(iii) the minimum number and minimum amount of cash prizes; and
(iv) the minimum number of each other type of prize; or
(C) that is manipulated or rigged so that prizes are given to predetermined persons
or retail establishments. A sales contest is not deceptive if the total value of prizes
to each retail outlet is in a uniform ratio to the number of game pieces distributed
to that outlet.
(6) "Mislabeled" means varying from the standard of truth or disclosure in labeling
prescribed by law or set by established commercial usage.
(7) "Prize" includes gift, discount, coupon, certificate, gratuity, and any other thing of
value awarded in a sales contest.
(8) "Sales contest" means a contest in connection with the sale of a commodity or service
by which a person may, as determined by drawing, guessing, matching, or chance,
receive a prize and which is not regulated by the rules of a federal regulatory agency.
(9) "Sell" and "sale" include offer for sale, advertise for sale, expose for sale, keep for the
purpose of sale, deliver for or after sale, solicit and offer to buy, and every disposition for
value.
(b) A person commits an offense if in the course of business he intentionally, knowingly,
recklessly, or with criminal negligence commits one or more of the following deceptive business
practices:
(1) using, selling, or possessing for use or sale a false weight or measure, or any other
device for falsely determining or recording any quality or quantity;
(2) selling less than the represented quantity of a property or service;
(3) taking more than the represented quantity of property or service when as a buyer the
actor furnishes the weight or measure;
(4) selling an adulterated or mislabeled commodity;
 (5) passing off property or service as that of another;
(6) representing that a commodity is original or new if it is deteriorated, altered, rebuilt,
reconditioned, reclaimed, used, or secondhand;
(7) representing that a commodity or service is of a particular style, grade, or model if it
is of another;
(8) advertising property or service with intent:
(A) not to sell it as advertised, or
(B) not to supply reasonably expectable public demand, unless the advertising
adequately discloses a time or quantity limit;
(9) representing the price of property or service falsely or in a way tending to mislead;
(10) making a materially false or misleading statement of fact concerning the reason for,
existence of or amount of a price or price reduction;
(11) conducting a deceptive sales contest; or
(12) making a materially false or misleading statement:
(A) in an advertisement for the purchase or sale of property or service; or
(B) otherwise in connection with the purchase or sale of property or service.
(c) An offense under Subsections (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), (b)(4), (b)(5), and (b)(6) is:
(1) a Class C misdemeanor if the actor commits an offense with criminal negligence and
if he has not previously been convicted of a deceptive business practice; or
(2) a Class A misdemeanor if the actor commits an offense intentionally, knowingly,
recklessly or if he has been previously convicted of a Class B or C misdemeanor under
this section.
(d) An offense under Subsections (b)(7), (b)(8), (b)(9), (b)(10), (b)(11), and (b)(12) is a Class A
misdemeanor.

Sec. 32.43. Commercial Bribery.

(a) For purposes of this section:

(1) "Beneficiary" means a person for whom a fiduciary is acting.
(2) "Fiduciary" means:
(A) an agent or employee;
(B) a trustee, guardian, custodian, administrator, executor, conservator, receiver,
or similar fiduciary;
(C) a lawyer, physician, accountant, appraiser, or other professional advisor; or
(D) an officer, director, partner, manager, or other participant in the direction of
the affairs of a corporation or association.
(b) A person who is a fiduciary commits an offense if, without the consent of his beneficiary, he
intentionally or knowingly solicits, accepts, or agrees to accept any benefit from another person
on agreement or understanding that the benefit will influence the conduct of the fiduciary in
relation to the affairs of his beneficiary.
(c) A person commits an offense if he offers, confers, or agrees to confer any benefit the
acceptance of which is an offense under Subsection (b).
(d) An offense under this section is a state jail felony.
(e) In lieu of a fine that is authorized by Subsection (d), and in addition to the imprisonment that
is authorized by that subsection, if the court finds that an individual who is a fiduciary gained a
benefit through the commission of an offense under Subsection (b), the court may sentence the
individual to pay a fine in an amount fixed by the court, not to exceed double the value of the
benefit gained. This subsection does not affect the application of Section 12.51(c) to an offense
under this section committed by a corporation association.

Sec 32.44. Rigging Publicly Exhibited Contest.

(a) A person commits an offense if with intent to affect the outcome (including the score) of a
publicly exhibited contest:
(1) he offers, confers, or agrees to confer any benefit on, or threatens harm to:
(A) a participant in the contest to induce him not to use his best efforts; or
(B) an official or other person associated with the contest; or
(2) he tampers with a person, animal, or thing in a manner contrary to the rules of the
contest.
(b) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly solicits, accepts, or agrees to
accept any benefit the conferring of which is an offense under Subsection (a).
(c) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 32.441. Illegal Recruitment of An Athlete.

(a) A person commits an offense if, without the consent of the governing body or a designee of
the governing, body of an institution of higher education, the person intentionally or knowingly
solicits, accepts, or agrees to accept any benefit from another on an agreement or understanding
that the benefit will influence the conduct of the person in enrolling in the institution and
participating in intercollegiate athletics.
(b) A person commits an offense if he offers, confers, or agrees to confer any benefit the
acceptance of which is an offense under Subsection (a).
(c) It is an exception to prosecution under this section that the person offering, conferring, or
agreeing to confer a benefit and the person soliciting, accepting, or agreeing to accept a benefit
are related within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity, as determined under Chapter
573, Government Code.
(d) It is an exception to prosecution under Subsection (a) that, not later than the 60th day after
the date the person accepted or agreed to accept a benefit, the person contacted a law
enforcement agency and furnished testimony or evidence about the offense.
(e) An offense under this section is a:
(1) Class C misdemeanor if the value of the benefit is less than $20;
(2) Class B misdemeanor if the value of the benefit is $20 or more but less than $500;
(3) Class A misdemeanor if the value of the benefit is $500 or more but less than $1,500;
(4) state jail felony if the value of the benefit is $1,500 or more but less than $20,000;
(5) felony of the third degree if the value of the benefit is $20,000 or more but less than
$100,000;
(6) felony of the second degree if the value of the benefit is $100,000 or more but less
than $200,000; or
(7) felony of the first degree if the value of the benefit is $200,000 or more.

Sec. 32.45. Misapplication of Fiduciary Property or Property of Financial Institution.

(a) For purposes of this section:

(1) "Fiduciary" includes:
(A) a trustee, guardian, administrator, executor, conservator, and receiver;
(B) an attorney in fact or agent appointed under a durable power of attorney as
provided by Chapter XII, Texas Probate Code;
(C) any other person acting in a fiduciary capacity, but not a commercial bailee
unless the commercial bailee is a party in a motor fuel sales agreement with a
distributor or supplier, as those terms are defined by Section 153.001, Tax Code;
and
(D) an officer, manager, employee, or agent carrying on fiduciary functions on
 behalf of a fiduciary.
(2) “Misapply" means deal with property contrary to:
(A) an agreement under which the fiduciary holds the property; or
(B) a law prescribing the custody or disposition of the property.
(b) A person commits an offense if he intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly misapplies
property he holds as a fiduciary or property of a financial institution in a manner that involves
substantial risk of loss to the owner of the property or to a person for whose benefit the property
is held.
(c) An offense under this section is:
(1) a Class C misdemeanor if the value of the property misapplied is less than $20;
(2) a Class B misdemeanor if the value of the property misapplied is $20 or more but less
than $500;
(3) a Class A misdemeanor if the value of the property misapplied is $500 or more but
less than $1,500;
(4) a state jail felony if the value of the property misapplied is $1,500 or more but less
than $20,000;
(5) a felony of the third degree if the value of the property misapplied is $20,000 or more
but less than $100,000;
(6) a felony of the second degree if the value of the property misapplied is $100,000 or
more but less than $200,000; or
(7) a felony of the first degree if the value of the property misapplied is $200,000 or
more.
(d) An offense described for purposes of punishment by Subsections (c)(1)-(6) is increased to the
next higher category of offense if it is shown on the trial of the offense that the offense was
committed against an elderly individual as defined by Section 22.04.
(e) With the consent of the appropriate local county or district attorney, the attorney general has
concurrent jurisdiction with that consenting local prosecutor to prosecute an offense under this
section that involves the state Medicaid program.

Sec. 32.46. Securing Execution of Document by Deception.

(a) A person commits an offense if with intent to defraud or harm any person, he, by deception:
(1) causes another to sign or execute any document affecting property or service or the
pecuniary interest of any person; or
(2) causes or induces a public servant to file or record any purported judgment or other
document purporting to memorialize or evidence an act, an order, a directive, or process
of:
(A) a purported court that is not expressly created or established under the
constitution or the laws of this state or of the United States;
(B) a purported judicial entity that is not expressly created or established under
the constitution or laws of this state or of the United States; or
(C) a purported judicial officer of a purported court or purported judicial entity
described by paragraph (A) or (B).
(b) An offense under Subsection (a)(1) is a:
(1) Class C misdemeanor if the value of the property, service, or pecuniary interest is less
than $20;
(2) Class B misdemeanor if the value of the property, service, or pecuniary interest is $20
or more but less. than $500;
(3) Class A misdemeanor if the value of the property, service, or pecuniary interest is
$500 or more but less than $1,500;
(4) state jail felony if the value of the property, service, or pecuniary interest is $1,500 or
 more but less than $20,000;
(5) felony of the third degree if the value of the property, service, or pecuniary interest is
$20,000 or more but less than $100,000;
(6) felony of the second degree if the value of the property, service, or pecuniary interest
is $100,000 or more but less than $200,000; or
(7) felony of the first degree if the value of the property, service, or pecuniary interest is
$200,000 or more.
(c) An offense under Subsection (a)(2) is a state jail felony.
(c-1) An offense described for purposes of punishment by Subsections (b)(1) - (6) and (c) is
increased to the next higher category of offense if it is shown on the trial of the offense that the
offense was committed against an elderly individual as defined by Section 22.04 or involves the
state Medicaid program.
(d) In this section, "deception" has the meaning assigned by Section 31.01.
(e) With the consent of the appropriate local county or district attorney, the attorney general has
concurrent jurisdiction. with that consenting local prosecutor to prosecute an offense under this
section that involves the state Medicaid program.

Sec. 32.47. Fraudulent Destruction, Removal, or Concealment of Writing.

(a) A person commits an offense if with intent to defraud or harm another, he destroys, removes,
conceals, alters, substitutes, or otherwise impairs the verity, legibility, or availability of a writing,
other than a governmental record.
(b) For purposes of this section, "writing" includes:
(1) printing or any other method of recording information;
(2) money, coins, tokens, stamps, seals, credit cards, badges, trademarks;
(3) symbols of value, right, privilege, or identification; and
(4) universal product codes, labels, price tags, or markings on goods.
(c) Except as provided in Subsection (d), an offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d) An offense under this section is a state jail felony if the writing:
(1) is a will or codicil of another, whether or not the maker is alive or dead and whether
or not it has been admitted to probate; or
(2) is a deed, mortgage, deed of trust, security instrument, security agreement, or other
writing for which the law provides public recording or filing, whether or not the writing
has been acknowledged.

Sec. 32.48. Simulating Legal Process.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person recklessly causes to be delivered to another any
document that simulates a summons, complaint, judgment, or other court process with the intent
to:
(1) induce payment of a claim from another person; or
(2) cause another to:
(A) submit to the putative authority of the document; or
(B) take any action or refrain from taking any action in response to the document,
in compliance with the document, or on the basis of the document.
(b) Proof that the document was mailed to any person with the intent that it be forwarded to the
intended recipient is a sufficient showing that the document was delivered.
(c) It is not a defense to prosecution under this section that the simulating document:
(1) states that it is not legal process; or
(2) purports to have been issued or authorized by a person or entity who did not have
lawful authority to issue or authorize the document.
(d) If it is shown on the trial of an offense under this section that the simulating document was
filed with, presented to, or delivered to a clerk of a court or an employee of a clerk of a court
created or established under the constitution or laws of this state, there is a rebuttable
presumption that the document was delivered with the intent described by Subsection (a).
(e) Except as provided by Subsection (1), an offense under this section is a Class A
misdemeanor.
(f) If it is shown on the trial of an offense under this section that the defendant has previously
been convicted of a violation of this section, the offense is a state jail felony.

Sec. 32.49. Refusal to Execute Release of Fraudulent Lien or Claim.

(a) A person commits an offense if, with intent to defraud or harm another, the person:
(1) owns, holds, or is the beneficiary of a purported lien or claim asserted against real or
personal property or an interest in real or personal property that is fraudulent, as
described by Section 51.901(c), Government Code; and
(2) not later than the 21st day after the date of receipt of actual or written notice sent by
either certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to the person's last known
address, or by telephonic document transfer to the recipient's current telecopier number,
requesting the execution of a release of the fraudulent lien or claim, refuses to execute
the release on the request of:
(A) the obligor or debtor; or
(B) any person who owns any interest in the real or personal property described in
the document or instrument that is the basis for the lien or claim.
(b) A person who fails to execute a release of the purported lien or claim within the period
prescribed by Subsection (a)(2) is presumed to have had the intent to harm or defraud another
(c) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 32.50. Deceptive Preparation and Marketing of Academic Product.

(a) For purposes of this section.

(1) "Academic product" means a term paper, thesis, dissertation, essay, report, recording,
work of art, or other written, recorded, pictorial, or artistic product or material submitted
or intended to be submitted by a person to satisfy an academic requirement of the person.
(2) "Academic requirement" means a requirement or prerequisite to receive course credit
or to complete a course of study or degree, diploma, or certificate program at an
institution of higher education
(3) "Institution of higher education" means an institution of higher education or private or
independent institution of higher education as those terms are defined by Section 61.003,
Education Code, or a private postsecondary educational institution as that term is defined
by Section 61.302, Education Code,
(b) A person commits an offense if, with intent to make a profit, the person prepares, sells, offers
or advertises for sale, or delivers to another person an academic product when the person knows,
or should reasonably have known, that a. person intends to submit or use the academic product to
satisfy an academic requirement of a person other than the person who prepared the
product.
(c) A person commits an offense if, with intent to induce another person to enter into an
agreement or obligation to obtain or have prepared an academic product, the person knowingly
makes or disseminates a written or oral statement that the person will prepare or cause to be
prepared an academic product to be sold for use in satisfying an academic requirement of a
person other than the person who prepared the product.
(d) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the actors conduct consisted solely of
action taken as an employee of an institution of higher education in providing instruction,
counseling, or tutoring in research or writing to students of the institution.
(e) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the actors conduct consisted solely of
offering or providing tutorial or editing assistance to another person in connection with the other
person's preparation of an academic product to satisfy the other person's academic requirement,
and the actor does not offer or provide substantial preparation, writing, or research in the
production of the academic product.
(f) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the actors conduct consisted solely of
typing, transcribing, or reproducing a manuscript for a fee, or of offering to do so.
(g) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

Sec. 32.51. Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Identifying information" means information that alone or in conjunction with other
information identifies a person, including a person's:
(A) name and social security number, date of birth, or government-issued
identification number;
(B) unique biometric data, including the person's fingerprint, voice print, or retina
or iris image;
(C) unique electronic identification number, address, routing code, or financial
institution account number ; and
(D) telecommunication identifying information or access device.
(2) "Telecommunication access device" means a card, plate, code, account number;
personal identification number, electronic serial number, mobile identification number, or
other telecommunications service, equipment, or instrument identifier or means of
account access that alone or in conjunction with another telecommunication access
device may be used to:
(A) obtain money, goods, services, or other thing of value; or
(B) initiate a transfer of funds other than a transfer originated solely by paper
instrument
(b) (3 Versions) A person commits an offense if the person, with intent to harm or defraud
another, obtains, possesses, transfers, or uses identifying information of;
(1) another person without the other person's consent; or
(2) a child younger than 18 years of age.
(b) (3 Versions) A person commits an offense if the person, with the intent to harm or defraud
another, obtains, possesses, transfers, or uses:
(1) identifying information of another person without the other person's consent; or
(2) without legal authorization, information concerning a deceased person that would be
identifying information of that person were that person alive.
(b) (3 Versions) A person commits an offense if the person, with the intent to harm or defraud
another, obtains, possesses, transfers, or uses an item of identifying information of:
(1) a deceased natural person, including a stillborn infant or fetus, without legal
authorization; or
(2) another person without the other person's consent.
(b-1) For the purpose of Subsection (b), the actor is presumed to have the intent to harm or
defraud another if the actor possesses:
(1) the identifying information of three or more other persons;
(2) information described by Subsection (b)(2) concerning three or more deceased
persons; or
(3) information described by Subdivision (1) or (2) concerning three or more persons or
 deceased persons.
(b-2) The presumption established under Subsection (b-1) does not apply to a business or other
commercial entity or a government agency that is engaged in. a business activity or
governmental function that does not violate a penal law of this state.
(c) An offense under this section is:
(1) a state jail felony if the number of items obtained, possessed, transferred, or used is
less than five;
(2) a felony of the third degree if the number of items obtained, possessed, transferred, or
used is five or more but less than 10;
(3) a felony of the second degree if the number of items obtained, possessed, transferred,
or used is 10 or more but less than 50; or
(4) a felony of the first degree if the number of items obtained, possessed, transferred; or
used is 50 or more.
(d) If a court orders a defendant convicted of an offense under this section to make restitution to
the victim of the offense, the court may order the defendant to reimburse the victim for lost
income or other expenses, other than attorney's fees, incurred as a result of the offense.
(e) If conduct that constitutes an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under any
other law, the actor may be prosecuted under this section, the other law, or both.

Sec. 32.52. Fraudulent, Substandard, or Fictitious Degree.

(a) In this section, "fraudulent or substandard degree" has the meaning assigned by Section
61.302, Education Code.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person:
(1) uses or claims to hold a postsecondary degree that the person knows:
(A) is a fraudulent or substandard degree;
(B) is fictitious or has otherwise not been granted to the person; or
(C) has been revoked; and
(2) uses or claims to hold that degree:
(A) in a written or oral advertisement or other promotion of a business; or
(B) with the intent to:
(i) obtain employment;
(ii) obtain a license or certificate to practice a trade, profession, or
occupation;
(iii) obtain a promotion, a compensation or other benefit, or an increase in
compensation or other benefit, in employment or in the practice of a trade,
profession, or occupation;
(iv) obtain admission to an educational program in this state; or
(v) gain a position in government with authority over another person,
regardless of whether the actor receives compensation for the position.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
(d) If conduct that constitutes an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under any
other law, the actor may be prosecuted under this section or the other law.

CHAPTER 33
COMPUTER CRIMES

Section
33.01. Definitions.
33.02. Breach of Computer Security.
33.021. Online Solicitation of a Minor.
33.03. Defenses.
33.04. Assistance by Attorney General.
33.05. Tampering with Direct Recording Electronic Voting Machine.

Sec. 33.01. Definitions.

In this chapter:
(1) "Access" means to approach, instruct, communicate with, store data in, retrieve or
intercept data from, alter data or computer software in, or otherwise make use of any
resource of a computer, computer network, computer program, or computer system.
(2) "Aggregate amount" means the amount of:
(A) any direct or indirect loss incurred by a victim, including the value of money,
property, or service stolen or rendered unrecoverable by the offense; or
(B) any expenditure required by the victim to verify that a computer, computer
network, computer program, or computer system was not altered, acquired,
damaged, deleted, or disrupted by the offense.
(3) "Communications common carrier" means a person who owns or operates a telephone
system in this state that includes equipment or facilities for the conveyance, transmission,
or reception of communications and who receives compensation from persons who use
that system.
(4) "Computer" means an electronic, magnetic, optical, electrochemical, or other high
speed data processing device that performs logical, arithmetic, or memory functions by
the manipulations of electronic or magnetic impulses and includes all input, output,
processing, storage, or communication facilities that are connected or related to the
device.
(5) "Computer network" means the interconnection of two or more computers or
computer systems by satellite, microwave, line, or other communication medium with the
capability to transmit information among the computers.
(6) "Computer program" means an ordered set of data representing coded instructions or
statements that when executed by a computer cause the computer to process data or
perform specific functions.
(7) "Computer services" means the product of the use of a computer, the information
stared in the computer, or the personnel supporting the computer, including computer
time, data processing, and storage functions.
(8) "Computer system" means any combination of a computer or computer network with
the documentation, computer software, or physical facilities supporting the computer or
computer network.
(9) "Computer software" means a set of computer programs, procedures, and associated
documentation related to the operation of a computer, computer system, or computer
network.
(10) "Computer virus" means an unwanted computer program or other set of instructions
inserted into a computer's memory, operating system, or program that is specifically
constructed with the ability to replicate itself or to affect the other programs or files in the
computer by attaching a copy of the unwanted program or other set of instructions to one
or more computer programs or files.
(11) "Data" means a representation of information, knowledge, facts, concepts, or
instructions that is being prepared or has been prepared in a formalized manner and is
intended to be stored or processed, is being stored or processed, or has been stored or
processed in a computer. Data may be embodied in any form, including but not limited to
computer printouts, magnetic storage media, laser storage media, and punch cards, or
may be stored internally in the memory of the computer.
 (12) "Effective consent" includes consent by a person legally authorized to act for the
owner. Consent is not effective if:
(A) induced by deception, as defined by Section 31.01, or induced by coercion;
(B) given by a person the actor knows is not legally authorized to act for the
owner;
(C) given by a person who by reason of youth, mental disease or defect, or
intoxication is known by the actor to be unable to make reasonable property
dispositions;
(D) given solely to detect the commission of an offense; or
(E) used for a purpose other than that for which the consent was given.
(13) "Electric utility" has the meaning assigned by Section 31.002, Utilities Code.
(14) "Harm" includes partial or total alteration, damage, or erasure of stored data,
interruption of computer services, introduction of a computer virus, or any other loss,
disadvantage, or injury that might reasonably be suffered as a result of the actors conduct.
(15) "Owner" means a person who:
(A) has title to the property, possession of the property, whether lawful or not, or
a greater right to possession of the property than the actor;
(B) has the right to restrict access to the property; or
(C) is the licensee of data or computer software.
(16) “Property” means:
(A) tangible or intangible personal property including a computer, computer
system, computer network, computer software, or data; or
(B) the use of a computer, computer system, computer network, computer
software, or data.

Sec. 33.02. Breach of Computer Security.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly accesses a computer, computer
network, or computer system without the effective consent of the owner.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor unless in committing the offense the
actor knowingly obtains a benefit, defrauds or harms another, or alters, damages, or deletes
property, in which event the offense is:
(1) a Class A misdemeanor if the aggregate amount involved is less than $1,500;
(2) a state jail felony if:
(A) the aggregate amount involved is $1,500 or more but less than $20,000; or
(B) the aggregate amount involved is less than $1,500 and the defendant has been
previously convicted two or more times of an offense under this chapter;
(3) a felony of the third degree if the aggregate amount involved is $20,000 or more but
less than $100,000;
(4) a felony of the second degree if the aggregate amount involved is $100,000 or more
but less than $200,000; or
(5) a felony of the first degree if the aggregate amount involved is $200,000 or more.
(c) When benefits are obtained, a victim is defrauded or harmed, or property is altered, damaged,
or deleted in violation of this section, whether or not in a single incident, the conduct may be
considered as one offense and the value of the benefits obtained and of the losses incurred
because of the fraud, harm, or alteration, damage, or deletion of property may be aggregated in
determining the grade of the offense.
(d) A person who his subject to prosecution under this section and any other section of this code
may be prosecuted under either or both sections.

Sec. 33.021. Online Solicitation of a Minor.

(a) In this section:
(1) "Minor" means:
(A) an individual who represents himself or herself to be younger than 17 years of
age; or
(B) an individual whom the actor believes to be younger than 17 years of age.
(2) "Sexual contact," "sexual intercourse," and "deviate sexual intercourse" have the
meanings assigned by Section 21.01.
(3) "Sexually explicit" means any communication, language, or material, including a
photographic or video image, that relates to or describes sexual conduct, as defined by
Section 43.25.
(b) A person who is 17 years of age or older commits an offense if, with the intent to arouse or
gratify the sexual desire of any person, the person, over the Internet, by electronic mail or text
message or other electronic message service or system, or through a commercial online service,
intentionally:
(1) communicates in a sexually explicit manner with a minor; or
(2) distributes sexually explicit material to a minor.
(c) A person commits an offense if the person, over the Internet, by electronic mail or text
message or other electronic message service or system, or through a commercial online service,
knowingly solicits a minor to meet another person, including the actor, with the intent that the
minor will engage in. sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or deviate sexual intercourse with the
actor or another person.
(d) It is not a defense to prosecution under Subsection (c) that:
(1) the meeting did not occur;
(2) the actor did not intend for the meeting to occur; or
(3) the actor was engaged in a fantasy at the time of commission of the offense.
(e) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that at the time conduct described by
Subsection (b) or (c) was committed:
(1) the actor was married to the minor; or
(2) the actor was not more than three years older than the minor and the minor consented
to the conduct.
(f) An offense under Subsection (b) is a felony of the third degree, except that the offense is a
felony of the second degree if the minor is younger than 14 years of age or is an individual
whom the actor believes to be younger than 14 years of age at the time of the commission of the
offense. An offense under Subsection (c) is a felony of the second degree.
(g) If conduct that constitutes an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under any
other law, the actor may be prosecuted under this section, the other law, or both.

Sec. 33.03. Defenses.

It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Section 33.02 that the actor was an officer,
employee, or agent of a communications common carrier or electric utility and committed the
proscribed act or acts in the course of employment while engaged in an activity that is a
necessary incident to the rendition of service or to the protection of the rights or property of the
communications common carrier or electric utility.

Sec. 33.04. Assistance by Attorney General.

The attorney general, if requested to do so by a prosecuting attorney, may assist the prosecuting
attorney in the investigation or prosecution of an offense under this chapter or of any other
offense involving the use of a computer.
Sec. 33.05. Tampering with Direct Recording Electronic Voting Machine.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Direct recording electronic voting machine" has the meaning assigned by Section
121.003, Election Code.
(2) "Measure" has the meaning assigned by Section 1.005, Election Code.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly accesses a computer, computer
network, computer program, computer software, or computer system that is a part of a voting
system that uses direct recording electronic voting machines and by means of that access:
(1) pr events a person from lawfully casting a vote;
(2) changes a lawfully cast vote;
(3) prevents a lawfully cast vote from being counted; or
(4) causes a vote that was not lawfully cast to be counted.
(c) An offense under this section does not require that the votes as affected by the person's
actions described by Subsection (b) actually be the votes used in the official determination of the
outcome of the election.
(d) An offense under this section is a felony of the first degree.
(e) Notwithstanding Section 15.01(d), an offense under Section 15.01(a) is a felony of the third
degree if the offense the actor intends to commit is an offense under this section.

CHAPTER 33A
TELECOMMUNICATIONS CRIMES

Section
33A.01. Definitions.
33A.02. Unauthorized Use of Telecommunications Service.
33A.03. Manufacture, Possession, or Delivery of Unlawful Telecommunications
Device.
33A.04. Theft of Telecommunications Service.
33A.05. Publication of Telecommunications Access Device.
33A.06. Assistance by Attorney General.

Sec. 33A.01. Definitions.

In this chapter :
(1) "Counterfeit telecommunications access device" means a telecommunications access
device that is false, fraudulent, not issued to a legitimate telecommunications access
device subscriber account, or otherwise unlawful or invalid.
(2) "Counterfeit telecommunications device" means a telecommunications device that has
been altered or programmed alone or with another telecommunications device to acquire,
intercept, receive, or otherwise facilitate the use of a telecommunications service without
the authority or consent of the telecommunications service provider and includes a clone
telephone, clone microchip, tumbler telephone, tumbler microchip, or wireless scanning
device capable of acquiring, intercepting, receiving, or otherwise facilitating the use of a
telecommunications service without immediate detection.
(3) "Deliver" means to actually or constructively sell, give, loan, or otherwise transfer a
telecommunications device, or a counterfeit telecommunications device or any
telecommunications plans, instructions, or materials, to another person.
(4) "Publish" means to communicate information or make information available to an
other person orally, in writing, or by means of telecommunications and includes
 communicating information on a computer bulletin board or similar system.
(5) "Telecommunications" means the origination, emission, transmission, or reception of
data, images, signals, sounds, or other intelligence or equivalence of intelligence over a
communications system by any method, including an electronic, magnetic, optical,
digital, or analog method.
(6) “Telecommunications access device" means an instrument, device, card, plate, code,
account number, personal identification number, electronic serial number, mobile
identification number, counterfeit number, or financial transaction device that alone or
with another telecommunications access device can acquire, intercept, provide, receive,
use, or otherwise facilitate the use of a telecommunications device, counterfeit
telecommunications device, or telecommunications service.
(7) "Telecommunications device" means any instrument, equipment, machine, or device
that facilitates telecommunications and includes a computer, computer chip or circuit,
telephone, pager, personal communications device, transponder, receiver, radio, modem,
or device that enables use of a modem.
(8) "Telecommunications service" means the provision, facilitation, or generation of
telecommunications through the use of a telecommunications device or
telecommunications access device over a telecommunications system.
(9) "Value of the telecommunications service obtained or attempted to be obtained"
includes the value of:
(A) a lawful charge for telecommunications service avoided or attempted to be
avoided;
(B) money, property, or telecommunications service lost, stolen, or rendered
unrecoverable by an offense; and
(C) an expenditure incurred by a victim to verify that a telecommunications
device or telecommunications access device or telecommunications service was
not altered, acquired, damaged, or disrupted as a result of an offense.

Sec. 33A.02. Unauthorized Use of Telecommunications Service.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person is an officer, shareholder, partner, employee,
agent, or independent contractor of a telecommunications service provider and the person
knowingly and without authority uses or diverts telecommunications service for the person's own
benefit or to the benefit of another.
(b) An offense under this section is:
(1) a Class B misdemeanor if the value of the telecommunications service used or
diverted is less than $500;
(2) a Class A misdemeanor if:
(A) the value of the telecommunications service used or diverted is $500 or more
but less than $1,500; or
(B) the value of the telecommunications service used or diverted is less than $500
and the defendant has been previously convicted of an offense under this chapter;
(3) a state jail felony if:
(A) the value of the telecommunications service used or diverted is $1,500 or
more but less than $20,000; or
(B) the value of the telecommunications service used or diverted is less than
$1,500 and the defendant has been previously convicted two or more times of an
offense under this chapter;
(4) a felony of the third degree if the value of the telecommunications service used or
diverted is $20,000 or more but less than $100,000;
(5) a felony of the second degree if the value of the telecommunications service used or
 diverted is $100,000 or more but less than $200,000; or
(6) a felony of the first degree if the value of the telecommunications service used or
diverted. is $200,000 of more.
(c) When telecommunications service is used or diverted in violation of this section pursuant to
one scheme or continuing course of conduct, whether or not in a single incident, the conduct may
be considered as one offense and the values of the service used or diverted may be aggregated in
determining the grade of the offense.

Sec. 33A.03. Manufacture, Possession, or Delivery of Unlawful Telecommunications Device.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person manufactures, possesses, delivers, offers to
deliver, or advertises:
(1) a counterfeit telecommunications device; or
(2) a telecommunications device that is intended to be used to:
(A) commit an offense under Section 33A.04; or
(B) conceal the existence or place of origin or destination of a
telecommunications service.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person delivers, offers to deliver, or advertises plans,
instructions, or materials for manufacture of:
(1) a counterfeit telecommunications device; or
(2) a telecommunications device that is intended to be used to commit an offense under
Subsection (a).
(c) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.
(d) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the person was an officer, agent, or
employee of a telecommunications service provider who engaged in the conduct for the purpose
of gathering information for a law enforcement investigation related to an offense under this
chapter.

Sec. 33A.04. Theft of Telecommunications Service.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly obtains or attempts to obtain
telecommunications service to avoid or cause another person to avoid a lawful charge for that
service by using:
(1) a telecommunications access device without the authority or consent of the subscriber
or lawful holder of the device or pursuant to an agreement for an exchange of value with
the subscriber or lawful holder of the device to allow another person to use the device;
(2) a counterfeit telecommunications access device;
(3) a telecommunications device or counterfeit telecommunications device; or
(4) a fraudulent or deceptive scheme, pretense, method, or conspiracy, or other device or
means, including a false, altered, or stolen identification.
(b) An offense under this section is:
(1) a. Class B misdemeanor if the value of the telecommunications service obtained or
attempted to be obtained is less than $500;
(2) a Class A misdemeanor if;
(A) the value of the telecommunications service obtained or attempted to be
obtained is $500 or more but less than $1,500; or
(B) the value of the telecommunications service obtained or attempted to be
obtained is less than $500 and the defendant has been previously convicted of an
offense under this chapter;
(3) a state jail felony if:
(A) the value of the telecommunications service obtained or attempted to be
 obtained is $1,500 or more but less than $20,000; or
(B) the value of the telecommunications service obtained or attempted to be
obtained is less than $1,500 and the defendant has been previously convicted two
or more. times of an offense under this chapter;
(4) a felony of the third degree if the value of the telecommunications service obtained or
attempted to be obtained is $20,000 or more but less than $100,000;
(5) a felony of the second degree if the value of the telecommunications service obtained
or attempted to be obtained is $100,000 or more but less than $200,000; or
(6) a felony of the first degree if the value of the telecommunications service obtained or
attempted to be obtained is $200,000 or more.
(c) When telecommunications service is obtained or attempted to be obtained in violation of this
section pursuant to one scheme or continuing course of conduct, whether or not in a single
incident, the conduct may be considered as one offense and the values of the service obtained or
attempted to be obtained may be aggregated in determining the grade of the offense.

Sec. 33A.05. Publication of Telecommunications Access Device.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person with criminal negligence publishes a
telecommunications access device or counterfeit telecommunications access device that is
designed to be used to commit an offense under Section 33A.04.
(b) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, an offense under this section is a Class A
misdemeanor. An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if the person has been
previously convicted of an offense under this chapter.

Sec. 33A.06. Assistance by Attorney General.

The attorney general, if requested to do so by a prosecuting attorney, may assist the prosecuting
attorney in the investigation or prosecution of an offense under this chapter or of any other
offense involving the use of telecommunications equipment, services, or devices.

CHAPTER 34
MONEY LAUNDERING

Section
34.01. Definitions.
34.02. Money Laundering.
34.021. Protection from Civil Liability.
34.03. Assistance by Attorney General.

Sec. 34.01. Definitions.

In this chapter:
(1) "Criminal activity" means any offense, including any preparatory offense, that is:
(A) classified as a felony under the laws of this state or the United States; or
(B) punishable by confinement for more. than one year under the laws of another.
state.
(2) "Funds" includes:
(A) coin or paper money of the United States or any other country that is
designated as legal tender and that circulates and is customarily used and accepted
as a medium of exchange in the country of issue;
(B) United States silver certificates, United States Treasury notes, and Federal
 Reserve. System notes;
(C) an official foreign bank note that is customarily used and accepted as a
medium of exchange in a foreign country and a foreign bank draft; and
(D) currency or its equivalent, including an electronic fund, personal check, bank
check, traveler's check, money order, bearer negotiable instrument, bearer
investment security, bearer security, or certificate of stock in a form that allows
title to pass on delivery.
(3) "Financial institution" has the meaning assigned by Section 32.01.
(4) "Proceeds" means funds acquired or derived directly or indirectly from, produced
through, or realized through an act.

Sec. 34.02. Money Laundering.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly:

(1) acquires or maintains an interest in, conceals, possesses, transfers, or transports the
proceeds of criminal activity;
(2) conducts, supervises, or facilitates a transaction involving the proceeds of criminal
activity;
(3) invests, expends, or receives, or offers to invest, expend, or receive, the proceeds of
criminal activity or funds that the person believes are the proceeds of criminal activity; or
(4) finances or invests or intends to finance or invest funds that the person believes are
intended to further the commission of criminal activity.
(a-1) Knowledge of the specific nature of the criminal activity giving rise to the proceeds is not
required to establish a culpable mental state under this section.
(b) For purposes of this section, a person is presumed to believe that funds are the proceeds of or
are intended to further the commission of criminal activity if a peace officer or a person acting at
the direction of a peace officer represents to the person that the funds are proceeds of or are
intended to further the commission of criminal activity, as applicable, regardless of whether the
peace officer or person acting at the peace officer's direction discloses the person's status as a
peace officer or that the person is acting at the direction of a peace officer.
(c) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the person acted with intent to facilitate
the lawful seizure, forfeiture, or disposition of funds or other legitimate law enforcement purpose
pursuant to the laws of this state or the United States.
(d) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the transaction was necessary to preserve
a person's right to representation as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment of the United States
Constitution and by Article 1, Section 10, of the Texas Constitution or that the funds were
received as bona fide legal fees by a licensed attorney and at the time of their receipt, the
attorney did not have actual knowledge that the funds were derived from criminal activity.
(e) An offense under this section is:
(1) a state jail felony if the value of the funds is $1,500 or more but less than $20,000;
(2) a felony of the third degree if the value of the funds is $20,000 or more but less than
$100,000;
(3) a felony of the second degree if the value of the funds is $100,000 or more but less
than $200,000; or
(4) a felony of the first degree if the value of the funds is $200,000 or more
(f) For purposes of this section, if proceeds of criminal activity are related to one scheme or
continuing course of conduct, whether from the same or several sources, the conduct may be
considered as one offense and the value of the proceeds aggregated in determining the
classification of the offense.
(g) For purposes of this section, funds on deposit at a branch of a financial institution are
considered the property of that branch and any other branch of the financial institution.
(h) If conduct that constitutes an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under any
other law, the actor may be prosecuted under this section, the other law, or both.

Sec. 34.021. Protection from Civil Liability.

Notwithstanding Section 1.03(c), a financial institution or an agent of the financial institution

acting in a manner described by Section 34.02(c) is not liable for civil damages to a person who:
(1) claims an ownership interest in funds involved in an. offense under Section 34.02; or
(2) conducts with the financial institution or an insurer, as defined by Article 1.02,
Insurance Code, a transaction concerning funds involved in an offense under Section
34.02

Sec. 34.03. Assistance by Attorney General.

The attorney general, if requested to do so by a prosecuting attorney, may assist in the

prosecution of an offense under this chapter

CHAPTER 35
INSURANCE FRAUD

Section
35.01. Definitions.
35.015. Materiality.
35.02. Insurance Fraud.
35.025. Value of Claim.
35.03. Aggregation and Multiple Offenses.
35.04. Jurisdiction of Attorney General.

Sec. 35.01. Definitions.

In this chapter:
(1) "Insurance policy" means a written instrument in which is provided the terms of any
certificate of insurance, binder, of coverage, contract of insurance, benefit plan, nonprofit
hospital service plan, motor club service plan, surety bond, cash bond, or any other
alternative to insurance authorized by Chapter 601, Transportation Code The term
includes any instrument authorized to be regulated by the Texas Department of
Insurance.
(2) "Insurer" has the meaning assigned by. Article 1.02, Insurance Code.
(3) "Statement" means an oral or written communication or a record or documented
representation of fact made to an insurer. The term includes computer-generated
information.
(4) "Value of the claim" means the total dollar amount of a claim for payment under an
insurance policy or as applicable, the value of the claim determined under Section
35.025.

Sec. 35.015. Materiality.

A statement is material for the purposes of this chapter, regardless of the admissibility of the
statement at trial, if the statement could have affected:
(1) the eligibility for coverage or amount of the payment on a claim for payment under an
insurance policy; or
 (2) the decision of an insurer whether to issue an insurance policy.

Sec. 35.02. Insurance Fraud.

(a) A person commits an offense if, with intent to defraud or deceive an insurer, the person, in
support of a claim for payment under an insurance policy:
(1) prepares or causes to be prepared a statement that:
(A) the person knows contains false or misleading material information; and
(B) is presented to an insurer; or
(2) presents or causes to be presented to an insurer a statement that the person knows
contains false or misleading material information.
(a-1) A person commits an offense if the person, with intent to defraud or deceive an insurer and
in support of an application for an insurance Policy:
(1) prepares or causes to be prepared a statement that:
(A) the person knows contains false or misleading material information; and
(B) is presented to an insurer; or
(2) presents or causes to be presented to an insurer a statement that the person knows
contains false or misleading material information.
(b) A person commits an offense if with intent to defraud or deceive an insurer, the person
solicits, offers, pays, or receives a benefit in connection with the furnishing of goods or services
for which a claim for payment is submitted under an insurance policy.
(c) An offense under Subsection (a) or (b) is:
(1) a Class C misdemeanor if the value of the claim is less than $50;
(2) a Class B misdemeanor if the value of the claim is $50 or more but less than $500;
(3) a Class A misdemeanor if the value of the claim is $500 or more but less than $1,500;
(4) a state jail felony if the value of the claim is $1,500 or more but less than $20,000;
(5) a felony of the third degree if the value of the claim is $20,000 or more but less than
$100,000;
(6) a felony of the second degree if the value of the claim is $100,000 or more but less
than $200,000; or
(7) a felony of the first degree if:
(A) the value of the claim is $200,000 or more; or
(B) an act committed in connection with the commission of the offense places a
person at risk of death or serious bodily injury.
(d) An offense under Subsection (a-1) is a state jail felony.
(e) The court shall order a defendant convicted of an offense under this section to pay restitution,
including court costs and attorney's fees, to an affected insurer.
(f) If conduct that constitutes an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under any
other law, the actor may be prosecuted under this section, the other law, or both.
(g) For purposes of this section, if the actor proves by a preponderance of the evidence that a
portion of the claim for payment under an insurance policy resulted from a valid loss, injury,
expense, or service covered by the policy, the value of the claim is equal to the difference
between the total claim amount and the amount of the valid portion of the claim.
(h) If it is shown on the trial of an offense under this section that the actor submitted a bill for
goods or services in support of a claim for payment under an insurance policy to the insurer
issuing the policy, a rebuttable presumption exists that the actor caused the claim for payment to
be prepared or presented.

Sec. 35.025. Value of Claim.

(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b) and subject to Subsection (c), for the purposes of
Section. 35.02(c), if the value of a claim is not readily ascertainable, the value of the claim is:
(1) the fair market value, at the time and place of the offense, of the goods or services that
are the subject of the claim; or
(2) the cost of replacing the goods or services that are the subject of the claim within a
reasonable time after the claim.
(b) If goods or services that are the subject of a claim cannot be reasonably ascertained under
Subsection (a), the goods or services are considered to have a value of $500 or more but less than
$1,500.
(c) If the actor proves by a preponderance of the evidence that a portion of the claim for payment
under an insurance policy resulted from a valid loss, injury, expense, or service covered by the
policy, the value of the claim is equal to the difference between the total claim amount and the
amount of the valid portion of the claim.

Sec. 35.03. Aggregation and Multiple Offenses.

(a) When separate claims in violation of this chapter are communicated to an insurer or group of
insurers pursuant to one scheme or continuing course of conduct, the conduct may be considered
as one offense and the value of the claims aggregated in determining the classification of the
offense. If claims are aggregated under this subsection, Subsection (b) shall not apply.
(b) When three or more separate claims in violation of this chapter are communicated to an
insurer or group of insurers pursuant to one scheme or continuing course of conduct, the conduct
may be considered as one offense, and the classification of the offense shall be one category
higher than the most serious single offense proven from the separate claims, except that if the
most serious offense is a felony of the first degree, the offense is a felony of the first degree.
This subsection shall not be applied if claims are aggregated under Subsection (a).

Sec. 35.04. Jurisdiction of Attorney General.

(a) The attorney general may offer to an attorney representing the state in the prosecution of an
offense under Section 35.02 the investigative, technical, and litigation assistance of the attorney
general's office.
(b) The attorney general may prosecute or assist in the prosecution of an offense under Section
35.02 on the request of the attorney representing the state described by Subsection (a).

CHAPTER 35A
MEDICAID FRAUD

Section
35A.01. Definitions
35A 02. Medicaid Fraud

Sec. 35A.01. Definitions.

In this chapter:
(1) "Claim" has the meaning assigned by Section 36.001, Human Resources Code.
(2) "Fiscal agent" has the meaning assigned by Section 36.001, Human Resources Code.
(3) "Health care practitioner " has the meaning assigned by Section 36.001, Human
Resources Code.
(4) "Managed care organization" has the meaning assigned by Section 36.001, Human
Resources Code.
(5) "Medicaid program" has the meaning assigned by Section 36.001, Human Resources
 Code.
(6) "Medicaid recipient" has the meaning assigned by Section 36.001, Human Resources
Code.
(7) "Physician" has the meaning assigned by Section 36.001, Human Resources Code.
(8) "Provider" has the meaning assigned by Section 36.001, Human Resources Code.
(9) "Service" has the meaning assigned by Section 36.001, Human Resources Code.

Sec. 35A.02. Medicaid Fraud.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person:

(1) knowingly makes or causes to be made a false statement or misrepresentation of a
material fact to permit a person to receive a benefit or payment under the Medicaid
program that is not authorized or that is greater than the benefit or payment that is
authorized;
(2) knowingly conceals or fails to disclose information that permits a person to receive a
benefit or payment under the Medicaid program that is not authorized or that is greater
than the benefit or payment that is authorized;
(3) knowingly applies for and receives a benefit or payment on behalf of another person
under the Medicaid program and converts any part of the benefit or payment to a use
other than for the benefit of the person on whose behalf it was received;
(4) knowingly makes, causes to be made, induces, or seeks to induce the making of a
false statement or misrepresentation of material fact concerning:
(A) the conditions or operation of a facility in order that the facility may qualify
for certification or recertification required by the Medicaid program, including
certification or recertification as:
(i) a hospital;
(ii) a nursing facility or skilled nursing facility;
(iii) a hospice;
(iv) an intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded;
(v) an assisted living facility; or
(vi) a home health agency; or
(B) information required to be provided by a federal or state law, rule, regulation,
or provider agreement pertaining to the Medicaid program;
(5) except as authorized under the Medicaid program, knowingly pays, charges, solicits,
accepts, or receives, in addition to an amount paid under the Medicaid program, a gift,
money, a donation, or other consideration as a condition to the provision of a service or
product or the continued provision of a service or product if the cost of the service or
product is paid for, in whole or in part, under the Medicaid program;
(6) knowingly presents or causes to be presented a claim for payment under the Medicaid
program for a product provided or a service rendered by a person who:
(A) is not licensed to provide the product or render the service, if a license is
required; or
(B) is not licensed in the manner claimed;
(7) knowingly makes a claim under the Medicaid program for:
(A) a service or product that has not been approved or acquiesced in by a treating
physician or health care practitioner;
(B) a service or product that is substantially inadequate or inappropriate when
compared to generally recognized standards within the particular discipline or
within the health care industry; or
(C) a product that has been adulterated, debased, mislabeled, or that is otherwise
inappropriate;
 (8) makes a claim under the Medicaid program and knowingly fails to indicate the type of
license and the identification number of the licensed health care provider who actually
provided the service;
(9) knowingly enters into an agreement, combination, or conspiracy to defraud the state
by obtaining or aiding another person in obtaining an unauthorized payment or benefit
from the Medicaid program or a fiscal agent;
(10) is a managed care organization that contracts with the Health and Human Services
Commission or other state agency to provide or arrange to provide health care benefits or
services to individuals eligible under the Medicaid program and knowingly:
(A) fails to provide to an individual a health care benefit or service that the
organization is required to provide under the contract;
(B) fails to provide to the commission or appropriate state agency information
required to be provided by law, commission or agency rule, or contractual
provision; or
(C) engages in a fraudulent activity in connection with the enrollment of an
individual eligible under the Medicaid program in the organization's managed
care plan or in connection with marketing the organization's services to an
individual eligible under the Medicaid program;
(11) knowingly obstructs an investigation by the attorney general of an alleged unlawful
act under this section or under Section 32.039, 32.0391, or 36.002, Human Resources
Code; or
(12) knowingly makes, uses, or causes the making or use of a false record or statement to
conceal, avoid, or decrease an obligation to pay or transmit money or property to this
state under the Medicaid program.
(b) An offense under this section is:
(1) a Class C misdemeanor if the amount of any payment or the value of any monetary or
in-kind benefit provided or claim for payment made under the Medicaid program,
directly or indirectly, as a result of the conduct is less than $50;
(2) a Class B misdemeanor if the amount of any payment or the value of any monetary or
in-kind benefit provided or claim for payment made under the Medicaid program,
directly or indirectly, as a result of the conduct is $50 or more but less than $500;
(3) a Class A misdemeanor if the amount of any payment or the value of any monetary or
in-kind benefit provided or claim for payment made under the Medicaid program,
directly or indirectly, as a result of the conduct is $500 or more but less than $1,500;
(4) a state jail felony if
(A) the amount of any payment or the value of any monetary or in-kind benefit
provided or claim for payment made under the Medicaid program, directly or
indirectly, as a result of the conduct is $1,500 or more but less than $20,000;
(B) the offense is committed under Subsection (a)(11);
(C) it is shown on the trial of the offense that the amount of the payment or value
of the benefit described .by this subsection cannot be reasonably ascertained;
(5) a felony of the third degree if the amount of any payment or the value of any
monetary in-kind benefit provided or claim for payment made under the Medicaid
program, directly or indirectly, as a result of the conduct is $20,000 or more but less than
$100,000;
(6) a felony of the second degree if the amount of any payment or the value of any
monetary or in-kind benefit provided or claim for payment made under the Medicaid
program, directly or indirectly, as a result of the conduct is $100,000 or more but less
than $200,000; or
(7) a felony of the first degree if the amount of any payment or the value of any monetary
or in-kind benefit provided or claim for payment made under the Medicaid program,
 directly or indirectly, as a result of the conduct is $200,000 or more.
(c) If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under another
section of this code or another provision of law, the actor may be prosecuted under either this
section or the other section or provision.
(d) When multiple payments or monetary or in-kind benefits are provided under the Medicaid
program as a result of one scheme or continuing course of conduct, the conduct may be
considered as one offense and the amounts of the payments or monetary or in-kind benefits
aggregated in determining the grade of the offense.

TITLE 8
OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

CHAPTER 36
BRIBERY AND CORRUPT INFLUENCE

Section
36.01. Definitions.
36.02. Bribery
36.03. Coercion of Public Servant or Voter
36.04. Improper Influence.
36.05. Tampering with Witness
36.06. Obstruction or Retaliation
36.07. Acceptance of Honorarium.
36.08. Gift to Public Servant by Person Subject to His Jurisdiction.
36.09. Offering Gift to Public Servant.
36.10. Non-Applicable.

Sec. 36.01. Definitions.

In this chapter:

(1) "Custody" means:

(A) detained or under arrest by a peace officer; or
(B) under restraint by a public servant pursuant to an order of a court.
(2) "Party official" means a person who holds any position or office in a political party,
whether by election, appointment, or employment.
(3) "Benefit" means anything reasonably regarded as pecuniary gain or pecuniary
advantage, including benefit to any other person in whose welfare the beneficiary has a
direct and substantial interest.
(4) "Vote” means to cast a ballot in an election regulated by law.

Sec. 36.02. Bribery.

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly offers, confers, or agrees to

confer on another, or solicits, accepts, or agrees to accept from another:
(1) any benefit as consideration for the recipient's decision, opinion, recommendation,
vote, or other exercise of discretion as a public servant, party official, or voter;
(2) any benefit as consideration for the recipient's decision, vote, recommendation, or
other exercise of official discretion in a judicial or administrative proceeding;
(3) any benefit as consideration for a violation of a duty imposed by law on a public
servant or party official; or
 (4) any benefit that is a political contribution as defined by Title 15, Election Code, or
that is an expenditure made and reported in accordance with Chapter 305, Government
Code, if the benefit was offered, conferred, solicited, accepted, or agreed to pursuant to
an express agreement to take or withhold a specific exercise of official discretion if such
exercise of official discretion would not have been taken or withheld but for the benefit
notwithstanding any rule of evidence or jury instruction allowing factual inferences in the
absence of certain evidence, direct evidence of the express agreement shall be required in
any prosecution under this subdivision.
(b) It is no defense to prosecution under this section that a person whom the actor sought to
influence was not qualified to act in the desired way whether because he had not yet assumed
office or he lacked jurisdiction or for any other reason.
(c) It is no defense to prosecution under this section that the benefit is not offered or conferred or
that the benefit is not solicited or accepted until after:
(1) the decision, opinion, recommendation, vote, or other exercise of discretion has
occurred; or
(2) the public servant ceases to be a public servant.
(d) It is an exception to the application of Subdivisions (1), (2), and (3) of Subsection (a) that the
benefit is a political contribution as defined by Title 15, Election Code, or an expenditure made
and reported in accordance with Chapter 305, Government Code.
(e) An offense under this section is a felony of the second degree.

Sec. 36.03. Coercion of Public Servant or Voter.

(a) A person commits an offense if by means of coercion he:

(1) influences or attempts to influence a public servant in a specific exercise of his
official power or a specific performance of his official duty or influences or attempts to
influence a public servant to violate the public servant's known legal duty; or
(2) influences, or attempts to influence a voter, not to vote or to vote in a particular
manner.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor unless the coercion is a threat to
commit a felony, in which event it is a felony of the third degree.
(c) It is an exception to the application of Subsection (a)(1) of this section that the person who
influences or attempts to influence the public servant is a member of the governing body of a
governmental entity, and that the action that influences or attempts to influence the public
servant is an official action taken by the member of the governing body. For the purposes of this
subsection, the term "official action" includes deliberations by the governing body of a govern
mental entity.

Sec. 36.04. Improper Influence.

(a) A person commits an offense if he privately addresses a representation, entreaty, argument, or

other communication to any public servant who exercises or will exercise official discretion in an
adjudicatory proceeding with an intent to influence the outcome of the proceeding on the basis of
considerations other than those authorized by law.
(b) For purposes of this section, "adjudicatory proceeding" means any proceeding before a court
or any other agency of government in which the legal rights, powers, duties, or privileges of
specified parties are determined.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 36.05. Tampering with Witness.

(a) A person commits an offense if, with intent to influence the witness, he offers, confers, or
agrees to confer any benefit on a witness or prospective witness in an official proceeding or
coerces a witness or prospective witness in an official proceeding:
(1) to testify falsely;
(2) to withhold any testimony, information, document, or thing;
(3) to elude legal process summoning him to testify or supply evidence;
(4) to absent himself from an official proceeding to which he has been legally summoned;
or
(5) to abstain from, discontinue, or delay the prosecution of another.
(b) A witness or prospective witness in an official proceeding commits an offense if he
knowingly solicits, accepts, or agrees to accept any benefit on the representation or
understanding that he will do any of the things specified in Subsection (a).
(c) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(5) that the benefit received was:
(1) reasonable restitution for damages suffered by the complaining witness as a result of
the offense; and
(2) a result of an agreement negotiated with the assistance or acquiescence of an attorney
for the state who represented the state in the case.
(d) An offense under this section is a state jail felony.

Sec. 36.06. Obstruction or Retaliation.

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly harms or threatens to harm

another by an unlawful act:
(1) in retaliation for or on account of the service or status of another as a:
(A) public servant, witness, prospective witness, or informant; or
(B) person who has reported or who the actor knows intends to report the
occurrence of a crime; or
(2) to prevent or delay the service of another as a:
(A) public servant, witness, prospective witness, or informant; or
(B) person who has reported or who the actor knows intends to report the
occurrence of a crime.
(b) In this section:
(1) "Honorably retired peace officer" means a peace officer who:
(A) did not retire in lieu of any disciplinary action;
(B) was eligible to retire from a law enforcement agency or was ineligible to retire
only as a result of an injury received in the course of the officer's employment
with the agency; and
(C) is entitled to receive a pension or annuity for service as a law enforcement
officer or is not entitled to receive a pension or annuity only because the law
enforcement agency that employed the officer does not offer a pension or annuity
to its employees.
(2) "Informant" means a person who has communicated information to the government
in connection with any governmental function.
(3) "Public servant" includes an honorably retired peace officer.
(c) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree unless the victim of the offense
was harmed or threatened because of the victim's service or status as a juror, in which event the
offense is a felony of the second degree.

Sec. 36.07. Acceptance of Honorarium.

(a) A public servant commits an offense if the public servant solicits, accepts, or agrees to accept
an honorarium in consideration for services that the public servant would not have been
requested to provide but for the public servant's official position or duties.
(b) This section does not prohibit a public servant from accepting transportation and lodging
expenses in connection with a conference or similar event in which the public servant renders
services, such as addressing an audience or engaging in a seminar, to the extent that those
services are more than merely perfunctory, or from accepting meals in connection with such an
event.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 36.08. Gift to Public Servant by Person Subject to His Jurisdiction.

(a) A public servant in an agency performing regulatory functions or conducting inspections or

investigations commits an offense if he solicits, accepts, or agrees to accept any benefit from a
person the public servant knows to be subject to regulation, inspection, or investigation by the
public servant or his agency.
(b) A public servant in an agency having custody of prisoners commits an offense if he solicits,
accepts, or agrees to accept any benefit from a person the public servant knows to be in his
custody or the custody of his agency.
(c) A public servant in an agency carrying on civil or criminal litigation on behalf of government
commits an offense if he solicits, accepts, or agrees to accept any benefit from a person against
whom the public servant knows litigation is pending or contemplated by the public servant or his
agency.
(d) A public servant who exercises discretion in connection with contracts, purchases, payments,
claims, or other pecuniary transactions of government commits an offense if he solicits, accepts,
or agrees to accept any benefit from a person the public servant knows is interested in or likely to
become interested in any contract, purchase, payment, claim, or transaction involving the
exercise of his discretion.
(e) A public servant who has judicial or administrative authority, who is employed by or in a
tribunal having judicial or administrative authority, or who participates in the enforcement of the
tribunal's decision, commits an offense if he solicits, accepts, or agrees to accept any benefit
from a person the public servant knows is interested in or likely to become interested in any
matter before the public servant or tribunal.
(d) A member of the legislature, the governor, the lieutenant governor, or a person employed by
a member of the legislature, the governor, the lieutenant governor, or an agency of the legislature
commits an offense if he solicits, accepts, or agrees to accept any benefit from any person.
(g) A public servant who is a hearing examiner employed by an agency performing regulatory
functions and who conducts hearings in contested cases commits an offense if the public servant
solicits, accepts, or agrees to accept any benefit from any person who is appearing before the
agency in a contested case, who is doing business with the agency, or who the public servant
knows is interested in any matter before the public servant. The exception provided by Section
36.10(b) does not apply to a benefit under this subsection.
(h) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(i) A public servant who receives an unsolicited benefit that the public servant is prohibited from
accepting under this section may donate the benefit to a governmental entity that has the
authority to accept the gift or may donate the benefit to a recognized tax-exempt charitable
organization formed for educational, religious, or scientific purposes.

Sec. 36.09. Offering Gift to Public Servant.

(a) A person commits an offense if he offers, confers, or agrees to confer any benefit on a public
servant that he knows the public servant is prohibited by law from accepting.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 36.10. Non-Applicable.

(a) Sections 36.08 (Gift to Public Servant) and 36.09 (Offering Gift to Public Servant) do not
apply to:
(1) a fee prescribed by law to be received by a public servant or any other benefit to
which the public servant is lawfully entitled or for which he gives legitimate
consideration in a capacity other than as a public servant;
(2) a gift or other benefit conferred on account of kinship or a personal, professional, or
business relationship independent of the official status of the recipient; or
(3) a benefit to a public servant required to file a statement under Chapter 572,
Government Code, or a report under Title 15, Election Code, that is derived from a
function in honor or appreciation of the recipient if:
(A) the benefit and the source of any benefit in excess of $50 is reported in the
statement; and
(B) the benefit is used solely to defray the expenses that accrue in the
performance of duties or activities in connection with the office which are
nonreimbursable by the state or political subdivision;
(4) a political contribution as defined by Title 15, Election Code;
(5) a gift, award, or memento to a member of the legislative or executive branch that is
required to be reported under Chapter 305, Government Code;
(6) an item with a value of less than $50, excluding cash or a negotiable instrument as
described by Section 3.104, Business & Commerce Code; or
(7) an item issued by a governmental entity that allows the use of property or facilities
owned, leased, or operated by the governmental entity.
(b) Section 36.08 (Gift to Public Servant) does not apply to food, lodging, transportation, or
entertainment accepted as a guest and, if the donee is required by law to report those items,
reported by the donee in accordance with that law.
(c) Section 36.09 (Offering Gift to Public Servant) does not apply to food, lodging,
transportation, or entertainment accepted as a guest and, if the donor is required by law to report
those items, reported by the donor in accordance with that law.
(d) Section 36.08 (Gift to Public Servant) does not apply to a gratuity accepted and reported in
accordance with Section 11.0262, Parks and Wildlife Code, Section 36.09 (Offering Gift to
Public Servant) does not apply to a gratuity that is offered in accordance with Section 11.0262,
Parks and Wildlife Code.

CHAPTER 37
PERJURY AND OTHER FALSIFICATION

Section
37.01. Definitions.
37.02. Perjury.
37.03. Aggravated Perjury.
37.04. Materiality.
37.05. Retraction.
37.06. Inconsistent Statements.
37.07. Irregularities No Defense.
37.08. False Report to Peace Officer or Law Enforcement Employee.
37.081. False Report Regarding Missing Child or Missing Person.
37.09. Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence.
37.10. Tampering with Governmental Record.
37.101. Fraudulent Filing of Financing Statement.
37.11. Impersonating Public Servant.
37.12. False Identification As Peace Officer; Misrepresentation of Property.
37.13. Record of a Fraudulent Court.

Sec. 37.01. Definition.

In this chapter:
(1) "Court record" means a decree, judgment, order, subpoena, warrant, minutes, or other
document issued by a court of:
(A) this state, another state;
(B) another state;
(C) the United States;
(D) a foreign country recognized by an act of congress or a treaty or other
international convention to which the United States is a party;
(E) an Indian tribe recognized by the United States; or
(F) any other, jurisdiction, territory, or protectorate entitled to full faith and credit
in this state under the United States Constitution.
(2) "Governmental record" means:
(A) anything belonging to, received by, or kept by government for information,
including a court record;
(B) anything required by law to be kept by others for information of government;
(C) a license, certificate, permit, seal, title, letter of patent, or similar document
issued by government, by another state, or by the United States;
(D) a standard proof of motor vehicle liability insurance form described by
Section 601.081, Transportation Code, a certificate of an insurance company
described by Section 601.083 of that code, a document purporting to be such a
form or certificate that is not issued by an insurer authorized to write motor
vehicle liability insurance in this state, an electronic submission in a form
described by Section 502 153(i), Transportation Code, or an evidence of financial
responsibility described by Section 601.053 of that code;
(E) an official ballot or other election record; or
(F) the written documentation a mobile food unit is required to obtain under
Section 437.0074, Health and Safety Code.
(3) "Statement" means any representation of fact.

Sec. 37.01 Perjury.

(a) A person commits an offense if, with intent to deceive and with knowledge of the statement's
meaning:
(1) he makes a false statement under oath or swears to the truth of a false statement
previously made and the statement is required or authorized by law to be made under
oath; or
(2) he makes a false unsworn declaration under Chapter 132, Civil Practice and
Remedies Code.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 37.03. Aggravated Perjury.

(a) A person commits an offense if he commits perjury as defined in Section 37.02, and the false
statement:
(1) is made during or in connection with an official proceeding; and
(2) is material.
(b) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.

Sec. 37.04. Materiality.

(a) A statement is material, regardless of the admissibility of the statement under the rules of
evidence, if it could have affected the course or outcome of the official proceeding.
(b) It is no defense to prosecution under Section 37.03 (Aggravated Perjury) that the declarant
mistakenly believed the statement to be immaterial.
(c) Whether a statement is material in a given factual situation is a question of law.

Sec. 37.05. Retraction.

It is a defense to prosecution under Section 37.03 (Aggravated Perjury) that the actor retracted
his false statement:
(1) before completion of the testimony at the official proceeding; and
(2) before it became manifest that the falsity of the statement would be exposed.

Sec. 37.06. Inconsistent Statements.

An information or indictment for perjury under Section 37.02 or aggravated perjury under
Section 37.03 that alleges that the declarant has made statements under oath, both of which
cannot be true, need not allege which statement is false. At the trial the prosecution need not
prove which statement is false.

Sec. 37.07. Irregularities No Defense.

(a) It is no defense to prosecution under Section 37.02 (Perjury) or 37.03 (Aggravated Perjury)
that the oath was administered or taken in an irregular mariner, or that there was some
irregularity in the appointment or qualification of the person who administered the oath.
(b) It is no defense to prosecution under Section 37.02 (Perjury) or 37.03 (Aggravated Perjury)
that a document was not sworn to if the document contains a recital that it was made under oath,
the declarant was aware of the recital when he signed the document, and the document:
contains, the signed jurat at of a public servant authorized to administer oaths.

Sec. 37.08. False Report to Peace Officer or Law Enforcement Employee.

(a) A person commits an offense if, with intent to deceive, he knowingly makes a false statement
that is material to a criminal investigation and makes the statement to:
(1) a peace officer conducting the investigation; or
(2) any employee of a law enforcement agency that is authorized by the agency to
conduct the investigation and that the actor knows is conducting the investigation,
(b) In this section, "law enforcement agency" has the meaning assigned by Article 59.01, Code
of Criminal Procedure
(c) An offense under this section is a Class. B misdemeanor,

Sec. 37.081. False Report Regarding Missing Child or Missing Person.

(a) A person commits an offense if, with intent to deceive, the person knowingly:
 (1) files a false report of a missing child or missing person with a law enforcement officer
or agency; or
(2) makes a false statement to a law enforcement officer or other employee of a law
enforcement agency relating to a missing child or missing person.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

Sec. 37.09. Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence.

(a) A person commits an offense if, knowing that an investigation or official proceeding is
pending or in progress, he:
(1) alters, destroys, or conceals any record, document, or thing with intent to impair its
verity, legibility, or availability as evidence in the investigation or official proceeding; or
(2) makes, presents, or uses any record, document, or thing with knowledge of its falsity
and with intent to affect the course or outcome of the investigation or official proceeding.
(b) This section shall not apply if the record, document, or thing concealed is privileged or is the
work product of the parties to the investigation or official proceeding.
(c) An offense under Subsection (a) or Subsection (d)(1) is a felony of the third degree, unless
the thing altered, destroyed, or concealed is a human corpse, in which case the offense is a felony
of the second degree. An offense under Subsection (d)(2) is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d) A person commits an offense if the person:
(1) knowing that an offense has been committed, alters, destroys, or conceals any record,
document, or thing with intent to impair its verity, legibility, or availability as evidence in
any subsequent investigation of or official proceeding related to the offense; or
(2) observes a human corpse under circumstances in which a reasonable person would
believe that an offense had been committed, knows or reasonably should know that a law
enforcement agency is not aware of the existence of or location of the corpse, and fails to
report the existence of and location of the corpse to a law enforcement agency.
(e) In this section, “human corpse" has the meaning assigned by Section 42.08.

Sec. 37.10. Tampering with Governmental Record.

(a) A person commits an offense if he:

(1) knowingly makes a false entry in, or false alteration of, a governmental record;
(2) makes, presents, or uses any record, document, or thing with knowledge of its falsity
and with intent that it be taken as a genuine governmental record;
(3) intentionally destroys, conceals, removes, or otherwise impairs the verity, legibility,
or availability of a governmental record;
(4) possesses, sells, or offers to sell a governmental record or a blank governmental
record form with intent that it be used unlawfully;
(5) makes, presents, or uses a governmental record with knowledge of its falsity; or
(6) possesses, sells, or offers to sell a governmental record or a blank governmental
record form with knowledge that it was obtained unlawfully.
(b) It is an exception to the application of Subsection (a)(3) that the governmental record is
destroyed pursuant to legal authorization or transferred under Section 441.204, Government
Code. With regard to the destruction of a local government record, legal authorization includes
compliance with the provisions of Subtitle C, Title 6, Local Government Code.
(c) (1) Except as provided by Subdivisions (2), (3), and (4) and by Subsection (d), an offense
under this section is a Class A misdemeanor unless the actors intent is to defraud or harm
another, in which event the offense is a state jail felony.
(2) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if it is shown on the trial
of the offense that the governmental record was a public school record, report, or
 assessment instrument required under Chapter 39, Education Code, or was a license,
certificate, permit, seal, title, letter of patent, or similar document issued by government,
by another state, or by the United States, unless the actors intent is to defraud or harm
another, in which event the offense is a felony of the second degree.
(3) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor if it is shown on the trial of
the offense that the governmental record is a governmental record that is required for
enrollment of a student in a school district and was used by the actor to establish the
residency of the student.
(4) An offense under this section is a Class. B misdemeanor if it is shown on the trial of
the offense that the governmental record is a written appraisal filed with an appraisal
review board under Section 41.43(a-1), Tax Code, that was performed by a person who
had a contingency interest in the outcome of the appraisal review board hearing.
(d) An offense under this section, if it is shown on the trial of the offense that the governmental
record is described by Section 37.01(2)(D), is:
(1) a Class B misdemeanor if the offense is committed under Subsection (a)(2) or
Subsection (a)(5) and the defendant is convicted of presenting or using the record;
(2) a felony of the third degree if the offense is committed under:
(A) Subsection (a)(1), (3), (4), or (6); or
(B) Subsection (a)(2) or (5) and the defendant is convicted of making the record;
and
(3) a felony of the second degree, notwithstanding Subdivisions (1) and (2), if the actors
intent in committing the offense was to defraud or harm another.
(e) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution for possession under Subsection (a)(6) that the
possession occurred in the actual discharge of official duties as a public servant.
(f) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(5) that the false entry or
false information could have no effect on the government's purpose for requiring the
governmental record.
(g) A person is presumed to intend to defraud or harm another if the person acts with respect to
two or more of the same type of governmental records or blank governmental record forms and if
each governmental record or blank governmental record form is a license, certificate, permit,
seal, title, or similar document issued by government.
(h) If conduct that constitutes an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under
Section 32.48 or 37.13, the actor may be prosecuted under any of those sections.
(i) With the consent of the appropriate local county or district attorney, the attorney general has
concurrent jurisdiction with that consenting local prosecutor to prosecute an offense under this
section that involves the state Medicaid program.

Sec. 37.101. Fraudulent Filing of Financing Statement.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly presents for filing or causes to be
presented for filing a financing statement that the person knows:
(1) is forged;
(2) contains a material false statement; or
(3) is groundless.
(b) An offense under Subsection (a)(1) is a felony of the third degree, unless it is shown on the
trial of the offense that the person had previously been convicted under this section on two or
more occasions, in which event the offense is a felony of the second degree. An offense under
Subsection (a)(2) or (a)(3) is a Class A misdemeanor, unless the person commits the offense with
the intent to defraud or harm another, in which event the offense is a state jail felony.

Sec. 37.11. Impersonating Public Servant.

(a) A person commits an offense if he:
(1) impersonates a public servant with intent to induce another to submit to his pretended
official authority or to rely on his pretended official acts; or
(2) knowingly purports to exercise any function of a public servant or of a public office,
including that of a judge and court, and the position or office through which he purports
to exercise a function of a public servant or public office has no lawful existence under
the constitution or laws of this state or of the United States.
(b) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree

Sec. 37.12. False Identification As Peace Officer; Misrepresentation of Property.

(a) A person commits an offense if

(1) the person, makes, provides to another person, or possesses a card, document, badge,
insignia, shoulder emblem, or other item bearing an insignia, of a law enforcement
agency that identifies a person as a peace officer or a reserve law enforcement officer;
and
(2) the person who makes, provides, or possesses the item bearing the insignia knows that
the person so identified by the item is not commissioned as a peace officer or reserve law
enforcement officer as indicated on the item.
(b) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that:
(1) the card, document, badge, insignia, shoulder emblem, or other item bearing an
insignia of a law enforcement agency clearly identifies the person as an honorary or
junior peace officer or reserve law enforcement officer, or as a member of a junior posse;
(2) the person identified as a peace officer or reserve law enforcement officer by the item
bearing the insignia was commissioned in that capacity when the item was made; or .
(3) the item was used or intended for use exclusively for decorative purposes or in an
artistic or dramatic presentation.
(c) In this section, "reserve law enforcement officer" has the same meaning as is given that term
in Section 1701.001, Occupations Code.
(d) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly misrepresents an object
as property belonging to a law enforcement agency.
(e) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.

Sec. 37.13. Record of a Fraudulent Court.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person makes, presents, or uses any document or other
record with:
(1) knowledge that the document or other record is not a record of a court created under
or established by the constitution or laws of this state or of the United States; and
(2) the intent that the document or other record be given the same legal effect as a record
of a court created under or established by the constitution or laws of this state or of the
United States.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor, except that the offense is a felony of
the third degree if it is shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant has previously been
convicted under this section on two or more occasions.
(c) If conduct that constitutes an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under
Section 32.48 or 37.10, the actor may be prosecuted under any of those sections.

CHAPTER 38
OBSTRUCTING GOVERNMENTAL OPERATION
Section
38.01. Definitions.
38.02. Failure to Identify.
38.03. Resisting Arrest, Search, or Transportation.
38.04. Evading Arrest or Detention.
38.05. Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution.
38.06. Escape.
38.07. Permitting or Facilitating Escape.
38.08. Effect of Unlawful Custody.
38.09. Implements for Escape.
38.10. Bail Jumping and Failure to Appear.
38.11. Prohibited Substances and items in Adult or Juvenile Correctional or
Detention Facility or on. Property of Texas Department of Criminal Justice
or Texas Youth Commission.
38.111. Improper Contact with Victim.
38.112. Violation of Protective Order Issued on Basis of Sexual Assault.
38.113. Unauthorized Absence from Community Corrections Facility, County
Correctional Center, or Assignment Site.
38.114. Contraband in Correctional Facility.
38.12. Barratry and Solicitation of Professional Employment.
38.122. Falsely Holding Oneself Out As a Lawyer. 38 123. Unauthorized Practice of
Law.
38.13. Hindering Proceedings by Disorderly Conduct.
38.14. Taking or Attempting to Take Weapon from Peace Officer, Parole Officer;
or Community Supervision and Corrections Department Officer.
38.15. Interference with Public Duties.
38.151. Interference with Police Service Animals.
38.16. Preventing Execution of Civil Process.
38.17. Failure to Stop or Report Aggravated Sexual Assault of Child.
38.171 Failure to Report Felony.
38.18. Use of Accident Report Information and Other Information. for Pecuniary
Gain.
38.19. Failure to Provide Notice and Report of Death of Resident of Institution.

Sec. 38.01. Definitions.

In this chapter:
(1) "Custody" means:
(A) under arrest by a peace officer on under restraint by a public servant pursuant
an order of a court of this state or another state of the United States; or
(B) under restraint by an agent or employee of a facility that is operated by or
under contract with the United States and that confines persons arrested for,
charged with, or convicted of criminal offenses.
(2) "Escape" means unauthorized departure from custody or failure to return to custody
following temporary leave for a specific purpose or limited period or leave that is part of
an intermittent sentence, but does not include a violation of conditions of community
supervision or parole other than conditions that impose a period of confinement in a
secure correctional facility
(3) "Economic benefit" means anything reasonably regarded as an economic gain or
advantage, including accepting or offering to accept employment for a fee, accepting or
 offering to accept a fee, entering into a fee contract, or accepting or agreeing to accept
money or anything of value.
(4) "Finance" means to provide funds or capital or to furnish with necessary funds.
(5) "Fugitive from justice" means a person for whom a valid arrest warrant has been
issued.
(6) "Governmental function" includes any activity that a public servant is lawfully
authorized to undertake on behalf of government.
(7) "Invest funds" means to commit money to earn a financial return.
(8) "Member of the family" means anyone related within the third degree of
consanguinity or affinity, as determined under Chapter 573, Government Code.
(9) "Qualified nonprofit organization" means a nonprofit organization that meets the
following conditions:
(A) the primary purposes of the organization do not include the rendition of legal
services or education regarding legal services;
(B) the recommending, furnishing, paying for, or educating persons regarding
legal services is incidental and reasonably related to the primary purposes of the
organization;
(C) the organization does not derive a financial benefit from the rendition of legal
services by a lawyer; and
(D) the person for whom the legal services are rendered, and not the organization,
is recognized as the client of a lawyer.
(10) "Public media" means a telephone directory or legal directory, newspaper or other
periodical, billboard or other sign, radio or television broadcast, recorded message the
public may access by dialing a telephone number, or a written communication not
prohibited by Section 38.12(d).
(11) "Solicit employment" means to communicate in person or by telephone with a
prospective client or a member of the prospective client's family concerning professional
employment within the scope of a professional's license, registration, or certification
arising out of a particular occurrence or event, or series of occurrences or events, or
concerning an existing problem of the prospective client within the scope of the
professional's license, registration, or certification, for the purpose of providing
professional services to the prospective client, when neither the person receiving the
communication nor anyone acting on that person's behalf has requested the
communication. The term does not include a communication initiated by a family
member of the person receiving a communication, a communication by a professional
who has a prior or existing professional-client relationship with the person receiving the
communication, or communication by an attorney for a qualified nonprofit organization
with the organization's members for the purpose of educating the organization's members
to understand the law, to recognize legal problems, to make intelligent selection of legal
counsel, or to use available legal services. The term does not include an advertisement by
a professional through public media.
(12) "Professional" means an attorney, chiropractor, physician, surgeon, private
investigator, or any other person licensed, certified, or registered by a state agency that
regulates a health care profession.

Sec. 38.02. Failure to Identify.

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally refuses to give his name, residence address,
or date of birth to a peace officer who has lawfully arrested the person and requested the
information.
(b) A person commits an offense if he intentionally gives a false or fictitious name, residence
address, or date of birth to a peace officer who has:
(1) lawfully arrested the person;
(2) lawfully detained the person; or
(3) requested the information from a person that the peace officer has good cause to
believe is a witness to a criminal offense.
(c) Except as provided by Subsections (d) and (e), an offense under this section is:
(1) a Class C misdemeanor if the offense is committed under Subsection (a); or
(2) a Class B misdemeanor if the offense is committed under Subsection (b)
(d) If it is shown on the trial of an offense under this section that the defendant was a fugitive
from justice at the time of the offense, the offense is:
(1) .a Class B misdemeanor if the offense is committed under Subsection (a); or
(2) a Class A misdemeanor if the offense is committed under Subsection (b)
(e) If conduct that constitutes an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under
Section 106.07, Alcoholic Beverage Code, the actor may be prosecuted only under Section
106.07.

Sec. 38.03. Resisting Arrest, Search, or Transportation.

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally pr events or obstructs a person he knows is a

peace officer or a person acting in a peace officer's presence and at his direction from effecting
an arrest, search, or transportation of the actor or another by using force against the peace officer
or another.
(b) It is no defense to prosecution under this section that the arrest or search was unlawful.
(c) Except as provided in Subsection (d), an offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if the actor uses a deadly weapon
to resist the arrest or search.

Sec. 38.04. Evading Arrest or Detention.

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally flees from a person he knows is a peace
officer attempting lawfully to arrest or detain him.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor, except that the offense is:
(1) a state jail felony if the actor uses a vehicle while the actor is in flight and the actor
has not been previously convicted under this section;
(2) a felony of the third degree if:
(A) the actor uses a vehicle while the actor is in flight and the actor has been
previously convicted under this section; or
(B) another suffers serious bodily injury as a direct result of an attempt by the
officer from whom the actor is fleeing to apprehend the actor while the actor is in
flight; or
(3) a felony of the second degree if another suffers death as a direct result of an attempt
by the officer from whom the actor is fleeing to apprehend the actor while the actor is in
flight.
(c) In this section, "vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section 541.201, Transportation Code
(d) A person who is subject to prosecution under both this section and another law may be
prosecuted under either or both this section and the other law.

Sec. 38.05. Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution.

(a) A person commits an offense if with intent to hinder the arrest, prosecution, conviction, or
punishment of another for an offense or, with intent to hinder the arrest, detention, adjudication,
or disposition of a child for engaging in delinquent conduct that violates a penal law of the state,
or with intent to hinder the arrest of another under the authority of a warrant or capias, he:
(1) harbors or conceals the other;
(2) provides or aids in providing the other with any means of avoiding arrest or effecting
escape; or
(3) warns the other of impending discovery or apprehension.
(b) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(3) that the warning was given in
connection with an effort to bring another into compliance with the law.
(c) Except as provided by Subsection (d), an offense under this section is a Class A
misdemeanor.
(d) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if the person who is harbored,
concealed, provided with a means of avoiding arrest or effecting escape, or warned of discovery
or apprehension is under arrest for, charged with, or convicted of a felony, including an offense
under Section 62.102, Code of Criminal Procedure, or is in custody or detention for, is alleged in
a petition to have engaged in, or has been adjudicated as having engaged in delinquent conduct
that violates a penal law of the grade of felony, including an offense under Section 62.102, Code
of Criminal Procedure, and the person charged under this section knew that the person they
harbored, concealed, provided with a means of avoiding arrest or effecting escape, or warned of
discovery or apprehension is under arrest for, charged with, or convicted of a felony, or is in
custody or detention for, is alleged in a petition to have engaged in, or has been adjudicated as
having engaged in delinquent conduct that violates a penal law of the grade of felony.

Sec. 38.06. Escape.

(a) A person commits an offense if he escapes from custody when he is:

(1) under arrest for charged with or convicted of an offense;
(2) in custody pursuant to a lawful order of a court;
(3) detained in a secure detention facility, as that term is defined by Section 51.02,
Family Code; or
(4) in the custody of a juvenile probation officer for violating an order imposed by the
juvenile court under Section 52.01, Family Code.
(b) Except as provided in Subsections (c), (d), and (e), an offense under this section is a Class A
misdemeanor,
(c) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if the actor:
(1) is under arrest for, charged with, or convicted of a felony;
(2) is confined in a secure correctional facility; or
(3) is committed to a secure correctional facility, as defined by Section 51.02, Family
Code, other than a halfway house, operated by or under contract with the Texas Youth
Commission.
(d) An offense under this section is a felony of the second degree if the actor to effect his escape
causes bodily injury.
(e) An offense under this section is a felony of the first degree if to effect his escape the actor:
(1) causes serious bodily injury; or
(2) uses or threatens to use a deadly weapon.

Sec. 38.07. Permitting or Facilitating Escape.

(a) An official or employee of a correctional facility commits an offense if he knowingly permits

or facilitates the escape of a person in custody.
(b) A person commits an offense if he knowingly causes or facilitates the escape of one who is in
custody pursuant to:
 (1) an allegation or adjudication of delinquency; or
(2) involuntary commitment for mental illness under Subtitle C, Title 7, Health and
Safety Code, or for chemical dependency under Chapter 462, Health and Safety Code.
(c) Except as provided in Subsections (d) and (e), an offense under this section is a Class A
misdemeanor
(d) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if the person in custody:
(1) was under arrest for, charged with, or convicted of a felony; or
(2) was confined in a correctional facility other than a secure correctional facility after
conviction of a felony.
(e) An offense under this section is a felony of the second degree if:
(1) the actor or the person in custody used or threatened to use a deadly weapon to effect
the escape; or
(2) the person in custody was confined in a secure correctional facility after conviction of
a felony.
(f) In this section, "correctional facility" means:
(1) any place described by Section 1.07(a)(14);
(2) a "secure correctional facility" or "secure detention facility" as those terms are defined
by Section 51.02, Family Code.

Sec. 38.08. Effect of Unlawful Custody.

It is no defense to prosecution under Section 38.06 or 38.07 that the custody was unlawful.

Sec. 38.09. Implements for Escape.

(a) A person commits an offense if, with intent to facilitate escape, he introduces into a
correctional facility, or provides a person in custody or an inmate with a deadly weapon or
anything that may be useful for escape.
(b) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree unless the actor introduced or
provided a deadly weapon, in which event the offense is a felony of the second degree.
(c) In this section, "correctional facility" means:
(1) any place described by Section 1.07(a)(14);
(2) a "secure correctional facility" or "secure detention facility" as those terms are defined
by Section 51.02, Family Code.

Sec. 38.10. Bail Jumping and Failure to Appear.

(a) A person lawfully released from custody, with or without bail, on condition that he
subsequently appear commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly fails to appear in
accordance with the terms of his release.
(b) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the appearance was incident to
community supervision, parole, or an intermittent sentence.
(c) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the actor had a reasonable excuse for his
failure to appear in accordance with the terms of his release.
(d) Except as provided in Subsections (e) and (f), an offense under this section is a Class A
misdemeanor.
(e) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor if the offense for which the actors
appearance was required is punishable by fine only.
(f) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if the offense for which the actors
appearance was required is classified as a felony.
Sec. 38.11. Prohibited Substances and Items in Adult or Juvenile Correctional or Detention
Facility or on Property of Texas Department of Criminal Justice or Texas Youth Com-
mission.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person provides:

(1) an alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, or dangerous drug to an inmate of a
correctional facility or to a person in the custody of a secure correctional facility or
secure detention facility for juveniles, except on the prescription of a physician or
practitioner, as defined in Section 551.003, Occupations Code;
(2) a deadly weapon to an inmate of a correctional facility or to a person in the custody of
a secure correctional facility or secure detention facility for juveniles;
(3) a cellular telephone or other wireless communications device or a component of one
of those devices, cigarette, tobacco product, or money to an inmate of a correctional
facility operated by or under contract with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or to
a person in the custody of a secure correctional facility or secure detention facility for
juveniles, except for money that is provided for the benefit of the juvenile in accordance
with facility rules;
(4) a cellular telephone or money to a person confined in a local jail regulated by the
Commission on Jail Standards; or
(5) a cigarette or tobacco product to a person confined in a local jail regulated by the
Commission on Jail Standards and in providing the cigarette or tobacco product the
person violates a rule or regulation adopted by the sheriff or jail administrator that:
(A) prohibits the possession of a cigarette or tobacco product by an inmate
confined in the jail; or
(B) places restrictions on:
(i) the possession of a cigarette or tobacco product by an inmate confined
in the jail; or
(ii) the manner in which a cigarette or tobacco product may be provided to
an inmate confined in the jail.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person takes an alcoholic beverage, controlled substance,
or dangerous chug into a correctional facility or a secure correctional facility or secure detention
facility for juveniles, except for delivery to a facility warehouse, pharmacy, or physician.
(c) A person commits an offense if the person takes a controlled substance or dangerous drug on
property owned, used, or controlled by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the Texas
Youth Commission, or a secure correctional facility or secure detention facility for juveniles,
except for delivery to a warehouse, pharmacy, or physician on property owned, used, or
controlled by the department, the commission, or the facility.
(d) A person commits an offense if the person:
(1) possesses a controlled substance or dangerous drug while:
(A) on property owned, used, or controlled by the Texas Department of Criminal
Justice, the Texas Youth Commission, or a secure correctional facility or secure
detention facility for juveniles; or
(B) in a correctional facility or a secure correctional facility or secure detention
facility for juveniles; or
(2) possesses a deadly weapon while in a correctional facility or in a secure correctional
facility or secure detention facility for juveniles.
(e) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Subsection (d)(1) of this section that the
person possessed the controlled substance or dangerous drug pursuant to a prescription issued by
a practitioner or while delivering the substance or drug to a warehouse, pharmacy, or physician
on property owned, used, or controlled by the department, the Texas Youth Commission, or by
the operator of a secure correctional facility or secure detention facility for juveniles. It is an
affirmative defense to prosecution under Subsection (d)(2) of this section that the person
possessing the deadly weapon is a peace officer or is an officer or employee of the correctional
facility authorized to possess the deadly weapon while on duty or traveling to or from the
person's place of assignment.
(f) In this section:
(1) "Practitioner" has the meaning assigned by Section 481.002, Health and Safety Code.
(2) "Prescription" has the meaning assigned by Section 481.002, Health and Safety Code.
(3) "Cigarette" has the meaning assigned by Section 154.001, Tax Code.
(4) "Tobacco product" has the meaning assigned by Section 155.001, Tax Code.
(5) "Secure correctional facility” and "secure detention facility" have the meanings
assigned by Section 51 02, Family Code.
(g) An. offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.
(h) Notwithstanding Section 15.01(d), if a person commits the offense of criminal attempt to
commit an offense under Subsection (a) or (b), the offense committed under Section 15.01 is a
felony of the third degree.
(i) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Subsection (b) that the actor:
(1) is a duly authorized member of the clergy with rights and privileges granted by an
ordaining authority that includes administration of a religious ritual or ceremony
requiring the presence or consumption of an alcoholic beverage; and
(2) takes four ounces or less of an alcoholic beverage into the correctional facility or the
secure correctional facility or secure detention facility for juveniles and personally
consumes all of the alcoholic beverage or departs from the facility with any portion of the
beverage not consumed.
(j) A person commits an offense if the person while an inmate of a correctional facility operated
by or under contract with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or while in the custody of a
secure correctional facility or secure detention facility for juveniles possesses a cellular
telephone or other wireless communications device or a component of one of those devices.

Sec. 38.111. Improper Contact with Victim.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person, while confined in a correctional facility after
being charged with or, convicted of an offense listed in Article 62.001(5), Code of Criminal
Procedure, contacts by letter, telephone, or any other means, either directly or through a third
party, a victim of the offense or a member of the victim's family, if:
(1) the victim was younger than 17 years of age at the time of the commission of the
offense for which the person is confined; and
(2) the director of the correctional facility has not, before the person makes contact with
the victim:
(A) received written and dated consent to the contact from:
(i) a parent of the victim;
(ii) a legal guardian of the victim;
(iii) the victim, if the victim is 17 years of age or older at the time of
giving the consent; or
(iv) a member of the victim's family who is 17 years of age or older; and
(B) provided the person with a copy of the consent.
(b) The person confined in a correctional facility may not give the written consent required under
Subsection (a)(2)(A).
(c) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the contact was:
(1) indirect contact made through an attorney representing the person in custody; and
(2) solely for the purpose of representing the person in a criminal proceeding.
(d) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor unless the actor is confined in a
correctional facility after being convicted of a felony described by Subsection (a), in which event
the offense is a felony of the third degree.
(e) In this section, "correctional facility" means:
(1) any place described by Section 1.07(a)(14); or
(2) a "secure correctional facility" or "secure detention facility" as those terms are defined
by Section 51.02, Family Code.

Sec. 38.112. Violation of Protective Order Issued on Basis of Sexual Assault.

(a) A person commits an offense if, in violation of an order issued under Chapter 7A, Code of
Criminal Procedure, the person knowingly:
(1) communicates directly or indirectly with the applicant or any member of the
applicant's family or household in a threatening or harassing manner;
(2) goes to or near the residence, place of employment or business, or child-care facility
or school of the applicant or any member of the applicant's family or household; or
(3) possesses a firearm.
(b) If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under another
section of this code, the actor may be prosecuted under either section or under both sections.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 38.113. Unauthorized Absence from Community Corrections Facility, County

Correctional Center, or Assignment Site.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person:

(1) is sentenced to or is required as a condition of community supervision or correctional
programming to submit to a period of detention or treatment in a community corrections
facility or county correctional center.
(2) fails to report to or leaves the facility, the center, or a community service assignment
site as directed by the court, community supervision and corrections department
supervising the person, or director of the facility or center in which the person is detained
or treated, as appropriate; and
(3) in failing to report or leaving acts without the approval of the court, the community
supervision and corrections department supervising the person, or the director of the
facility or center in which the person is detained or treated.
(b) An offense under this section is a state jail felony.

Sec. 38.114. Contraband in Correctional Facility.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person:

(1) provides contraband to an inmate of a correctional facility;
(2) otherwise introduces contraband into a correctional facility; or
(3) possesses contraband while confined in a correctional facility.
(b) In this section, "contraband":
(1) means:
(A) any item not provided by or authorized by the operator of the correctional
facility; or
(B) any item provided by or authorized by the operator of the correctional facility
that has been altered to accommodate a use other than the originally intended use;
and
(2) does not include any item specifically prohibited under Section 38.11.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor, unless the offense is committed by
an employee or a volunteer of the correctional facility, in which event the offense is a Class B
misdemeanor.
(d) In this section, "correctional facility" means:
(1) any place described by Section 1.07(a)(14); or
(2) a "secure correctional facility" or "secure detention facility" as those terms are defined
by Section 51.02, Family Code.

Sec. 38.12. Barratry and Solicitation of Professional Employment.

(a) A person commits an offense if with intent to obtain an economic benefit the person:
(1) knowingly institutes a suit or claim that the person has not been authorized to pursue;
(2) solicits employment, either in person or by telephone, for himself or for another;
(3) pays, gives, or advances or offers to pay, give, or advance to a prospective client
money or anything of value to obtain employment as a professional from the prospective
client;
(4) pays or gives or offers to pay or give a person money or anything of value to solicit
employment;
(5) pays or gives or offers to pay or give a family member of a prospective client money
or anything of value to solicit employment; or
(6) accepts or agrees to accept money or anything of value to solicit employment.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person:
(1) knowingly finances the commission of an offense under Subsection (a);.
(2) invests funds the person knows or believes are intended to further the commission of
an offense under Subsection (a); or
(3) is a professional who knowingly accepts employment within the scope of the person's
license, registration, or certification that results from the solicitation of employment in
violation of Subsection (a).
(c) It is an exception to prosecution under Subsection (a) or (b) that the person's conduct is
authorized by the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct or any rule of court.
(d). A person commits an offense if the person:
(1) is an attorney, chiropractor, physician, surgeon, or private investigator licensed to
practice in this state or any person licensed, certified, or registered by a health care
regulatory agency of this state;
(2) with the intent to obtain professional employment for himself or for another, sends or
knowingly permits to be sent to an individual who has not sought the person's
employment, legal representation, advice, or care a written communication that:
(A) concerns an action for personal injury or wrongful death or other wise relates
to an accident or disaster involving the person to whom the communication is
addressed or a relative of that person and that was mailed before the 31st day after
the date on which the accident or disaster occurred,
(B) concerns a specific matter and relates to legal representation and the person
knows or reasonably should know that the person to whom the communication is
directed is represented by a lawyer in the matter;
(C) concerns an arrest of or issuance of a summons to the person to whom the
communication is addressed or a relative of that person and that was mailed
before the 31st day after the date on which the arrest or issuance of the summons
occurred;
(D) concerns a lawsuit of any kind, including an action for divorce, in which the
person to whom the communication is addressed is a defendant or a r elative of
that person, unless the lawsuit in which the person is named as a defendant has
been on file for more than 31 days before the date on which the communication
 was mailed;
(E) is sent or permitted to be sent by a person who knows or reasonably should
know that the injured person or relative of the injured person has indicated a
desire not to be contacted by or receive communications concerning employment;
(F) involves coercion, duress, fraud, overreaching, harassment, intimidation, or
undue influence; or
(G) contains a false, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, or unfair statement or
claim.
(e) For purposes of Subsection (d)(2)(E), a desire not to be contacted is presumed if an accident
report reflects that such an indication has been made by an injured person or that person's
relative.
(f) An offense under Subsection (a) or (b) is a felony of the third degree.
(g) Except as provided by Subsection (h), an offense under Subsection (d) is a Class A
misdemeanor.
(h) An offense under Subsection (d) is a felony of the third degree if it is shown on the trial of
the offense that the defendant has previously been convicted under Subsection (d).
(i) Final conviction of felony barratry is a serious crime for all purposes and acts, specifically
including the State Bar Rules and the Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure.

Sec. 38.122. Falsely Holding Oneself Out As a Lawyer.

(a) A person commits an offense if with intent to obtain an economic, benefit for himself or her-
self, the person holds himself or herself out as a lawyer, unless he or she is currently licensed to
practice law in this state, another state, or a foreign country and is in good standing with the
State Bar of Texas and the state bar or licensing authority of any and all other states and foreign
countries where licensed.
(b) An offense under Subsection (a) of this section is a felony of the third degree.
(c) Final conviction of falsely holding oneself out to be a lawyer is a serious crime for all
purposes and acts, specifically including the State Bar Rules.

Sec. 38.123. Unauthorized Practice of Law.

(a) A person commits an offense if, with intent to obtain an economic benefit for himself or
herself, the person:
(1) contracts with any person to represent that person with regard to personal causes of
action for property damages or personal injury;
(2) advises any person as to the person's rights and the advisability of making claims for
personal injuries or property damages;
(3) advises any person as to whether or not to accept an offered sum of money in
settlement of claims for personal injuries or property damages;
(4) enters into any contract with another person to represent that person in personal injury
or property damage matters on a contingent fee basis with an attempted assignment of a
portion of the person's cause of action; or
(5) enters into any contract with a third person which purports to grant the exclusive right
to select and retain legal counsel to represent the individual in any legal proceeding.
(b) This section. does not apply to a person currently licensed to practice law in this state,
another state, or a foreign country and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas and the state
bar or licensing authority of any and all other states and foreign countries where licensed.
(c) Except as provided by Subsection (d) of this section, an offense under Subsection (a) of this
section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d) An offense under Subsection (a) of this section is a felony of the third degree if it is shown on
the trial of the offense that the defendant has previously been convicted under Subsection (a) of
this section.

Sec. 38.13. Hindering Proceedings by Disorderly Conduct.

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally hinders an official proceeding by noise or

violent or tumultuous behavior or disturbance.
(b) A person commits an offense if he recklessly hinders an official proceeding by noise or
violent or tumultuous behavior or disturbance and continues after explicit official request to
desist.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 38.14. Taking or Attempting to Take Weapon from Peace Officer, Parole Officer, or
Community Supervision and Corrections Department Officer.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Firearm" has the meanings assigned by Section 46.01
(2) "Stun gun" means a device designed to propel darts or other projectiles attached to
wires that, on contact, will deliver an electrical pulse capable of incapacitating a person.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly and with force takes or
attempts to take from a peace officer, parole officer, or community supervision and corrections
department officer the officer's firearm, nightstick, stun gun, or personal protection chemical
dispensing device with the intention of harming the officer or a third person.
(c) The actor is presumed to have known that the peace officer, parole officer, or community
supervision and corrections department officer was a peace officer, parole officer, or community
supervision and corrections department officer if. the officer was wearing a distinctive uniform
or badge indicating his employment, or if the officer identified himself as a peace officer, parole
officer, or community supervision and corrections department officer.
(d) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the defendant took or attempted to take
the weapon from a peace officer, parole officer, or community supervision and corrections
department officer who was using force against the defendant or another in excess of the amount
of force permitted by law.
(e) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if the defendant took a weapon
described by Subsection (b) from an officer described by Subsection (b) and is a state. jail felony
if the defendant attempted to take the weapon from the officer.

Sec. 38.15. Interference with Public Duties.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person with criminal negligence interrupts, disrupts,
impedes, or otherwise interferes with:
(1) a peace officer while the peace officer is performing a duty or exercising authority
imposed or granted bylaw;
(2) a person who is employed to provide emergency medical services including the
transportation of ill or injured persons while the person is performing that duty;
(3) a fire fighter, while the fire fighter is fighting a fire or investigating the cause of a fire;
(4) an animal under the supervision of a peace officer, corrections officer, or jailer, if the
person knows the animal is being used for law enforcement, corrections, prison or jail
security, or investigative purposes;
(5) the transmission of a communication over a citizen's band radio channel, the purpose
of which communication is to inform or inquire about an emergency;
(6) an officer with responsibility for animal control in a county or municipality, while the
 officer is performing a duty or exercising authority imposed or granted under Chapter
821 or 822, Health and Safety Code; or
(7) a person who:
(A) has responsibility for assessing, enacting, or enforcing public health,
environmental, radiation, or safety measures for the state or a county or
municipality;
(B) is investigating a particular site as part of the person's responsibilities under
Paragraph (A);
(C) is acting in accordance with policies and procedures related to the safety and
security of the site described by Paragraph (B); and
(D) is performing a duty or exercising authority imposed or granted under the
Agriculture Code, Health and Safety Code, Occupations Code. or Water Code,
(b) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
(c) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(1) that the conduct engaged in by the
defendant was intended to warn a person operating, a motor vehicle of the presence of a peace
officer who was enforcing Subtitle C, Title 7, Transportation Code.
(d) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the interruption, disruption, impediment,
or interference alleged consisted of speech only.
(e) In this section, "emergency" means a condition or circumstance in which an individual is or is
reasonably believed by the person transmitting the communication to be in imminent danger of
serious bodily injury or in which property is or is reasonably believed by the person transmitting
the communication to be in imminent danger of damage or destruction.

Sec. 38.151. Interference with Police Service Animals.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Area of control" includes a vehicle, trailer, kennel, pen, or yard.
(2) "Handler or rider" means a peace officer, corrections officer, or jailer who is specially
trained to use a police service animal for law enforcement, corrections, prison or jail
security, or investigative purposes.
(3) "Police service animal" means a dog, horse, or other domesticated animal that is
specially trained for use by a handler or rider:
(b) A person commits an offense if the person recklessly taunts
(1) torments, or strikes a police service animal;
(2) throws an object or substance at a police service animal;
(3) interferes with or obstructs a police service animal or interferes with or obstructs the
handler or rider of a police service animal in a manner that:
(A) inhibits or restricts the handler's or rider's control of the animal; or
(B) deprives the handler or rider of control of the animal;
(4) releases a police service animal from its area of. control;
(5) enters the area of control of a police service animal without the effective consent of
the handler or rider, including placing food or any other object or substance into that area;
(6) injures or kills a police service animal; or
(7) engages in conduct likely to injure or kill a police service animal, including
administering or setting a poison, trap, or any other object of substance.
(c) An offense under this section is:
(1) a Class C misdemeanor if the person commits an offense under Subsection (b)(1);
(2) a Class B misdemeanor if the person commits an offense under Subsection (b)(2);
(3) a Class A misdemeanor if the person commits an offense under Subsection (b)(3), (4),
or (5);
(4) except as provided by Subdivision (5), a state jail felony if the person commits an
 offense under Subsection (b)(6) or (7) by injuring a police service animal or by engaging
in conduct likely to injure the animal; or
(5) a felony of the second degree if the person commits an offense under Subsection
(b)(6) or (7) by:
(A) killing a police service animal or engaging in conduct likely to kill the animal;
(B) injuring a police service animal in a manner that materially and permanently
affects the ability of the animal to perform as a police service animal; or
(C) engaging in conduct likely to injure a police service animal in a manner that
would materially and permanently affect the ability of the animal to perform as a
police service animal.

Sec. 38.16. Preventing Execution of Civil Process.

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly by words or physical action

prevents the execution of any process in a civil cause.
(b) It is an exception to the application of this section that the actor evaded service of process by
avoiding detection.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

Sec. 38.17. Failure to Stop or Report Aggravated Sexual Assault of Child.

(a) A person, other than a person who has a relationship with a child described by Section
22.04(b), commits an offense if:
(1) the actor observes the commission or attempted commission of an offense prohibited
by Section 21.02 or 22.021(a)(2)(B) under circumstances in which a reasonable person
would believe that an offense of a sexual or assaultive nature was being committed or
was about to be committed against the child;
(2) the actor fails to assist the child or immediately report the commission of the offense
to a peace officer or law enforcement agency; and
(3) the actor could assist the child or immediately report the commission of the offense
without placing the actor in danger of suffering serious bodily injury or death.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 38.171. Failure to Report Felony.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person:

(1) observes the commission of a felony under circumstances in which a reasonable
person would believe that an offense had been committed in which serious bodily injury
or death may have resulted; and
(2) fails to immediately report the commission of the offense to a peace officer or law
enforcement agency under circumstances in which:
(A) a reasonable person would believe that the commission of the offense had not
been reported; and
(B) the person could immediately report the commission of the offense without
placing himself or herself in danger of suffering serious bodily injury or death.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 38.18. Use of Accident Report Information and Other Information for Pecuniary Gain.

(a) This section applies to:

(1) information described by Section 550.065(a), Transportation Code;
 (2) information reported under Chapter 772, Health and Safety Code, other than
information that is confidential under that chapter; and
(3) information contained in a dispatch log, a towing record, or a record of a 9-1-1 service
provider, other than information that is confidential under Chapter 772, Health and Safety
Code.
(b) A person commits an offense if:
(1) the person obtains information described by Subsection (a) from the Department of
Public Safety of the State of Texas or other governmental entity; and
(2) the information is subsequently used for the direct solicitation of business or
employment for pecuniary gain by:
(A) the person;
(B) an agent or employee of the person; or
(C) the person on whose behalf the information was requested.
(c) A person who employs or engages another to obtain information described by Subsection (a)
from the Department of Public Safety or other governmental entity commits an offense if the
person subsequently uses the information for direct solicitation of business or employment for
pecuniary gain.
(d) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.

Sec. 38.190. Failure to Provide Notice and Report of Death of Resident of Institution.

(a) A superintendent or general manager of an institution commits an offense if as required by

Article 49.24 or 49.25, Code of Criminal Procedure, the person fails to:
(1) provide notice of the death of an individual under: the care, custody, or control of or
residing in the institution;
(2) submit a report on the death of the individual; or
(3) include in the report material facts known or discovered by the person at the time the
report was filed.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.

CHAPTER 39
ABUSE OF OFFICE

Section
39.01. Definitions.
39.015. Concurrent Jurisdiction to Prosecute Offenses Under This Chapter.
39.02. Abuse of Official Capacity.
39.03. Official Oppression.
39.04. Violations of the Civil Rights of Person in Custody; Improper Sexual Activity
with Person in Custody.
39.05. Failure to Report Death of Prisoner.
39.06. Misuse of Official Information.

Sec. 39.01. Definitions.

In this chapter:
(1) "Law relating to a public servant's office or employment" means a law that
specifically applies to a person acting in the capacity of a public servant and that directly
or indirectly:
(A) imposes a duty on the public servant; or
(B) governs the conduct of the public servant.
 (2) "Misuse" means to deal with property contrary to:
(A) an agreement under which the public servant holds the property;
(B) a contract of employment or oath of office of a public servant;
(C) a law, including provisions of the General Appropriations Act specifically
relating to government property, that prescribes the manner of custody or
disposition of the property; or
(D) a limited purpose for which the property is delivered or received.

Sec. 39.015. Concurrent Jurisdiction to Prosecute Offenses Under This Chapter.

With the consent of the appropriate local county or district attorney, the attorney general has
concurrent jurisdiction with that consenting local prosecutor to prosecute an offense under this
chapter.

Sec. 39.02. Abuse of Official Capacity.

(a) A public servant commits an offense if, with intent to obtain a benefit or with intent to harm
or defraud another, he intentionally or knowingly:
(1) violates a law relating to the public servant’s office or employment; or
(2) misuses government property, services, personnel, or any other thing of value
belonging to the government that has come into the public servant's custody or possession
by virtue of the public servant's office or employment.
(b) An offense under Subsection (a)(1) is a Class A misdemeanor.
(c) An offense under Subsection (a)(2) is:
(1) a Class C misdemeanor if the value of the use of the thing misused is less than $20;
(2) a Class B misdemeanor if the value of the use of the thing misused is $20 or more but
less than $500;
(3) a Class A misdemeanor if the value of the use of the thing misused is $500 or more
but less than $1,500;
(4) a state jail felony if the value of the use of the thing misused is $1,500 or more but
less than $20,000;
(5) a felony of the third degree if the value of the use of the thing misused is $20,000 or
more but less than $100,000;
(6) a felony of the second degree if the value of the use of the thing misused is $100,000
or more but less then $200,000; or
(7) a felony of the first degree if the value of the use of the thing misused is $200,000 or
more
(d) A discount or award given for travel, such as frequent flyer miles, rental car or hotel
discounts, or food coupons, are not things of value belonging to the government for purposes of
this section due to the administrative difficulty and cost involved in recapturing the discount or
award for a governmental entity.

Sec. 39.03. Official Oppression.

(a) A public servant acting under color of his office or employment commits an offense if he:
(1) intentionally subjects another to mistreatment or to arrest, detention, search, seizure,
dispossession, assessment, or lien that he knows is unlawful;
(2) intentionally denies or impedes another in the exercise or enjoyment of any right,
privilege, power, or immunity, knowing his conduct is unlawful; or
(3) intentionally subjects another to sexual harassment.
(b) For purposes of this section, a public servant acts under color of his office or employment if
he acts or purports to act in an official capacity or takes advantage of such actual or purported
capacity.
(c) In this section, "sexual harassment" means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual
favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, submission to which is made a
term or condition of a person's exercise or enjoyment of any right, privilege, power, or immunity,
either explicitly or implicitly.
(d) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor

Sec. 39.04. Violations of the Civil Rights of Person in Custody; Improper Sexual Activity
with Person in Custody.

(a) An official of a correctional facility, an employee of a correctional facility, a person other

than an employee who works for compensation at a correctional facility, a volunteer at a
correctional facility, or a peace officer commits an offense if the person intentionally:
(1) denies or impedes a person in custody in the exercise or enjoyment of any right,
privilege, or immunity knowing his conduct is unlawful; or
(2) engages in sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or deviate sexual intercourse with an
individual in custody or, in the case of an individual in the custody of the Texas Youth
Commission, employs, authorizes, or induces the individual to engage in sexual conduct
or a sexual performance.
(b) (2 Versions) An offense under Subsection (a)(1) is a Class A misdemeanor. An offense under
Subsection (a)(2) is a state jail felony, except that an offense under Subsection (a)(2) is a felony
of the second degree if the individual is in the custody of the Texas Youth Commission.
(b) (2 Versions) An offense under Subsection (a)(1) is a Class A misdemeanor. An offense under
Subsection (a)(2) is a state, jail felony, except that the offense is a felony of the second degree if
the offense is committed against a juvenile offender detained in or committed to a correctional
facility the operation of which is financed primarily with state funds.
(c) This section shall not preclude prosecution for any other offense set out in this code.
(d) The Attorney General of Texas shall have concurrent jurisdiction with law enforcement
agencies to investigate violations of this statute involving serious bodily injury or death.
(e) In this section:
(1) "Correctional facility" means:
(A) any place described by Section 1.07(a)(14);
(B) a "secure correctional facility" or "secure detention facility" as defined by
Section 51.02, Family Code.
(2) "Custody" means the detention, arrest, or confinement of an adult offender or the
detention or the commitment of a juvenile offender to a facility operated by or under a
contract with the Texas Youth Commission or a facility operated by or under contract
with a juvenile board.
(3) "Sexual contact," "sexual intercourse," and "deviate sexual intercourse" have the
meanings assigned by Section 21.01.
(4) "Sexual conduct" and "performance" have the meanings assigned by Section 43.25.
(5) "Sexual performance" means any performance or part thereof that includes sexual
conduct by an individual.
(f) An employee of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the Texas Youth Commission, or
a local juvenile probation department commits an offense if the employee engages in sexual
contact, sexual intercourse, or deviate sexual intercourse with an individual who is not the
employee's spouse and who the employee knows is under the supervision of the department,
commission, or probation department but not in the custody of the department, commission, or
probation department.
(g) An offense under Subsection (1) is a state jail felony.
Sec. 39.05. Failure to Report Death of Prisoner.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person is required to conduct an investigation and file a
report by Article 49.18, Code of Criminal Procedure, and the person fails to investigate the
death, fails to file the report as required, or fails to include in a filed report facts known or
discovered in the investigation.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person is required by Section 501.055, Government Code,
to:
(1) give notice of the death of an inmate and the person fails to give the notice; or
(2) conduct an investigation and file a report and the person:
(A) fails to conduct the investigation or file the report; or
(B) fails to include in the report facts known to the person or discovered by the
person in the investigation.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.

Sec. 39.06. Misuse of Official Information.

(a) A public servant commits an offense if, in reliance on information to which he has access by
virtue of his office or employment and that has not been made public, he:
(1) acquires or aids another to acquire a pecuniary interest in any property, transaction, or
enterprise that may be affected by the information;
(2) speculates or aids another to speculate on the basis of the information; or
(3) as a public servant, including as a principal of a school, coerces another into
suppressing or failing to report that information to a law enforcement agency.
(b) A public servant commits an offense if with intent to obtain a benefit or with intent to harm
or defraud another, he discloses or uses information for a nongovernmental purpose that:
(1) he has access to by means of his office or employment; and
(2) has not been made public.
(c) A person commits an offense if with intent to obtain a benefit or with intent to harm or
defraud another, he solicits or receives from a public servant information that:
(1) the public, servant has access to by means of his office or employment; and
(2) has not been made public.
(d) In this section, "information that has not been made public" means any information to which
the public does not generally have access, and that is prohibited from disclosure under Chapter
552, Government Code.
(e) Except as provided by Subsection (f), an offense under this section is a felony of the third
degree.
(f) An offense under Subsection (a)(3) is a Class C misdemeanor.

TITLE 9
OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER AND DECENCY

CHAPTER 42
DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND RELATED OFFENSES

Section
42.01. Disorderly Conduct.
42.02. Riot.
42.03. Obstructing Highway or Other Passageway.
42.04. Defense When Conduct Consists of Speech or Other Expression.
42.05. Disrupting Meeting or Procession.
42.055. Funeral Service Disruptions.
42.06. False Alarm or Report.
42.061. Silent or Abusive Calls to 9-1-1 Service.
42.062. Interference with Emergency Telephone Call.
42.07. Harassment.
42.072. Stalking.
42.08. Abuse of Corpse.
42.09. Cruelty to Livestock Animals.
42.091. Attack 011 Assistance Animal.
42.092. Cruelty to Non livestock Animals.
42.10. Dog Fighting.
42.11. Destruction of Flag.
42.12. Discharge of Firearm in Certain Municipalities.
42.13. Use of Laser Pointers.
42.14. Illumination of Aircraft by Intense Light.

Sec. 42.01. Disorderly Conduct.

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly:

(1) uses abusive, indecent, profane, or vulgar language in a public place, and the language
by its very utterance tends to incite an immediate breach of the peace;
(2) makes an offensive gesture or display in a public place, and the gesture or display
tends to incite an immediate breach of the peace;
(3) creates, by chemical means, a noxious and unreasonable odor in a public place;
(4) abuses or threatens a person in a public place in an obviously offensive manner;
(5) makes unreasonable noise in a public place other than a sport shooting range, as
defined by Section 250.001, Local Government Code, or in or near a private residence
that he has no right to occupy;
(6) fights with another in a public place;
(7) discharges a firearm in a public place other than a public road or a sport shooting
range, as defined by Section 250.001, Local Government Code;
(8) displays a firearm or other deadly weapon in a public place in a manner calculated to
alarm;
(9) discharges firearm on or across a public road;
(10) exposes his anus or genitals in a public place and is reckless about whether another
may be present who will be offended or alarmed by his act; or
(11) for a lewd or unlawful purpose:
(A) enters on the property of another and looks into a dwelling on the property
through any window or other opening in the dwelling;
(B) while on the premises of a hotel or comparable establishment, looks into a
guest room not the person's own through a window or other opening in the room;
or
(C) while on the premises of a public place, looks into an area such as a restroom
or shower stall or changing or dressing room that is designed to provide privacy to
a person using the area.
(b) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(4) that the actor had significant
provocation for his abusive or threatening conduct.
(c) For purpose of this section:
(1) an act is deemed to occur in a public place or near a private residence if it produces its
offensive or proscribed consequences in the public place or near a private residence; and
 (2) a noise is presumed to be unreasonable if the noise exceeds a decibel level of 85 after
the person making the noise receives notice from magistrate or peace officer that the
noise is a public nuisance.
(d) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor unless committed under Subsection
(a)(7) (a)(8), in which event it is a Class B misdemeanor.
(e) It is a defense to prosecution for an offense under Subsection (a)(7) or (9) that the person who
discharged the firearm had a reasonable fear of bodily injury to the person or to another by a
dangerous wild animal as defined by Section 822.101, Health and Safety Code.

Sec. 42.02. Riot.

(a) For the purpose of this section, "riot" means the assemblage of seven or more persons
resulting in conduct which:
(1) creates an immediate danger of damage to property or injury to persons;
(2) substantially obstructs law enforcement or other governmental functions or services;
or
(3) by force, threat of force, or physical action deprives any person of a legal right or
disturbs any person in the enjoyment of a legal right.
(b) A person commits an offense if he knowingly participates in a riot.
(c) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the assembly was at first lawful and when
one of those assembled manifested an intent to engage in conduct enumerated in Subsection (a),
the actor retired from the assembly.
(d) It is no defense to prosecution under this section that another who was a party to the riot has
been acquitted, has not been arrested, prosecuted, or convicted, has been convicted of a different
offense or of a different type or class of offense, or is immune from prosecution.
(e) Except as provided in. Subsection (f), an offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
(f) An offense under this section is an offense of the same classification as any offense of a
higher grade committed by anyone engaged in the riot if the offense was:
(1) in the furtherance of the purpose of the assembly; or
(2) an offense which should have been anticipated as a result of the assembly.

Sec. 42.03. Obstructing Highway or Other Passageway.

(a) A person commits an offense if, without legal privilege or authority, he intentionally,
knowingly, or recklessly:
(1) obstructs a highway, street, sidewalk, railway, waterway, elevator, aisle, hallway,
entrance, or exit to which the public or a substantial group of the public has access, or
any other place used for the passage of persons, vehicles, or conveyances, regardless of
the means of creating the obstruction and whether the obstruction arises from his acts
alone or from his acts and the acts of others; or
(2) disobeys a reasonable request or order to move issued by a person the actor knows to
be or is informed is a peace officer, a fireman, or a person with authority to control the
use of the premises:
(A) to prevent obstruction of a highway or any of those areas mentioned in
Subdivision (1); or
(B) to maintain public safety by dispersing those gathered in dangerous proximity
to a fire, riot, or other hazard.
(b) For purposes of this section, "obstruct" means to render impassable or to render passage
unreasonably inconvenient or hazardous.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
Sec. 42.04. Defense When Conduct Consists of Speech or Other Expression.

(a) If conduct that would otherwise violate Section 42.01(a)(5) (Unreasonable Noise), 42 03
(Obstructing Passageway), or 42.055 (Funeral Service Disruptions) consists of speech or other
communication, of gathering with others to hear or observe such speech or communication, or of
gathering with others to picket or otherwise express in a nonviolent manner a position on social,
economic, political, or religious questions, the actor must be ordered to move, disperse, or
otherwise remedy the violation prior to his arrest if he has not yet intentionally harmed the
interests of others which those sections seek to protect.
(b) The order required by this section may be given by a peace officer; a fireman, a person with
authority to control the use of the premises, or any person directly affected by the violation.
(c) It is a defense to prosecution under Section 42.01(a)(5), 42.03, or 42.055:
(1) that in circumstances in which this section requires an order no order was given;
(2) that an order, if given, was manifestly unreasonable in scope; or
(3) that an order, if given, .was promptly obeyed.

Sec. 42.05. Disrupting Meeting or Procession.

(a) A person commits an offense if with intent to prevent or disrupt a lawful meeting, procession,
or gathering, he obstructs or interferes with the meeting, procession, or gathering by physical
action or verbal utterance.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.

Sec. 42.055. Funeral Service Disruptions.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Facility" means a building at which any portion of a funeral service takes place,
including a funeral parlor, mortuary, private home, or established place of worship.
(2) "Funeral service" means a ceremony, procession, or memorial service, including a
wake or viewing, held in connection with the burial or cremation of the dead.
(3) "Picketing" means:
(A) standing, sitting, or repeated walking, riding, driving, or other similar action
by a person displaying or carrying a banner, placard, or sign;
(B) engaging in loud singing, chanting, whistling, or yelling, with or without
noise amplification through a device such as a bullhorn or microphone; or
(C) blocking access to a facility or cemetery being used for a funeral service.
(b) A person commits an offense if during the period beginning one hour before the service
begins and ending one hour after the service is completed, the person engages in picketing within
1,000 feet of a facility or cemetery being used for a funeral service.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.

Sec. 42.06. False Alarm or Report.

(a) A person commits an offense if he knowingly initiates, communicates or circulates a report of

a present, past, or future bombing, fire, offense, or other emergency that he knows is false or
baseless and that would ordinarily:
(1) cause action by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies;
(2) place a person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury; or
(3) prevent or interrupt the occupation of a building, room, place of assembly, place to
which the public has access, or aircraft, automobile, or other mode of conveyance.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor unless the false report is of an
emergency involving a public primary or secondary school, public communications, public
transportation, public water, gas, or power supply or other public service, in which event the
offense is a state jail felony.

Sec. 42.061. Silent or Abusive Calls to 9-1-1 Service.

(a) In this section "9-1-1 service" and "public safety answering point" or "PSAP" have the
meanings assigned by Section 772.001, Health and Safety Code.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person makes a telephone call to 9-1-1 when there is not
an emergency and knowingly or intentionally:
(1) remains silent; or
(2) makes abusive or harassing statements to a PSAP employee.
(c) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly permits a telephone under the person's
control to be used by another person in a manner described in Subsection (b).
(d) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.

Sec. 42.062. Interference with Emergency Telephone Call.

(a) An individual commits an offense if the individual knowingly prevents or interferes with
another individual's ability to place an emergency telephone call or to request assistance in an
emergency from a law enforcement agency, medical facility, or other agency or entity the
primary purpose of which is to provide for the safety of individuals.
(b) An individual commits an offense if the individual recklessly renders unusable a telephone
that would otherwise be used by another individual to place an emergency telephone call or to
request assistance in an emergency from a law enforcement agency, medical facility, or other
agency or entity the primary purpose of which is to provide for the safety of individuals.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor, except that the offense is a state jail
felony if the actor has previously been convicted under this section.
(d) In this section, "emergency" means a condition or circumstance in which any individual is or
is reasonably believed by the individual making a telephone call to be in fear of imminent assault
or in which property is or is reasonably believed by the individual making the telephone
call to be in imminent danger of damage or destruction.

Sec. 42.07. Harassment.

(a) A person commits an offense if, with intent to harass, annoy, alarm, abuse, torment, or
embarrass another, he:
(1) initiates communication by telephone, in writing, or by electronic communication and
in the course of the communication makes a comment, request, suggestion, or proposal
that is obscene;
(2) threatens, by telephone, in writing, or by electronic communication, in a manner
reasonably likely to alarm the person receiving the threat, to inflict bodily injury on the
person or to commit a felony against the person, a member of his family or household, or
his property;
(3) conveys, in a manner reasonably likely to alarm the person receiving the report, a
false report, which is known by the conveyor to be false, that another person has suffered
death or serious bodily injury;
(4) causes the telephone of another to ring repeatedly or makes repeated telephone
communications anonymously or in a manner reasonably likely to harass, annoy, alarm,
abuse, torment embarrass, or offend another;
(5) makes a telephone call and intentionally fails to hang up or disengage the connection;
 (6) knowingly permits a telephone under the person's control to be used by another to
commit an offense under this section; or
(7) sends repeated electronic communications in a manner reasonably likely to harass,
annoy, alarm, abuse, torment, embarrass, or offend another.
(b) In this section:
(1) "Electronic communication" means a transfer of signs, signals, writing, images,
sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio,
electromagnetic, photo electronic, or photo optical system. The term includes:
(A) a communication initiated by electronic mail, instant message, network call,
or facsimile machine; and
(B) a communication made to a pager.
(2) “Family" and "household" have the meaning assigned by Chapter 71, Family Code.
(3) "Obscene" means containing a patently offensive description of or a solicitation to
commit an ultimate sex act, including sexual intercourse, masturbation, cunnilingus,
fellatio, or anilingus, or a description of an excretory function.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor, except that the offense is a Class A
misdemeanor if the actor has previously been convicted under this section.

Sec. 42.072. Stalking.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person, on more than one occasion and pursuant to the
same scheme or course of conduct that is directed specifically at another person, knowingly
engages in conduct, including following the other person, that
(1) the actor knows or reasonably believes the other person will regard as threatening:
(A) bodily injury or death for the other person;
(B) bodily injury or death for a member of the other person's family or household;
or
(C) that an offense will be committed against the other person's property;
(2) causes the other, person or a member of the other person's family or household to be
placed in fear of bodily injury or death or fear that an offense will be committed against
the other person's property; and
(3) would cause a reasonable person to fear:
(A) bodily injury or death for himself or herself,
(B) bodily injury or death for a member of the person's family or household; or
(C) that an offense will be committed against the person's property.
(b) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree, except that the offense is a
felony of the second degree if the actor has previously been convicted under this section.
(c) In this section, "family”, "household," and "member of a household" have the meanings
assigned by Chapter 71, Family Code.

Sec. 42.08. Abuse of Corpse.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person, without legal authority, knowingly:
(1) disinters, disturbs, damages, dissects, in whole or in part, carries away, or treats in an
offensive manner a human corpse;
(2) conceals a human corpse knowing it to be illegally disinterred;
(3) sells or buys a human corpse or in any way traffics in a human corpse;
(4) transmits or conveys, or procures to be transmitted or conveyed, a human corpse to a
place outside the state; or
(5) vandalizes, damages, or treats in an offensive manner the space in which a human
corpse has been interred or otherwise permanently laid to rest.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor
(c) In this section, "human corpse" includes:
(1) any portion of a human corpse;
(2) the cremated remains of a human corpse; or
(3) any portion of the cremated remains of a human corpse.
(d) If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under another
section of this code, the actor may be prosecuted under either section or both sections.
(e) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the actor:
(1) as a member or agent of a cemetery organization, removed or damaged anything that
had been placed in or on any portion of the organization's cemetery in violation of the
rules of the organization; or
(2) removed anything:
(A) placed in the cemetery in violation of the rules of the cemetery organization;
or
(B) placed in the cemetery by or with the cemetery organization's consent but
that, in the organization's judgment, had become wrecked, unsightly, or
dilapidated.
(f) In this section, "cemetery" and "cemetery organization" have the meanings assigned by
Section 711.001, Health and Safety Code.

Sec. 42.09. Cruelty to Livestock Animals.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly:

(1) tortures a livestock animal;
(2) fails unreasonably to provide necessary food, water, or care for a livestock animal in
the person's custody;
(3) abandons unreasonably a livestock animal in the person's custody;
(4) transports or confines a livestock animal in a cruel and unusual manner;
(5) administers poison to a livestock animal, other than cattle, horses, sheep, swine, or
goats, belonging to another without legal authority or the owner's effective consent;
(6) causes one livestock animal to fight with another livestock animal or with an animal
as defined by Section 42.092;
(7) uses a live livestock animal as a lure in dog race training or in dog coursing on a
racetrack;
(8) trips a horse; or
(9) seriously overworks a livestock animal.
(b) In this section:
(1) "Abandon" includes abandoning a livestock animal in the person's custody without
making reasonable arrangements for assumption of custody by another person.
(2) "Cruel manner" includes a manner that causes or permits unjustified or unwarranted
pain or suffering.
(3) "Custody" includes responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of a livestock
animal subject to the person's care and control, regardless of ownership of the livestock
animal.
(4) "Depredation" has the meaning assigned by Section 71.001, Parks and Wildlife Code.
(5) "Livestock animal" means:
(A) cattle, sheep, swine, goats, ratites, or poultry commonly raised for human
consumption;
(B) a horse, pony, mule, donkey, or hinny;
(C) native or nonnative hoof stock raised under agriculture practices; or
(D) native or nonnative fowl commonly raised under agricultural practices.
 (6) "Necessary food, water, or care" includes food, water, or care provided to the extent
required to maintain the livestock animal in a state of good health.
(7) "Torture" includes any act that causes unjustifiable pain or suffering.
(8) "Trip" means to use an object to cause a horse to fall or lose its balance.
(c) An offense under Subsection (a)(2), (3), (4), or (9) is a Class A misdemeanor, except that the
offense is a state jail felony if the person has previously been convicted two times under this
section, two times under Section 42.092, or one time under this section and one time under
Section 42.092. An offense under Subsection (a)(1), (5), (6), (7), or (8) is a state jail felony,
except that the offense is a felony of the third degree if the person has previously been convicted
two times under this section, two times under Section 42.092, or one time under this section and
one time under Section 42.092.
(d) It is a defense to prosecution under. Subsection (a)(8) that the actor tripped the horse for the
purpose of identifying the ownership of the horse or giving veterinary care to the horse.
(e) It is a defense to prosecution for an offense under this section that the actor was engaged in
bona fide experimentation for scientific research.
(f) It is an exception to the application of this section that the conduct engaged in by the actor is a
generally accepted and otherwise lawful:
(1) form of conduct occurring solely for the purpose of or in support of:
(A) fishing, hunting, or trapping; or
(B) wildlife management, wildlife or depredation control, or shooting preserve
practices as regulated by state and federal law; or
(2) animal husbandry or agriculture practice involving livestock animals.
(g) This section does not create a civil cause of action for damages or enforcement of this
section.

Sec. 42.091. Attack on Assistance Animal.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly attacks,
injures, or kills an assistance animal.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly incites or
permits an animal owned by or otherwise in the custody of the actor to attack, injure, or kill an
assistance animal and, as a result of the person's conduct, the assistance animal is attacked,
injured, or killed.
(c) An offense under this section is a:
(1) Class A misdemeanor if the actor or an animal owned by or otherwise in the custody
of the actor attacks an assistance animal;
(2) state jail felony if the actor or an animal owned by or otherwise in the custody of the
actor injures an assistance animal; or
(3) felony of the third degree if the actor or an animal owned by or otherwise in the
custody of the actor kills an assistance animal.
(d) A court shall order a defendant convicted of an offense under Subsection (a) to make
restitution to the owner of the assistance animal for:
(1) related veterinary or medical bills;
(2) the cost of
(A) replacing the assistance animal; or.
(B) retraining an injured assistance animal by an organization generally
recognized by agencies involved in the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities
as reputable and competent to provide special equipment for or special training to
an animal to help a person with a disability; and
(3) any other expense reasonably incurred as a result of the offense.
(e) In this section:
 (1) "Assistance animal" has the meaning assigned. by Section 121.002, Human Resources
Code.
(2) "Custody" has the meaning assigned by Section 42.09.

Sec. 42.092. Cruelty to Non livestock Animals.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Abandon" includes abandoning an animal in the person's custody without making
reasonable arrangements for assumption of custody by another person.
(2) "Animal" means a domesticated living creature, including any stray or feral cat or
dog, and a wild living creature previously captured. The term does not include an
uncaptured wild living creature or a livestock animal.
(3) "Cruel manner" includes a manner that causes or permits unjustified or unwarranted
pain or suffering.
(4) "Custody" includes responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of an animal
subject to the person's care and control, regardless of ownership of the animal.
(5) "Depredation" has the meaning assigned by Section 71.001, Parks and Wildlife Code.
(6) "Livestock animal" has the meaning assigned by Section 42.09.
(7) "Necessary food, water, care, or shelter" includes food, water, care, or shelter
provided to the extent required to maintain the animal in a state of good health.
(8) "Torture" includes any act that causes unjustifiable pain or suffering.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly:
(1) tortures an animal or in a cruel manner kills or causes serious bodily injury to an
animal;
(2) without the owner's effective consent, kills, administers poison to, or causes serious
bodily injury to an animal;
(3) fails unreasonably to provide necessary food, water, care, or shelter for an animal in
the person's custody;
(4) abandons unreasonably an animal in the person's custody;
(5) transports or confines an animal in a cruel manner;
(6) without the owner's effective consent, causes bodily injury to an animal;
(7) causes one animal to fight with another animal, if either animal is not a dog;
(8) uses a live animal as a lure in dog race training or in dog coursing on a racetrack; or
(9) seriously overworks an animal
(c) An offense under Subsection (b)(3), (4), (5), (6), or (9) is a Class A misdemeanor, except that
the offense is a state jail felony if the person has previously been convicted two times under this
section, two times under Section 42.09, or one time under this section and one time under
Section 42.09. An offense under Subsection (b)(1), (2), (7), or (8) is a state. jail felony, except
that the offense is a felony of the third degree if the person has previously been convicted two
times under this section, two times under Section 42.09, or one time under this section and one
time under Section 42.09.
(d) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that:
(1) the actor had a reasonable fear of bodily injury to the actor or to another person by a
dangerous wild animal as defined by Section 822.101, Health and Safety Code; or
(2) the actor was engaged in bona fide experimentation for scientific research.
(e) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (b)(2) or (6) that:
(1) the animal was discovered on the person's property in the act of or after injuring or
killing the person's livestock animals or damaging the person's crops and that the person
killed or injured the animal at the time of this discovery; or
(2) the person killed or injured the animal within the scope of the person's employment as
a public servant or in furtherance of activities or operations associated with electricity
 transmission or distribution, electricity generation or operations associated with the
generation of electricity, or natural gas delivery.
(f) It is an exception to the application of this section that the conduct engaged in by the actor is a
generally accepted and otherwise lawful:
(1) form of conduct occurring solely for the purpose of or in support of:
(A) fishing, hunting, or trapping; or
(B) wildlife management, wildlife or depredation control, or shooting preserve
practices as regulated by state and federal law; or
(2) animal husbandry or agriculture practice involving livestock animals.
(g) This section does not create a civil cause of action for damages or enforcement of the section.

Sec. 42.10. Dog Fighting.

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly:

(1) causes a dog to fight with another dog;
(2) participates in the earnings of or operates a facility used for dog fighting;
(3) uses or permits another to use any real estate, building, room, tent, arena or other
property for dog fighting;
(4) owns or trains a dog with the intent that the dog be used in an exhibition of dog
fighting; or
(5) attends as a spectator an exhibition of dog fighting.
(b) In this section, "dog fighting" means any situation in which one dog attacks or fights with
another dog.
(c) A conviction under Subsection (a)(2) or (3) may be had upon the uncorroborated testimony of
a party to the offense.
(d) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(1) that the actor caused a dog to fight with
another dog to protect livestock, other property, or a person from the other dog, and for no other
purpose.
(e) An offense under Subsection (a)(4) or (5) is a Class A misdemeanor. An offense under
Subsection (a)(1), (2), or (3) is a state jail felony.

Sec. 42.11. Destruction of Flag.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly damages, defaces,
mutilates, or burns the flag of the United States or the State of Texas.
(b) In this section, “flag" means an emblem, banner, or other standard or a copy of an emblem,
standard, or banner that is an official or commonly recognized depiction of the flag of the United
States or of this state and is capable of being flown from a staff of any character or size. The
term does not include a representation of a flag on a written or printed document, a periodical,
stationery, a painting or photograph, or an article of clothing or jewelry.
(c) It is an exception to the application of this section that the act that would otherwise constitute
an offense is done in conformity with statutes of the United States or of this state relating to the
proper disposal of damaged flags.
(d) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 42.12. Discharge of Firearm in Certain Municipalities.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person recklessly discharges a firearm inside the
corporate limits of a municipality having a population of 100,000 or more.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(c) If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under another
section of this code, the person may be prosecuted under either section.
(d) Subsection (a) does not affect the authority of a municipality to enact an ordinance which
prohibits the discharge of a firearm.

Sec. 42.13. Use of Laser Pointers.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly directs a light from a laser pointer at a
uniformed safety officer, including a peace officer, security guard, firefighter, emergency
medical service worker, or other uniformed municipal, state, or federal officer.
(b) In this section, "laser pointer" means a device that emits a visible light amplified by the
stimulated emission of radiation.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

Sec. 42.14. Illumination of Aircraft by Intense Light.

(a) A person commits an offense if:

(1) the person intentionally directs a light from a laser pointer or other light source at an
aircraft; and
(2) the light has an intensity sufficient to impair the operators ability to control the
aircraft.
(b) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the actor was using the light
to send an emergency distress signal.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor unless the intensity of the light
impairs the operators ability to control the aircraft, in which event the offense is a Class A
misdemeanor.
(d) If conduct that constitutes an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under any
other law, the actor may be prosecuted under this section or the other law.
(e) In this section, "laser pointer" has the meaning assigned by Section 42.13.

CHAPTER 43
PUBLIC INDECENCY

Subchapter A Prostitution

Section
43.01. Definitions.
43.02. Prostitution.
43.03. Promotion of Prostitution.
43.04. Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution.
43.05. Compelling Prostitution.
43.06. Accomplice Witness: Testimony and Immunity.

Subchapter B. Obscenity
43.21. Definitions.
43.22. Obscene Display or Distribution.
43 23. Obscenity.
43.24. Sale, Distribution, or Display of Harmful Material to Minor.
43.25. Sexual Performance by a Child.
43.251. Employment Harmful to Children.
43.26. Possession or Promotion of Child Pornography.
43.27. Duty to Report.
SUBCHAPTER A PROSTITUTION

Sec. 43.01. Definitions.

In this subchapter:
(1) "Deviate sexual intercourse" means any contact between the genitals of one person
and the mouth or anus of another person.
(2) "Prostitution" means the offense defined in Section 43.02.
(3) "Sexual contact" means any touching of the anus, breast, or any part of the genitals of
another person with intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
(4) "Sexual conduct" includes deviate sexual intercourse, sexual contact, and sexual
intercourse.
(5) "Sexual intercourse" means any penetration of the female sex organ by the male sex
organ.

Sec. 43.02. Prostitution.

(a) A person commits an offense if he knowingly:

(1) offers to engage, agrees to engage, or engages in sexual conduct for a fee; or
(2) solicits another in a public place to engage with him in sexual conduct for hire
(b) An offense is established under Subsection (a)(1) whether the actor is to receive or pay a fee.
An offense is established under Subsection (a)(2) whether the actor solicits a person to hire him
or offers to hire the person solicited.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor, unless the actor has previously been
convicted one or two times of an offense under this section, in which event it is a Class A
misdemeanor. If the actor has previously been convicted three or more times of an offense under
this section, the offense is a state jail felony .

Sec. 43.03. Promotion of Prostitution.

(a) A person commits an offense if, acting other than as a prostitute receiving compensation for
personally rendered prostitution services, he or she knowingly:
(1) receives money or other property pursuant to an agreement to participate in the
proceeds of prostitution; or
(2) solicits another to engage in sexual conduct with another person for compensation.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 43.04. Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution.

(a) A person commits an offense if he knowingly owns, invests in, finances, controls, supervises,
or manages a prostitution enterprise that uses two or more prostitutes.
(b) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.
Sec. 43.05. Compelling Prostitution.

(a) A person commits an offense if he knowingly:

(1) causes another by force, threat, or fraud to commit prostitution; or
(2) causes by any means a person younger than 17 years to commit prostitution.
(b) An offense under this section is a felony of the second degree.

Sec. 43.06. Accomplice Witness: Testimony and Immunity.

(a) A party to an offense under this subchapter may be required to furnish evidence or testify
about the offense.
(b) A party to an offense under this subchapter may not be prosecuted for any offense, about
which he is required to furnish evidence or, testify, and the evidence and testimony may not be
used against the party in any adjudicatory proceeding except a prosecution for aggravated
perjury.
(c) For purposes of this section, "adjudicatory proceeding means a processing before a court or
any other agency of government in which the legal rights, powers, duties, or privileges of
specified parties are determined.
(d) A conviction under this subchapter may be had upon the uncorroborated testimony of a party
to the offense.

SUBCHAPTER B
OBSCENITY

Sec. 43.21. Definitions.

(a) In this subchapter:

(1) "Obscene" means material or a performance that:
(A) the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find
that taken as a whole appeals to the prurient interest in sex;
(B) depicts or describes:
(i) patently offensive representations or descriptions of ultimate sexual
acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated, including sexual
intercourse, sodomy, and sexual bestiality; or
(ii) patently offensive representations descriptions of masturbation,
excretory functions, sadism, masochism, lewd exhibition of the genitals,
the male or female genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal,
covered male genitals in a discernible state or a device designed and
marketed as useful primarily for stimulation of the human genital organs;
and
(C) taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, and scientific value.
(2) "Material" means anything tangible that is capable of being used or adapted to arouse
interest, whether through the medium of leading, observation, sound, or in any other
manner, but does not include an actual three dimensional obscene device.
(3) "Performance" means a play, motion picture, dance, or other exhibition performed
before an audience.
(4) "Patently offensive" means so offensive on its face as to affront current community
standards of decency.
(5) "Promote" means to manufacture, issue, sell, give, provide, lend, mail, deliver,
transfer, transmit, publish, distribute, circulate, disseminate, present, exhibit, or advertise,
or to offer or agree to do the same.
(6) "Wholesale promote" means to manufacture, issue, sell, provide, mail, deliver,
transfer, transmit, publish, distribute, circulate, disseminate, or to offer or agree to do the
same for purpose of resale.
(7) "Obscene device" means a device including a dildo or artificial vagina, designed or
marketed as useful primarily for the stimulation of human genital organs.
(b) If any of the depictions or descriptions of sexual conduct described in this section are
declared by a court of competent, jurisdiction to be unlawfully included herein, this declaration
shall not invalidate this section as to other patently offensive sexual conduct included herein.
Sec. 43.220 Obscene Display or Distribution.

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly displays or distributes an

obscene photograph, drawing, or similar visual representation or other obscene material and is
reckless about whether a person is present who will be offended or alarmed by the display or
distribution.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

Sec. 43.23. Obscenity.

(a) A person commits an offense if knowing its content and character, he wholesale promotes or
possesses with intent to wholesale promote any obscene material or obscene device.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (h), an offense under Subsection (a) is a state jail felony.
(c) A person commits an offense if, knowing its content and character, he:
(1) promotes or possesses with intent to promote any obscene material or obscene device;
or
(2) produces, presents, or directs an obscene performance or participates in a portion
thereof that is obscene or that contributes to its obscenity.
(d) Except as provided by Subsection (h), an offense under Subsection (c) is a Class A
misdemeanor.
(e) A person who promotes or wholesale promotes obscene material or an obscene device or
possesses the same with intent to promote or wholesale promote it in the course of his business is
presumed to do so with knowledge of its content and character.
(f) A person, who possesses six or more obscene devices or identical or similar obscene articles
is presumed to possess them with intent to promote the same.
(g) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the person who possesses or
promotes material or a device proscribed by this section does so for a bona medical, psychiatric,
judicial, legislative, or law enforcement purpose.
(h) The punishment for an offense under Subsection (a) is increased to the punishment for a
felony of the third degree and the punishment for an offense under Subsection (c) is increased to
the punishment for a state jail felony if it is shown on the trial of the offense that obscene
material that is the subject of the offense visually depicts activities described by Section
43.21(a)(1)(B) engaged in by:
(1) a child younger than 18 years of age at the time the image of the child was made;
(2) an image that to a reasonable person would be virtually indistinguishable from the
image of a child younger than 18 years of age;
(3) an image created, adapted, or modified to be the image of an identifiable child.
(i) In this section, "identifiable child" means a person, recognizable as an actual person by the
person's face, likeness, or other distinguishing characteristic, such as a unique birthmark or
other recognizable feature:
(1) who was younger than 18 years of age at the time the visual depiction was created,
adapted, or modified; or
(2) whose image as a person younger than 18 years of age was used in creating, adapting,
or modifying the visual depiction.
(j) An attorney representing the state who seeks an increase in punishment under Subsection
(h)(3) is not required to prove the actual identity of an identifiable child.

Sec. 43.24. Sale, Distribution, or Display of Harmful Material to Minor.

(a) For purposes of this section:

 (1) "Minor" means an individual younger than 18 years.
(2) "Harmful material" means material whose dominant theme taken as a whole:
(A) appeals to the prurient interest of a minor, in sex, nudity, or excretion;
(B) is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a
whole with respect to what is suitable for minors; and
(C) is utterly without redeeming social value for minors.
(b) A person commits an offense if, knowing that the material is harmful:
(1) and knowing the person is a minor, he sells, distributes, exhibits, or possesses for sale,
distribution, or exhibition to a minor harmful material;
(2) he displays harmful material and is reckless about whether a minor is present who
will be offended or alarmed by the display; or
(3) he hires, employs, or uses a minor to do or accomplish or assist in doing or
accomplishing any of the acts prohibited in Subsection (b)(1) (b)(2).
(c) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that:
(1) the sale, distribution, or exhibition was by a person having scientific, educational,
governmental, or other similar justification; or
(2) the sale, distribution, or exhibition was to a minor who was accompanied by a
consenting parent, guardian, or spouse.
(d) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor unless it is committed under
Subsection (b)(3) in which event it is a felony of the third degree.

Sec. 43.25. Sexual Performance by a Child.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Sexual performance" means any performance or part thereof that includes sexual
conduct by a child younger than 18 years of age.
(2) "Sexual conduct" means sexual contact, actual or simulated sexual intercourse,
deviate sexual intercourse, sexual bestiality, masturbation, sadomasochistic abuse, or
lewd exhibition of the genitals, the anus, or any portion of the female breast below the top
of the areola.
(3) "Performance" means any play, motion picture, photograph, dance, or other visual
representation that can be exhibited before an audience of one or more persons.
(4) "Produce" with respect to a sexual performance includes any conduct that directly
contributes to the creation or manufacture of the sexual performance.
(5) "Promote” means to procure, manufacture, issue, sell, give, provide, lend, mail,
deliver, transfer, transmit, publish, distribute, circulate, disseminate, present, exhibit, or
advertise or to offer or agree to do any of the above.
(6) "Simulated" means the explicit depiction of sexual conduct that creates the
appearance of actual sexual conduct and during which a person engaging in the conduct
exhibits any uncovered portion of the breasts, genitals, or buttocks.
(7) "Deviate sexual intercourse" and "sexual contact" have the meanings assigned by
Section 43.01.
(b) A person commits an offense if, knowing the character and content thereof, he employs,
authorizes, or induces a child younger than 18 years of age to engage in sexual conduct or a
sexual performance. A parent or legal guardian or custodian of a child younger than 18 years of
age commits an offense if he consents to the participation by the child in a sexual performance.
(c) An offense under Subsection (b) is a felony of the second degree, except that the offense is a
felony of the first degree if the victim is younger than 14 years of age at the time the offense is
committed.
(d) A person commits an offense it knowing the character and content of the material, he
produces, directs, or promotes a performance that includes sexual conduct by a child younger
than 18 years of age.
(e) An offense under Subsection (d) is a felony of the third degree, except that the offense is a
felony of the second degree if the victim is younger than 14 years of age at the time the offense is
committed.
(f) It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under this section that:
(1) the defendant was the spouse of the child at the time of the offense;
(2) the conduct was for a bona fide educational, medical, psychological, psychiatric,
judicial, law enforcement, or legislative purpose; or
(3) the defendant is not more than two years older than the child.
(g) When it becomes necessary for the purposes of this section or Section 43.26 to determine
whether a child who participated in sexual conduct was younger than 18 years of age, the court
or jury may make this determination by any of the following methods:
(1) personal inspection of the child;
(2) inspection of the photograph or motion picture that shows the child engaging in the
sexual performance;
(3) oral testimony by a witness to the sexual performance as to the age of the child based
on the child's appearance at the time;
(4) expert medical testimony based on the appearance of the child engaging in the sexual
performance; or
(5) any other method authorized by law or by the rules of evidence at common law.

Sec. 43.251. Employment Harmful to Children.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Child" means a person younger than 18 years of age.
(2) "Massage" has the meaning assigned to the term "massage therapy" by Section
455.001, Occupations Code.
(3) "Massage establishment" has the meaning assigned by Section 455.001, Occupations
Code.
(4) "Nude" means a child who is:
(A) entirely unclothed; or
(B) clothed in a manner that leaves uncovered or visible through less than fully
opaque clothing any portion of the breasts below the top of the areola of the
breasts, if the child is female, or any portion of the genitals or buttocks.
(5) "Sexually oriented commercial activity" means a massage establishment, nude studio,
modeling studio, love parlor, or other similar commercial enterprise the primary business
of which is the offering of a service that is intended to provide sexual stimulation or
sexual gratification to the customer.
(6) "Topless" means a female child clothed in a manner that leaves uncovered or visible
through less than fully opaque clothing any portion of her breasts below the top of the
areola.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person employs, authorizes, or induces a child to work:
(1) in a sexually oriented commercial activity; or
(2) in any place of business permitting, requesting, or requiring a child to work nude or
topless:
(c) An offense under this section is. a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 43.26. Possession or Promotion of Child Pornography.

(a) A person commits an offense if:

(1) the person knowingly or intentionally possesses visual material that visually depicts a
 child younger than 18 years of age at the time the image of the child was made who is
engaging in sexual conduct; and
(2) the person knows that the material depicts the child as described by Subdivision (1).
(b) In this section:
(1) "Promote" has the meaning assigned by Section 43.25.
(2) "Sexual conduct" has the meaning assigned by Section 43.25.
(3) "Visual material" means:
(A) any film, photograph, videotape, negative, or slide or any photographic
reproduction that contains or incorporates in any manner any film, photograph,
videotape, negative, or slide; or
(B) any disk, diskette, or other physical medium that allows an image to be displayed on
a computer or other video screen and any image transmitted to a computer or other video
screen by telephone line, cable, satellite transmission, or other method.
(c) The affirmative defenses provided by Section 43.25(f) also apply to a prosecution under this
section.
(d) An offense under Subsection (a) is a felony of the third degree.
(e) A person commits an offense if:
(1) the person knowingly or intentionally promotes or possesses with intent to promote
material described by Subsection (a)(1); and
(2) the person knows that the material depicts the child as described by Subsection (a)(1)
(f) A person who possesses visual material that contains six or more identical visual depictions
of a child as described by Subsection (a)(1) is presumed to possess the material with the intent to
promote the material.
(g) An offense under Subsection (e) is a felony of the second degree.

Sec. 43.27. Duty to Report.

(a) For purposes of this section, "visual material" has the meaning assigned by Section 43.26.
(b) A business that develops or processes visual material and determines that the material may be
evidence of a criminal offense under this subchapter shall report the existence of the visual
material to a local law enforcement agency.

TITLE 10
OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND MORALS

CHAPTER 46
WEAPONS

Section
46.01. Definitions.
46:02. Unlawful Carrying Weapons.
46.03. Places Weapons Prohibited.
46.035. Unlawful Carrying of Handgun by License Holder.
46.04. Unlawful Possession of Firearm.
46.041. Unlawful Possession of Metal or Body Armor by Felon.
46.05. Prohibited Weapons.
46.06. Unlawful Transfer of Certain Weapons.
46.07. Interstate Purchase.
46.08. Hoax Bombs.
46.09. Components of Explosives.
46.10. Deadly Weapon in Penal Institution.
46.11. Penalty If Offense Committed Within Weapon-Free School Zone.
46.12. Maps as Evidence of Location or Area.
46.13. Making a Firearm Accessible to a Child.
46.15. Nonapplicability.

Sec. 46.01. Definitions.

In this chapter:
(1) "Club" means an instrument that is specially designed, made, or adapted for the pur-
pose of inflicting serious bodily injury or death by striking a person with the instrument,
and includes but is not limited to the following:
(A) blackjack;
(B) nightstick;
(C) mace;
(D) tomahawk
(2) "Explosive weapon" means any explosive or incendiary bomb, grenade, rocket, or
mine, that is designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting serious bodily
injury, death, or substantial property damage, or for the principal purpose of causing such
a loud report as to cause undue public alarm or tell or, and includes a device designed,
made, or adapted for delivery or shooting an explosive weapon.
(3) "Firearm" means any device designed, made, or adapted to expel a projectile through
a barrel by using the energy generated by an explosion or burning substance or any
device readily convertible to that use. Firearm does not include a firearm that may have
as an integral part, a folding knife blade or other characteristics of weapons made illegal
by this chapter and that is:
(A) an antique or curio firearm manufactured before 1899; or
(B) a replica of an antique or curio firearm manufactured before 1899, but only if
the replica does not use rim fire or center fire ammunition.
(4) "Firearm silencer" means any device designed, made, or adapted to muffle the report
of a firearm.
(5) "Handgun" means any firearm that is designed, made, or adapted to be fired with one
hand.
(6) "Illegal knife" means a:
(A) knife with a blade over five and one-half inches;
(B) hand instrument designed to cut or stab another by being thrown;
(C) dagger, including but not limited to a dirk, stiletto, and poniard;
(D) bowie knife;
(E) sword; or
(F) spear.
(7) "Knife" means any bladed hand instrument that is capable of inflicting serious bodily
injury or death by cutting or stabbing a person with the instrument.
(8) "Knuckles" means any instrument that consists of finger rings or guards made of a
hard substance and that is designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting
serious bodily injury or death by striking a person with a fist enclosed in the knuckles.
(9) "Machine gun" means any firearm that is capable of shooting more than two shots
automatically, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.
(10) "Short-barrel firearm" means a rifle with a barrel length of less than 16 inches or a
shotgun with a barrel length of less than 18 inches, or any weapon made from a shotgun
or rifle if as altered, it has an overall length of less than 26 inches.
(11) "Switchblade knife" means any knife that has a blade that folds, closes, or retracts
into the handle or sheath, and that:
 (A) opens automatically by pressure applied to a button or other device located on
the handle; or
(B) opens or releases a blade from the handle or sheath by the force of gravity or
by the application of centrifugal force.
(12) "Armor-piercing ammunition" means handgun ammunition that is designed
primarily for the purpose of penetrating metal or body armor and to be used principally in
pistols and revolvers.
(13) "Hoax bomb" means a device that:
(A) reasonably appears to be an explosive or incendiary device; or
(B) by its design causes alarm or reaction of any type by an official of a public
safety agency or a volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies.
(14) "Chemical dispensing device" means a device, other than a small chemical dispenser sold
commercially for personal protection, that is designed, made, or adapted for the pm pose of
dispensing a substance capable of causing an adverse psychological or physiological effect on a
human being.
(15) "Racetrack" has the meaning assigned that term by the Texas Racing Act (Article 179e,
Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes).
(16) "Zip gun" means a device or combination of devices that was not originally a firearm and is
adapted to expel a projectile through a smooth-bore or rifled-bore barrel by using the energy
generated by an explosion or burning substance.

Sec. 46.02. Unlawful. Carrying Weapons.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on
or about his or her person a handgun, illegal knife, or club if the person is not:
(1) on the person's own premises or premises under the person's control; or
(2) inside of or directly enroute to a motor vehicle that is owned by the person or under
the person's control.
(a- 1) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries
on or about his or her person a handgun in a motor vehicle that is owned by the person or under
the person's control at any time in which:
(1) the handgun is in plain view; or
(2) the person is:
(A) engaged in criminal activity, other than a Class C misdemeanor that is a
violation of a law or ordinance regulating traffic;
(B) prohibited by law from possessing a firearm; or
(C) a member of a criminal street gang, as defined by Section 71.01.
(a-2) For purposes of this section, "premises" includes real property and a recreational vehicle
that is being used as living quarters, regardless of whether that use is temporary or permanent. In
this subsection, "recreational vehicle" means a motor vehicle primarily designed as temporary
living quarters or a vehicle that contains temporary living quarters and is designed to be towed
by a motor vehicle. The term includes a travel trailer, camping trailer, truck camper, motor home,
and horse trailer with living quarters.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), an offense under this section is a Class A
misdemeanor.
(c) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if the offense is committed on
any premises licensed or issued a permit by this state for the sale of alcoholic beverages.

Sec. 46.03. Places Weapons Prohibited.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possesses
or goes with a firearm, illegal knife, club, or prohibited weapon listed in Section 46.05(a):
(1) on the physical premises of a school or educational institution, any grounds or
building on which an activity sponsored by a school or educational institution is being
conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or educational institution,
whether the school or educational institution is public or private, unless pursuant to
written regulations or written authorization of the institution;
(2) on the premises of a polling place on the day of an election or while early voting is in
progress;
(3) on the premises of any government court or offices utilized by the court, unless
pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the court;
(4) on the premises of a racetrack;
(5) in or into a secured area of an airport; or
(6) within. 1,000 feet of premises the location of which is designated by the Texas
Department of Criminal Justice as a place of execution under Article 43.19, Code of
Criminal Procedure, on a day that a sentence of death is, set to be imposed on the
designated premises and the person received, notice that:
(A) going within 1,000 feet of the premises with a weapon listed under this
subsection was prohibited; or
(B) possessing a weapon listed under this subsection within 1,000 feet of the
premises was prohibited.
(b) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsections (a)(1)-(4) that the actor possessed a firearm
while in the actual discharge of his official duties as a member of the armed forces or national
guard or a guard employed by a penal institution, or an officer of the court
(c) In this section:
(1) "Premises" has the meaning assigned by Section 46.035.
(2) "Secured area" means an area of an airport terminal building to which access is
controlled by the inspection of persons and property under federal law.
(d) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(5) that the actor possessed a firearm or
club while traveling to or from the actors place of assignment or in the actual discharge of duties
as:
(1) a member of the armed forces or national guard;
(2) a guard employed by a penal institution; or
(3) a security officer commissioned by the Texas Board of Private Investigators and
Private Security Agencies if:
(A) the actor is wearing a distinctive uniform; and
(B) the firearm or club is in plain view; or
(4) (Deleted)
(5) a security officer who holds a personal protection authorization under the Private
Investigators and Private Security Agencies Act (Article 4413(29bb), Vernon's Texas
Civil Statutes).
(e) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(5) that the actor checked all firearms as
baggage in accordance with federal or state law or regulations before entering a secured area.
(f) It is not a defense to prosecution under this section that the actor possessed a handgun and
was licensed to carry a concealed handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code
(g) An offense under this section is a third degree felony.
(h) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(4) that the actor possessed a firearm or
club while traveling to or from the actors place of assignment or in the actual discharge of duties
as a security officer commissioned by the Texas Board of Private Investigators and Private
Security Agencies, if:
(1) the actor is wearing a distinctive uniform; and
(2) the firearm or club is in plain view.
(i) It is an exception to the application of Subsection (a)(6) that the actor possessed a firearm or
club:
(1) while in a vehicle being driven on a public road; or
(2) at the actors residence or place of employment.

Sec. 46.035. Unlawful Carrying of Handgun by License Holder.

(a) A license holder commits an offense if the license holder carries a handgun on or about the
license holder's person under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, and
intentionally fails to conceal the handgun.
(b) A license holder commits an offense if the license holder intentionally, knowingly, or
recklessly carries a handgun under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government
Code, regardless of whether the handgun is concealed, on or about the license holder's person:
(1) on the premises of a business that has a permit or license issued under Chapter 25, 28,
32, 69, or 74, Alcoholic Beverage Code, if the business derives 51 percent or more of its
income from the sale or service of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, as
determined by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission under Section 104.06,
Alcoholic Beverage Code;
(2) on the premises where a high school, collegiate, or professional sporting event or
interscholastic event is taking place, unless the license holder is a participant in the event
and a handgun is used in the event;
(3) on the premises of a correctional facility;
(4) on the premises of a hospital licensed under Chapter 241, Health and Safety Code, or
on the premises of a nursing home licensed under Chapter 242, Health and Safety Code,
unless the license holder has written authorization of the hospital or nursing home
administration, as appropriate;
(5) in an amusement park; or
(6) on the premises of a church, synagogue, or other established place of religious
worship.
(c) A license holder commits an offense if the license holder intentionally, knowingly, or
recklessly carries a handgun under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government
Code, regardless of whether the handgun is concealed, at any meeting of a governmental entity.
(d) A license holder commits an offense if, while intoxicated, the license holder carries a
handgun under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, regardless of
whether the handgun is concealed.
(e) A license holder who is licensed as a security officer under Chapter 1702, Occupations
Code, and employed as a security officer, commits an offense if, while in the course and scope of
the security officer's employment, the security officer violates a provision of Subchapter H,
Chapter 411, Government Code.
(f) In this section:
(1) "Amusement park" means a permanent indoor or outdoor facility or park where
amusement rides are available for use by the public that is located in a county with a
population of more than one million, encompasses at least 75 acres in surface area, is
enclosed with access only through controlled entries, is open for operation more than 120
days in each calendar year, and has security guards on the premises at all times. The term
does not include any public or private driveway, street, sidewalk or walkway, parking lot,
parking garage, or other parking area.
(2) "License holder "means a person licensed to carry a handgun under Subchapter H,
Chapter 411, Government Code.
(3) "Premises" means a building or a portion of a building. The term does not include any
public or private driveway, street, sidewalk or walkway, parking lot, parking garage, or
 other parking area.
(g) An offense under Subsection (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e) is a Class A misdemeanor, unless the
offense is committed under Subsection (b)(1) (b)(3), in which event the offense is a felony of the
third degree.
(h) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a) that the actor, at the time of the
commission of the offense, displayed the handgun under circumstances in which the actor would
have been justified in the use of deadly force under Chapter 9.
(h-1) (2 Versions) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsections (b) and (c) that the actor, at
the time of the commission of the offense, was:
(1) an active judicial officer, as defined by Section 411.201, Government Code; or
(2) a bailiff designated by the active judicial officer and engaged in escorting the officer.
(h-1) (2 Versions) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsections (b)(1), (2), and (4)-(6), and
(c) that at the time of the commission of the offense, the actor was:
(1) a judge or justice of a federal court;
(2) an active judicial officer, as defined by Section 411.201, Government Code; or.
(3) a district attorney, assistant district attorney, criminal district attorney, assistant
criminal district attorney, county attorney, or assistant county attorney.
(i) Subsections (b)(4), (b)(5), (b)(6), and (c) do not apply if the actor was not given effective
notice under Section 30.06.
(j) Subsections (a) and (b)(1) do not apply to a historical reenactment performed in compliance
with the rules of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

Sec. 46.04. Unlawful Possession of Firearm.

(a) A person who has been convicted of a felony commits an offense if he possesses a firearm:
(1) after conviction and before the fifth anniversary of the person's release from
confinement following conviction of the felony or the person's release from supervision
under community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision, whichever date is later;
or
(2) after the period described by Subdivision (1), at any location other than the premises
at which the person lives.
(b) A person who has been convicted of an offense under Section 22.01, punishable as a Class A
misdemeanor and involving a member of the person's family or household, commits, an
offense if the person possesses a firearm before the fifth anniversary of the later of:
(1) the date of the person's release from confinement following conviction of the
misdemeanor; or
(2) the date of the person's release from community supervision following conviction of
the misdemeanor.
(c) A person, other than a peace officer, as defined by Section 1.07, actively engaged in
employment as a sworn, full-time paid employee of a state agency or political subdivision, who
is subject to an order issued under Section 6.504 or Chapter 85, Family Code, under Article 17
292 or Chapter 7A, Code of Criminal Procedure, or by another jurisdiction as provided by
Chapter 88, Family Code, commits an offense if the person possesses a firearm after receiving
notice of the order and before expiration of the order.
(d) In this section, "family," "household," and "member of a household" have the meanings
assigned by Chapter 71, Family Code.
(e) An offense under Subsection (a) is a felony of the third degree. An offense under Subsection
(b) or (c) is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 46.041. Unlawful Possession of Metal or Body Armor by Felon.

(a) In this section, "metal or body armor" means any body covering manifestly designed, made,
or adapted for the purpose of protecting a person against gunfire.
(b) A person who has been convicted of a felony commits an offense if after the conviction the
person possesses metal or body .
(c) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.

Sec. 46.05. Prohibited Weapons.

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly possesses, manufactures,

transports, repairs, or sells:
(1) an explosive weapon;
(2) a machine gun;
(3) a short-barrel firearm;
(4) a firearm silencer ;
(5) a switchblade knife;
(6) knuckles;
(7) armor-piercing ammunition;
(8) a chemical dispensing device; or
(9) a zip gun.
(b) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the actors conduct was incidental to the
performance of official duty by the armed forces or national guard, a governmental law
enforcement agency, or a correctional facility
(c) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the actors possession was pursuant to
registration pursuant to the National Firearms Act, as amended.
(d) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the actors conduct:
(1) was incidental to dealing with a switchblade knife, springblade knife, or short-barrel
firearm solely as an antique or curio; or
(2) was incidental to dealing with armor-piercing ammunition solely for the purpose of
making the ammunition available to an organization, agency, or institution listed in
Subsection (b).
(e) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree unless it is committed under
Subsection (a)(5) or (a)(6), in which event, it is a Class A misdemeanor.
(f) It is a defense to prosecution under this section for the possession of a chemical dispensing
device that the actor is a security officer and has received training on the use of the chemical
dispensing device by a training program that is:
(1) provided by the Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education;
or
(2) approved for the purposes described by this subsection by the Texas Private Security
Board of the Department of Public Safety.
(g) In Subsection (f), "security officer" means a commissioned security officer as defined by
Section 1702.002, Occupations Code, or a noncommissioned security officer registered under
Section 1702.221, Occupations Code.

Sec. 46.06. Unlawful Transfer of Certain Weapons.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person:

(1) sells, rents, leases, loans, or gives a handgun to any person knowing that the person to
whom the handgun is to be delivered intends to use it unlawfully or in the Commission of
an unlawful act;
(2) intentionally or knowingly sells, rents, leases, or gives or offers to sell, rent, lease, or
give to any child younger than 18 years any firearm, club, or illegal knife;
 (3) intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly sells a firearm or ammunition for a firearm to
any person who is intoxicated;
(4) knowingly sells a firearm or ammunition for a firearm to any person who has been
convicted of a felony before the fifth anniversary of the later of the following dates:
(A) the person's release from confinement following conviction of the felony; or
(B) the person's release from supervision under community supervision, parole, or
mandatory supervision following conviction of the felony;
(5) sells, rents, leases, loans, or gives a handgun to any person knowing that an active
protective order is directed to the person to whom the handgun is to be delivered; or
(6) knowingly purchases, rents, leases, or receives as a loan or gift from another a
handgun while an active protective order is directed to the actor.
(b) In this section:
(1) "Intoxicated" means substantial impairment of mental or physical capacity resulting
from introduction of any substance into the body.
(2) "Active protective older" means a protective order issued under Title 4, Family Code,
that is in effect. The term does not include a temporary protective order issued before
the court holds a hearing on the matter.
(c) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(2) that the transfer was to a
minor whose parent or the person having legal custody of the minor had given written
permission for the sale or, if the transfer was other than a sale, the parent or person having legal
custody had given effective consent.
(d) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor, except that an offense under
Subsection (a)(2) is a state jail felony if the weapon that is the subject of the offense is a
handgun.

Sec. 46.07. Interstate Purchase.

A resident of this state may if not otherwise precluded by law, purchase firearms, ammunition,
reloading components, or firearm accessories in contiguous states. This authorization is enacted
in conformance with Section 922(b)(3)(A), Public Law 90-618, 90th Congress.

Sec. 46.08. Hoax Bombs.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly manufactures, sells, purchases,
transports, or possesses a hoax bomb with intent to use the hoax bomb to:
(1) make another believe that the hoax bomb is an explosive or incendiary device; or
(2) cause alarm or reaction of any type by an official of a public safety agency or,
volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 46.09. Components of Explosives.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly possesses components of an explosive
weapon with the intent to combine the components into an explosive weapon for use in a
criminal endeavor.
(b) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.

Sec. 46.10. Deadly Weapon in Penal Institution.

(a) A person commits an offense if while confined in a penal institution, he intentionally,

knowingly, or recklessly:
 (1) carries on or about his person a deadly weapon; or
(2) possesses or conceals a deadly weapon in the penal institution.
(b) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that at the time of the offense the
actor was engaged in conduct authorized by an employee of the penal institution.
(c) A person who is subject to prosecution under both this section and another section under this
chapter may be prosecuted under either section.
(d) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.

Sec. 46.11. Penalty If Offense Committed Within Weapon-Free School Zone.

(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), the punishment prescribed for an offense under this
chapter is increased to the punishment prescribed for the next highest category of offense if it is
shown beyond a reasonable doubt on the trial of the offense that the actor committed the offense
in a place that the actor knew was;
(1) within 300 feet of the premises of a school; or
(2) on premises where:
(A) an official school function is taking place; or
(B) an event sponsored or sanctioned by the University Interscholastic League is
taking place
(b) This section does not apply to an offense under. Section 46.03(a)(1).
(c) In this section:
(1) "Institution of higher education" and "premises" have the meanings assigned by
Section 481.134, Health and Safety Code.
(2) "School" means a private or public elementary or secondary school.

Sec. 46.12. Maps as Evidence of Location or Area.

(a) In a prosecution of an offense for which punishment is increased under Section 46.11, a
map produced or reproduced by a municipal or county engineer for the purpose of showing the
location and boundaries of weapon-free zones is admissible in evidence and is prima facie
evidence of the location or boundaries of those areas if the governing body of the municipality or
county adopts a resolution or ordinance approving the map as an official finding and record of
the location or boundaries of those areas.
(b) A municipal or county engineer may, on request of the governing body of the municipality or
county, revise a map that has been approved by the governing body of the municipality or county
as provided by Subsection (a).
(c) A municipal or county engineer shall file the original or a copy of every approved or revised
map approved as provided by Subsection (a) with the county clerk of each county in which the
area is located.
(d) This section does not prevent the prosecution from:
(1) introducing or relying on any other evidence or testimony to establish any element of
an offense for which punishment is increased under Section 46.11; or
(2) using or introducing any other map or diagram otherwise admissible under the Texas
Rules of Evidence.

Sec. 46.13. Making a Firearm Accessible to a Child.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Child" means a person younger than 17 years of age.
(2) "Readily dischargeable firearm" means a firearm that is loaded with ammunition,
whether or not a round is in the chamber.
 (3) "Secure" means to take steps that a reasonable person would take to prevent the
access to a readily dischargeable firearm by a child, including but not limited to placing a firearm
in a locked container or temporarily rendering, the firearm inoperable by a trigger lock or other
means.
(b) A person commits an offense if a child gains access to a readily dischargeable firearm and the
person with criminal negligence:
(1) failed to secure the firearm; or
(2) left the firearm in a place to which the person knew or should have known the child
would gain access.
(c) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the child's access to the
firearm:
(1) was supervised by a person older than 18 years of age and was for hunting, sporting,
or other lawful purposes;
(2) consisted of lawful defense by the child of people or property;
(3) was gained by entering property in violation of this code; or
(4) occurred during a time when the actor was engaged in an agricultural enterprise.
(d) Except as provided by Subsection (e), an offense under this section is a Class C
misdemeanor.
(e) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor if the child discharges the firearm
and causes death or serious bodily injury to himself or another person.
(f) A peace officer or other person may not arrest the actor before the seventh day after the date
on which the offense is committed if:
(1) the actor is a member of the family, as defined by Section 71.003, Family Code, of
the child who discharged the firearm; and
(2) the child in discharging the firearm caused the death of or serious injury to the child.
(g) A dealer of firearms shall post in a conspicuous position on the premises where the dealer
conducts business a sign that contains the following warning in block letters not less than one
inch in height:
"IT IS UNLAWFUL TO STORE, TRANSPORT, OR ABANDON AN UNSECURED
FIREARM IN A PLACE WHERE CHILDREN ARE LIKELY TO BE AND CAN OBTAIN
ACCESS TO THE FIREARM "

Sec. 46.15. Nonapplicability.

(a) Sections 46.02 and 46.03 do not apply to:

(1) peace officers or special investigators under Article 2.122, Code of Criminal
Procedure, and neither section prohibits a peace officer or special investigator from
carrying a weapon in this state, including in an establishment in this state serving the
public, regardless of whether the peace officer or special investigator is engaged in the
actual discharge of the officer's or investigator's duties while carrying the weapon;
(2) parole officers and neither section prohibits an officer from carrying a weapon in this
state if the officer is:
(A) engaged in the actual discharge of the officer's duties while carrying the
weapon; and
(B) in compliance with policies and procedures adopted by the Texas Department
of Criminal Justice regarding the possession of a weapon by an officer while on
duty;
(3) community supervision and corrections department officers appointed or employed
under Section 76.004, Government Code, and neither section prohibits an officer from
carrying a weapon in this state if the officer is:
(A) engaged in the actual discharge of the officer's duties while carrying the
 weapon; and
(B) authorized to carry a weapon under Section 76.0051, Government Code;
(4) a judge or justice of a federal court, the supreme court, the court of criminal appeals, a
court of appeals, a district court, a criminal district court, a constitutional county court, a
statutory county court, a justice court, or a municipal court who is licensed to carry a
concealed handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code;
(5) an honor ably retired peace officer or federal criminal investigator who holds a
certificate of proficiency issued under Section 1701.357, Occupations Code, and is
carrying a photo identification that:
(A) verifies that the officer honorably retired after not less than 15 year s of
service as a commissioned officer; and
(B) is issued by a state or local law enforcement agency; or
(6) a district attorney, criminal district attorney, municipal attorney, or county attorney
who is licensed to carry a concealed handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411,
Government Code; or
(7) (2 Versions) a bailiff designated by an active judicial officer as defined by Section
411.201, Government Code, who is:
(A) licensed to carry a concealed handgun under Chapter 411, Government Code;
and
(B) engaged in escorting the judicial officer.
(7) (2 Versions) an assistant district attorney, assistant criminal district attorney, or
assistant county attorney who is licensed to carry a concealed handgun under Subchapter
H, Chapter 411, Government Code (b) Section 46.02 does not apply to a person
who:
(1) is in the actual discharge of official duties as .a member of the armed forces or
state military forces as defined by Section 431.001, Government Code, or as a
guard employed by a penal institution;
(2) is traveling;
(3) is engaging in lawful hunting, fishing, or other sporting activity on the
immediate premises where the activity is conducted, or is enroute between the
premises and the actors residence or motor vehicle, if the weapon is a type
commonly used in the activity;
(4) (2 Versions) holds a security officer commission issued by the Texas Private
Security Board, if:
(A) the person is engaged in the performance of the person's duties as a
security officer or traveling to and from the person's place of assignment;
(B) the person is wearing a distinctive uniform; and
(C) the weapon is in plain view.
(4) (2 Versions) holds a security officer commission issued by the Texas Private
Security Board, if the person:
(A) is engaged in the performance of the person's duties as an officer
commissioned under Chapter 1702, Occupations Code, or is traveling to or
from the person's place of assignment; and
(B) is either:
(i) wearing the officers uniform and carrying the officer's weapon
in plain view; or
(ii) acting as a personal protection officer and carrying the person's
security officer commission and personal protection officer
authorization;
(5) is carrying a concealed handgun and a valid license issued under Subchapter
H, Chapter 411, Government Code , to carry a concealed handgun of the same
 category as the handgun the person is carrying;
(6) ([2 Version) holds a security officer commission and a personal protection
officer authorization issued by the Texas Private Security Board and is providing
personal protection under Chapter 1702, Occupations Code;
(6) (2 Versions) Deleted by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., Ch. 1048 (H 13 2101),§ 3,
effective September 1, 2007
(7) holds an alcoholic beverage permit or license or is an employee of a holder of
an alcoholic beverage permit or license if the person is supervising the operation
of the permitted or licensed premises; or
(8) is a student in a law enforcement class engaging in an activity required as part
of the class, if the weapon is a type commonly used in the activity and the person
is:
(A) on the immediate premises where the activity is conducted; or
(B) enroute between those premises and the person's residence and is
carrying the weapon unloaded.
(c) The provision of Section 46.02 prohibiting the carrying of a club does not apply to a
noncommissioned security guard at an institution of higher education who carries a nightstick or
similar club, and who has undergone 15 hours of training in the proper use of the club, including
at least seven hours of training in the use of the club for nonviolent restraint. For the purposes of
this subsection, "nonviolent restraint" means the use of reasonable force, not intended and not
likely to inflict bodily injury.
(d) The provisions of Section 46.02 prohibiting the carrying of a firearm or carrying of a club do
not apply to a public security officer employed by the adjutant general under Section 431.029,
Government Code, in performance of official duties or while traveling to or from a place of duty.
(e) The provisions of Section 46.02 prohibiting the carrying of an illegal knife do not apply to an
individual carrying a bowie knife or a sword used in a historical demonstration or in a ceremony
in which the knife or sword is significant to the performance of the ceremony.
(f) Section 46.03(a)(6) does not apply to a person who possesses a firearm or club while in the
actual discharge of official duties as:
(1) a member of the armed forces or state military forces, as defined by Section 431.001,
Government Code; or
(2) an employee of a penal institution.
(g) Repealed.
(h) Repealed.
(i) Repealed.
(j) The provisions of Section 46.02 prohibiting the carrying of a handgun do not apply to an
individual who carries a handgun as a participant in a historical reenactment performed in
accordance with the rules of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

CHAPTER 47
GAMBLING

Section
47.01. Definitions
47.02. Gambling
47.03. Gambling Promotion.
47.04. Keeping a Gambling Place
47.05. Communicating Gambling Information.
47.06. Possession of Gambling Device, Equipment, or Paraphernalia.
47.07. Evidence.
47.08. Testimonial Immunity
47.09. Other Defenses.
47.10. American Documentation of Vessel Required.

Sec. 47.01. Definitions.

In this chapter:
(1) "Bet" means an agreement to win or lose something of value solely or partially by
Chance. A bet does not include:.
(A) contracts of indemnity or guaranty, or life, health, property, or accident
insurance;
(B) an offer of a prize, award, or compensation to the actual contestants in a bona
fide contest for the determination of skill, speed, strength, or endurance or to the
owners of animals, vehicles, watercraft, or aircraft entered in a contest; or
(C) an offer of merchandise, with a value not greater than $25, made by the
proprietor of a bona fide carnival contest conducted at a carnival sponsored by a
nonprofit religious, fraternal, school, law enforcement, youth, agricultural, or
civic group, including any nonprofit agricultural or civic group incorporated by
the state before 1955, if the person to receive the merchandise from the proprietor
is the person who performs the carnival contest.
(2) "Bookmaking" means:
(A) to receive and record or to forward more than five bets or offers to bet in a
period of 24 hours;
(B) to receive and record or to forward bets or offers to bet totaling more than
$1,000 in a period of 24 hours; or
(C) a scheme by three or more persons to receive, record, or forward a bet or an
offer to bet.
(3) "Gambling place means any real estate, building, room, tent, vehicle, boat, or other
property whatsoever, one of the uses of which is the making or settling of bets,
bookmaking or the conducting of a lottery or the playing of gambling devices.
(4) "Gambling device" means any electronic, electromechanical, or mechanical
contrivance not excluded under Paragraph (B) that for a consideration affords the player
an opportunity to obtain anything of value, the award of which is determined solely or
partially by chance, even though accompanied by some skill, whether or not the prize is
automatically paid by the contrivance. The term;
(A) includes, but is not limited to, gambling device versions of bingo, keno,
blackjack, lottery, roulette, video poker, or similar electronic, electromechanical,
or mechanical games, or facsimiles thereof, that operate by chance or partially so,
that as a result of the play or operation of the game award credits or free games,
and that record the number of free games or credits so awarded and the
cancellation or removal of the free games or credits; and
(B) does not include any electronic, electromechanical, or mechanical contrivance
designed, made, and adapted solely for bona fide amusement purposes if the
contrivance rewards the player exclusively with non cash merchandise prizes,
toys, or novelties, or a presentation of value redeemable for those items, that have
a wholesale value available from a single play of the game or device of not more
than 10 times the amount charged to play the game or device once or $5,
whichever is less.
(5) "Altered gambling equipment" means any contrivance that has been altered in some
manner, including, but not limited to, shaved dice, loaded dice, magnetic dice, mirror
rings, electronic sensors, shaved cards, marked cards, and any other equipment altered or
designed to enhance the actors chances of winning.
 (6) "Gambling paraphernalia" means any book, instrument, or apparatus by, means of
which bets have been or may be recorded or registered, any record, ticket, certificate, bill,
slip, token, writing, scratch sheet, or other means of carrying on bookmaking, wagering
pools, lotteries, numbers, policy, or similar games.
(7) "Lottery" means any scheme or procedure whereby one or more prizes are distributed
by chance among persons who have paid or promised consideration for a chance to win
anything of value, whether such scheme or procedure is called a pool, lottery raffle, gift,
gift enterprise, sale, policy game, or some other name.
(8) "Private place means a place to which the public does not have access, and excludes,
among other places, streets highways, restaurants, taverns, nightclubs, schools, hospitals,
and the common areas of apartment, houses, hotels, motels, office buildings,
transportation facilities, and shops.
(9) "Thing of value" means any benefit, but does not include an unrecorded and
immediate right of replay not exchangeable for value.

Sec. 47.02. Gambling.

(a) A person commits an offense if he:

(1) makes a bet on the partial or final result of a game or contest or on the performance of
a participant in a game or contest;
(2) makes a bet on the result of any political nomination, appointment, or election or on
the degree of success of any nominee, appointee, or candidate; or
(3) plays and bets for money or other thing of value at any game played with cards, dice,
balls, or any other gambling device.
(b) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that:
(1) the actor engaged in gambling in a private place;
(2) no person received any economic benefit other than personal winnings; and
(3) except for the advantage of skill or luck, the risks of losing and the chances of
winning were the same for all participants.
(c) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the actor reasonably believed that the
conduct:
(1) was permitted under Chapter 2001, Occupations Code;
(2) was permitted under Chapter 2002, Occupations Code;
(3) consisted entirely of participation in the state lottery authorized by the State Lottery
Act (Chapter 466, Government Code);
(4) was permitted under the Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Version's Texas Civil
Statutes); or
(5) consisted entirely of participation in a drawing for the opportunity to participate in a
hunting, fishing, or other recreational event conducted by the Parks and Wildlife
Department.
(d) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
(e) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that a person played for something of value
other than money using an electronic, electromechanical, or mechanical contrivance excluded
from the definition of "gambling device" under Section 47.01(4)(B).

Sec. 47.03. Gambling Promotion.

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly does any of the following acts:
(1) operates or participates in the earnings of a gambling place;
(2) engages in bookmaking;
(3) for gain, becomes a custodian of anything of value bet or offered to be bet;
 (4) sells chances on the partial or final result of or on the margin of victory in any game
or contest or on the performance of any participant in any game or contest or on the result
of any political nomination, appointment, or election or on the degree of success of any
nominee, appointee, or candidate; or
(5) for gain, sets up or promotes any lottery or sells or offers to sell or knowingly
possesses for transfer, or transfers any card, stub, ticket, check, or other device designed
to serve as evidence of participation in any lottery.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 47.04. Keeping a Gambling Place.

(a) A person commits an offense if he knowingly uses or permits another to use as a gambling
place any real estate, building, room, tent, vehicle, boat, or other property whatsoever owned by
him or under his control, or rents or lets any such property with a view or expectation that
it be so used.
(b) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that:
(1) the gambling occurred in a private place;
(2) no person received any economic benefit other than personal winnings; and
(3) except for the advantage of skill or luck, the risks of losing and the chances of
winning were the same for all participants.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 47.05. Communicating Gambling Information.

(a) A person commits an offense I, with the intent to further gambling, he knowingly
communicates information as to bets, betting odds, or changes in betting odds or he knowingly
provides, installs, or maintains equipment for the transmission or receipt of such information.
(b) It is an exception to the application of Subsection (a) that the information communicated is
intended for use in placing a lawful wager under Article 11, Texas Racing Act (Article 179e,
Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), and is not communicated in violation of Section 14.01 of that
Act.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor

Sec. 47.06. Possession of Gambling Device, Equipment, or Paraphernalia.

(a) A person commits an offense if, with the intent to further gambling, he knowingly owns,
manufactures, transfers, or possesses any gambling device that he knows is designed for
gambling purposes or any equipment that he knows is designed as a subassembly or essential
part of a gambling device.
(b) A person commits an offense if, with the intent to further gambling, he knowingly owns,
manufactures, transfers commercially, or possesses any altered gambling equipment that he
knows is designed for gambling purposes or any equipment that he knows is designed as a
subassembly or essential part of such device.
(c) A person commits an offense if, with the intent to further gambling, the person knowingly
owns, manufactures, transfers commercially, or possesses gambling paraphernalia.
(d) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsections (a) and (c) that:
(1) the device, equipment, or paraphernalia is used for or is intended for use in gambling
that is to occur entirely in a private place;
(2) a person involved in the gambling does not receive any economic benefit other than
personal winnings; and
(3) except for the advantage of skill or luck, the chance of winning is the same for all
 participants.
(e) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(f) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a) or (c) that the person owned, manufactured,
transferred, or possessed the gambling device, equipment, or paraphernalia for the sole purpose
of shipping it to another jurisdiction where the possession or use of the device, equipment, or
paraphernalia was legal.
(g) A district or county attorney is not required to have a search wan ant or subpoena to inspect a
gambling device or gambling equipment or paraphernalia on an ocean-going vessel that enters
the territorial waters of this state to call at a port in this state.

Sec. 47.07. Evidence.

In any prosecution under this chapter in which it is relevant to prove the occurrence of a sporting
event, a published report of its occurrence in a daily newspaper, magazine, or other periodically
printed publication of general circulation shall be admissible in evidence and is prima facie
evidence that the event occurred.

Sec. 47.08. Testimonial Immunity.

(a) A party to an offense under this chapter may be required to furnish evidence or testify about
the offense.
(b) A party to an offense under this chapter may not be prosecuted for any offense about which
he is required to furnish evidence or testify, and the evidence and testimony may not be used
against the party in any adjudicatory proceeding except a prosecution for aggravated perjury.
(c) For purposes of this section, "adjudicatory proceeding" means a proceeding before a court
any other agency of government in which the legal rights, powers, duties, or privileges of
specified parties are determined.
(d) A conviction under this chapter may be had upon the uncorroborated testimony of a party to
the offense.

Sec. 47.09. Other Defenses.

(a) It is a defense to prosecution under this chapter that the conduct:

(1) was authorized under:
(A) Chapter 2001, Occupations Code;
(B) Chapter 2002, Occupations Code; or
(C) the Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes);
(2) consisted entirely of participation in the state lottery authorized by Chapter 466,
Government Code; or
(3) was a necessary incident to the operation of the state lottery and was directly or
indirectly authorized by;
(A) Chapter 466, Government Code;
(B) the lottery division of the Texas Lottery Commission;
(C) the Texas Lottery Commission; or
(D) the director of the lottery division of the Texas Lottery Commission.
(b) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Sections 47.04, 47 06(a), and 47.06(c) that
the gambling device, equipment, or paraphernalia is aboard an ocean-going vessel that enters the
territorial waters of this state to call at a port in this state if:
(1) before the vessel enters territorial waters of this state, the district attorney or, if there
is no district attorney, the county attorney for the county in which the port is located
receives notice of the existence of the device, equipment, or paraphernalia on board the
 vessel and of the anticipated dates on which the vessel will enter and leave the territorial
waters of this state;
(2) at all times while the vessel is in the territorial waters of this state all devices,
equipment, or paraphernalia are disabled, electronically or by another method, from a
remote and secured area of the vessel in a manner that allows only the master or crew of
the vessel to remove any disabling device;
(3) at all times while the vessel is in the territorial waters of this state any disabling
device is not removed except for the purposes of inspecting or repairing the device,
equipment, or paraphernalia; and
(4) the device, equipment, or paraphernalia is not used for gambling or other gaming
purposes while the vessel is in the territorial waters of this state.

CHAPTER 48
CONDUCT AFFECTING PUBLIC HEALTH

Section
48.01. Smoking Tobacco.
48.015. Prohibitions Relating to Certain Cigarettes.
48.02. Prohibition of the Purchase and Sale of Human Organs.

Sec. 48.01. Smoking Tobacco.

(a) A person commits an offense if he is in possession of a burning tobacco product or smokes

tobacco in a facility of a public primary or secondary school or an elevator, enclosed theater or
movie house, library, museum, hospital, transit system bus, or intrastate bus, as defined by
Section 541.201. Transportation Code, plane, or train which is a public place.
(b) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the conveyance or public place in which
the offense takes place does not have prominently displayed a reasonably sized notice that
smoking is prohibited by state law in such conveyance or public place and that an offense is
punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.
(c) All conveyances and public places set out in. Subsection (a) of Section 48.01 shall be
equipped with facilities for extinguishment of smoking materials and it shall be a defense to
prosecution under this section if the conveyance or public place within which the offense takes
place is not so equipped.
(d) It is an exception to the application of Subsection (a) if the person is in possession of the
burning tobacco product or smokes tobacco exclusively within an area designated for smoking
tobacco or as a participant in an authorized theatrical performance.
(e) An area designated for smoking tobacco on a transit system bus or intrastate plane or train
must also include the area occupied by the operator of the transit system bus, plane, or train.
(f) An offense under this section is punishable as a Class C misdemeanor.

Sec. 48.015. Prohibitions Relating to Certain Cigarettes.

(a) A person may not acquire, hold, own, possess, or transport for sale or distribution in this state
or import or cause to be imported into this state for sale or distribution in this state:
(1) cigarettes that do not comply with all applicable requirements imposed by or under
federal law and implementing regulations; or
(2) cigarettes to which stamps may not be affixed under Section 154.0415, Tax Code,
other than cigarettes lawfully imported or brought into the state for personal use and
cigarettes lawfully sold or intended to be sold as duty-free merchandise by a duty-free
sales enterprise in accordance with 19 U S .0 Section 1555(b), as amended.
(b) A person who commits an act prohibited by Subsection (a), knowing or having reason to
know that the person is doing so, is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 48.02. Prohibition of the Purchase and Sale of Human Organs.

(a) "Human organ" means the human kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas, eye, bone, skin, fetal
tissue, or any other human organ or tissue, but does not include hair or blood, blood components
(including plasma), blood derivatives, or blood reagents.
(b) A person commits an offense if he or she knowingly or intentionally offers to buy, offers to
sell, acquires, receives, sells, or otherwise transfers any human organ for valuable consideration.
(c) It is an exception to the application of this section that the valuable consideration is:
(1) a fee paid to a physician or to other medical personnel for services rendered in the
usual course of medical practice or a fee paid for hospital or other clinical services;
(2) reimbursement of legal or medical expenses incurred for the benefit of the ultimate
receiver of the organ; or
(3) reimbursement of expenses of travel, housing, and lost wages incurred by the donor of
a human organ in connection with the donation of the organ.
(d) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

CHAPTER 49
INTOXICATION AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE OFFENSES

Section
49.01. Definitions.
49.02. Public Intoxication.
49 031. Possession of Alcoholic Beverage in Motor Vehicle.
49.04. Driving While Intoxicated.
49.045. Driving While Intoxicated with Child Passenger.
49.05. Flying While Intoxicated.
49.06. Boating While Intoxicated.
49.065. Assembling or Operating an Amusement Ride While Intoxicated.
49.07. Intoxication Assault.
49.08. Intoxication Manslaughter.
49.09. Enhanced Offenses and Penalties.
49.10. No Defense.
49.11. Proof of Mental State Unnecessary.
49.12 Applicability to Certain Conduct.

Sec. 49.01. Definitions.

In this chapter:
(1) “Alcohol concentration" means the number of grams of alcohol per:
(A) 210 liters of breath;
(B) 100 milliliters of blood; or
(C) 67 milliliters of urine
(2) "Intoxicated" means:
(A) not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the
introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a
combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substance into the
body; or
(B) having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more.
 (3) "Motor vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section 32.34(a).
(4) "Watercraft" means a vessel, one or more water skis, an aquaplane, or another device
used for transporting or carrying a person on water, other than a device propelled only by
the current of water.
(5) "Amusement ride" has the meaning assigned by Section 2151.002, Occupations Code.
(6) "Mobile amusement ride" has the meaning assigned by Section 2151.002,
Occupations Code.

Sec. 49.02. Public Intoxication.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person appears in a public place while intoxicated to the
degree that the person may endanger the person or another.
(a-1) For the purposes of this section, a premises licensed or permitted under the Alcoholic
Beverage Code is a public place.
(b) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the alcohol or other substance was
administered for therapeutic purposes and as a part of the person's professional medical treatment
by a licensed physician.
(c) Except as provided by Subsection (e), an offense under this section is a Class C
misdemeanor.
(d) An offense under this section is not a lesser included offense under Section 49.04.
(e) An offense under this section committed by a person younger than 21 years of age is
punishable in the same manner as if the minor committed an offense to which Section 106.071,
Alcoholic Beverage Code, applies.

Sec. 49.031. Possession of Alcoholic Beverage in Motor Vehicle.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Open container" means a bottle, can, or other receptacle that contains any amount of
alcoholic beverage and that is open, that has been opened, that has a. broken seal, or the
contents of which are partially removed.
(2) "Passenger area of a motor vehicle" means the area of a motor vehicle designed for
the seating of the operator and passengers of the vehicle. The term does not include:
(A) a glove compartment or similar storage container that is locked;
(B) the trunk of a vehicle; or
(C) the area behind the last upright seat of the vehicle, if the vehicle does not have
a trunk.
(3) "Public highway" means the entire width between and immediately adjacent to the
boundary lines of any public road, street, highway, interstate, or other publicly
maintained way if any part is open for public use for the purpose of motor vehicle travel.
The term includes the right-of-way of a public highway.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly possesses an open container in a
passenger area of a motor vehicle that is located on a public highway, regardless of whether the
vehicle is being operated or is stopped or parked. Possession by a person of one or more open
containers in a single criminal episode is a single offense.
(c) It is an exception to the application of Subsection (b) that at the time of the offense the
defendant was a passenger in:
(1) the passenger area of .a motor vehicle designed, maintained, or used primarily for the
transportation of persons for compensation, including a bus, taxicab, or limousine; or
(2) the living quarters of a motorized house coach or motorized house trailer, including a
self-contained camper, a motor home, or a recreational vehicle.
(d). An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
(e) A peace officer charging a person with an offense under this section, instead of taking the
person before a magistrate, shall issue to the person a written citation and notice to appear that
contains the time and place the person must appear before a magistrate, the name and address of
the person charged, and the offense charged. If the person makes a written promise to appear
before the magistrate by signing in duplicate the citation and notice to appear issued by the
officer, the officer shall release the person.

Sec. 49.0. Driving While Intoxicated

(a) A person commits an offense if the person is intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a
public place.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c) and Section 49.09, an offense under this section is a
Class B misdemeanor with a minimum term of confinement of 72 hours.
(c) If it is shown on the trial of an offense under this section that at the time of the offense the
person operating the motor vehicle had an open container of alcohol in the person's immediate
possession, the offense is a Class B misdemeanor, with a minimum term of confinement of six
days.

Sec. 49.045. Driving While Intoxicated with Child Passenger.

(a) A person commits an offense

(1) the person is intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place; and
(2) the vehicle being operated by the person is occupied by a passenger who is younger
than 15 years of age.
(b) An offense under this section is a state jail felony.

Sec. 49.05. Flying While Intoxicated.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person is intoxicated while operating an aircraft.
(b) Except as provided by Section 49.09, an offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor,
with a minimum term of confinement of 72 hours.

Sec. 49.06. Boating While Intoxicated.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person is intoxicated while operating a watercraft.
(b) Except as provided by Section 49.09, an offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor,
with a minimum term of confinement of 72 hours.

Sec. 49.065. Assembling or Operating an Amusement Ride While Intoxicated.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person is intoxicated while operating an amusement ride
or while assembling a mobile amusement ride.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c) and Section 49.09, an offense under this section is a
Class B misdemeanor with a minimum term of confinement of 72 hours.
(c) If it is shown on the trial of an offense under this section that at the time of the offense the
person operating the amusement ride or assembling the mobile amusement ride had an open
container of alcohol in the person's immediate possession, the offense is a Class B misdemeanor
with a minimum term of confinement of six days.

Sec. 49.07. Intoxication Assault.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person, by accident or mistake:
(1) while operating an aircraft, watercraft, or amusement ride while intoxicated, or while
operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated, by reason of that
intoxication causes serious bodily injury to another; or
(2) as a result of assembling a mobile amusement ride while intoxicated causes serious
bodily injury to another.
(b) In this section, "serious bodily injury" means injury that creates a substantial risk of death or
that causes serious permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of
any bodily member or organ.
(c) Except as provided by Section 49.09, an offense under this section is a felony of the third
degree.

Sec. 49.08. Intoxication Manslaughter.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person:

(1) operates a motor vehicle in a public place, operates an aircraft, a watercraft, or an
amusement ride, or assembles a mobile amusement ride; and
(2) is intoxicated and by reason of that intoxication causes the death of another by
accident or mistake
(b) Except as provided by Section 49.09, an offense under this section is a felony of the second
degree.

Sec. 49.09. Enhanced Offenses and Penalties.

(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), an offense under Section 49.04, 49.05, 49.06, or
49.065 is a Class A misdemeanor, with a minimum term of confinement of 30 days, if it is
shown on the trial of the offense that the person has previously been convicted one time of an
offense relating to the operating of a motor vehicle while intoxicated, an offense of operating an
aircraft while intoxicated, an offense of operating a water craft while intoxicated, or an offense
of operating or assembling an amusement ride while intoxicated.
(b) An offense under Section 49.04, 49.05, 49.06, or 49.065 is a felony of the third degree if it is
shown on the trial of the offense that the person has previously been convicted:
(1) one time of an offense under Section 49.08 or an offense under the laws of another
state if the offense contains elements that are substantially similar to the elements of an
offense under Section 49.08; or
(2) two times of any other offense relating to the operating of a motor vehicle while
intoxicated, operating an aircraft while intoxicated, operating a watercraft while
intoxicated, or operating or assembling an amusement ride while intoxicated.
(b-1) An offense under Section 49.07 is a felony of the second degree if it is shown on the trial of
the offense that the person caused serious bodily injury to a peace officer, a firefighter, or
emergency medical services personnel while in the actual discharge of an official duty.
(b-2) An offense under Section 49.08 is a felony of the first degree if it is shown on the trial of
the offense that the person caused the death of a person described by Subsection (b-1).
(b-3) For the purposes of. Subsection (b-1):
(1) "Emergency medical services personnel" has the meaning assigned by Section
773.003, Health and Safety Code
(2) "Firefighter " means:
(A) an individual employed by this state or by a political or legal subdivision of
this state who is subject to certification by the Texas Commission on Fire
Protection; or
(B) a member of an organized volunteer fire unit that:
 (i) renders fire-fighting services without remuneration; and
(ii) conducts a minimum of two drills each month, each at least two hours
long,
(c) For the purposes of this section:
(1) "Offense relating to the operating of a motor vehicle while intoxicated" means:
(A) an offense under Section 49.04 or 49.045;
(B) an offense under Section 49.07 or 49.08, if the vehicle operated was a motor
vehicle;
(C) an offense under Article 67011-1, Revised Statutes, as that law existed before
September 1, 1994;
(D) an offense under Article 67011-2, Revised Statutes, as that law existed before
January 1, 1984;
(E) an offense under Section 19.05(a)(2), as that law existed before September 1,
1994, if the vehicle operated was a motor vehicle; or
(F) an offense under the laws of another state that prohibit the operation of a
motor vehicle while intoxicated
(2) "Offense of operating an aircraft while intoxicated” means:
(A) an offense under Section 49.05;
(B) an offense under Section 49.07 or 49.08, if the vehicle operated was an
aircraft;
(C) an offense under Section 1, Chapter 46, Acts of the 58th Legislature, Regular
Session, 1963 (Article 46f-3, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), as that law existed
before September 1, 1994;
(D) an offense under Section 19.05(a)(2), as that law existed before September 1,
1994, if the vehicle operated was an aircraft; or
(E) an offense under the laws of another state that prohibit the operation of an
aircraft while intoxicated.
(3) "Offense of operating a watercraft while intoxicated" means:
(A) an offense under Section 49.06;
(B) an offense under Section 49.07 or 49.08, if the vehicle operated was a
watercraft;
(C) an offense under Section 31.097, Parks and Wildlife Code, as that law existed
before September 1, 1994;
(D) an offense under Section 19.05(a)(2), as that law existed before September 1,
1994, if the vehicle operated was a watercraft; or
(E) an offense under the laws of another state that prohibit the operation of a
watercraft while intoxicated.
(4) "Offense of operating or assembling an amusement ride while intoxicated" means:
(A) an offense under Section 49.065;
(B) an offense under Section 49.07 or 49.08, if the offense involved the operation
or assembly of an amusement ride; or
(C) an offense under the law of another state that prohibits the operation of an
amusement ride while intoxicated or the assembly of a mobile amusement ride
while intoxicated.
(d) For the purposes of this section, a conviction for an offense under Section 49.04, 49.045,
49.05, 49.06, 49.065, 49.07, or 49.08 that occurs on or after September 1, 1994, is a final
conviction, whether the sentence for the conviction is imposed or probated.
(e) Repealed.
(f) Repealed.
(g) A conviction may be used for purposes of enhancement under this section or enhancement
under Subchapter D, Chapter 12, but not under both this section and Subchapter D.
(h) This subsection applies only to a person convicted of a second or subsequent offense relating
to the operating of a motor vehicle while intoxicated committed within five years of the date on
which the most recent preceding offense was committed. The court shall enter an order that
requires the defendant to have a device installed, on each motor vehicle owned or operated by
the defendant, that uses a deep-lung breath analysis mechanism to make impractical the
operation of the motor vehicle if ethyl alcohol is detected in the breath of the operator, and that
requires that before the first anniversary of the ending date of the period of license suspension
under Section 521.344, Transportation Code, the defendant not operate any motor vehicle that is
not equipped with that device. The court shall require the defendant to obtain the device at the
defendant's own cost on or before that ending date, require the defendant to provide evidence to
the court on or before that ending date that the device has been installed on each appropriate
vehicle, and order the device to remain installed on each vehicle until the first anniversary of that
ending date. If the court determines the offender is unable to pay for the device, the court may
impose a reasonable payment schedule not to extend beyond the fist anniversary of the date of
installation. The Department of Public Safety shall approve devices for use under this subsection
Section 521.247, Transportation Code, applies to the approval of a device under this subsection
and the consequences of that approval. Failure to comply with an order entered under this
subsection is punishable by contempt. For the purpose of enforcing this subsection, the court that
enters an order under this subsection retains jurisdiction over the defendant until the date on
which the device is no longer required to remain installed. To the extent of a conflict between
this subsection and Section 13(i), Article 42.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, this subsection
controls.

Sec. 49.10. No Defense.

In a prosecution under Section 49.03, 49.04, 49.045, 49.05, 49.06, 49.065, 49.07, or 49.08, the
fact that the defendant is or has been entitled to use the alcohol, controlled substance, drug,
dangerous drug, or other substance is not a defense .

Sec. 49.11. Proof of Mental State Unnecessary.

(a) Notwithstanding Section 6.02(b), proof of a culpable mental state is not required for
conviction of an offense under this chapter.
(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to an offense under Section 49.031.

Sec. 49.12. Applicability to Certain Conduct.

Sections 49.07 and 49.08 do not apply to injury to or the death of an unborn child if the conduct
charged is conduct committed by the mother of the unborn child.

TITLE 11 ORGANIZED CRIME

CHAPTER 71

ORGANIZED CRIME

Section
71.01. Definitions.
71.02. Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity
71.021. Violation of Court Order Enjoining Organized Criminal Activity.
71.022. Soliciting Membership in a Criminal Street Gang.
71.03. Defenses Excluded.
71.04. Testimonial Immunity.
71.05. Renunciation Defense.

Sec. 71.01. Definitions.

In this chapter,
(a) "Combination" means three or more persons who collaborate in carrying on criminal
activities, although:
(1) participants may not know each other's identity,
(2) Membership in the combination may change from time to time; and .
(3) participants may stand in a wholesaler - retailer or other arm's-length relationship in
illicit distribution operations.
(b) "Conspires to commit" means that a person agrees with one or more persons that they or one
or more of them engage in conduct that would constitute the offense and that person and one or
more of them perform an overt act in pursuance of the agreement. An agreement constituting
conspiring to commit may be inferred from the acts of the parties.
(c) "Profits" means property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained, directly or
indirectly from an offense listed in Section 71.02.
(d) "Criminal street gang" means three or more persons having a common identifying sign or
symbol or an identifiable leadership who continuously or regularly associate in the
commission of criminal activities.

Sec. 71.02. Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity.

(a) A person commits an offense if with the intent to establish, maintain, or participate in a
combination or in the profits of a combination or as a member of a criminal street gang, he
commits or conspires to commit one or more of the following:
(1) murder, capital murder, arson, aggravated robbery, robbery, burglary, theft,
aggravated kidnapping, kidnapping, aggravated assault, aggravated sexual assault, sexual
assault, forgery, deadly conduct, assault punishable as a Class A misdemeanor, burglary
of a motor vehicle, or unauthorized use of a motor vehicle;
(2) any gambling offense punishable as a Class A misdemeanor;
(3) promotion of prostitution, aggravated promotion of prostitution, or compelling
prostitution;
(4) unlawful manufacture, transportation, repair, or sale of firearms or prohibited
weapons;
(5) unlawful manufacture, delivery, dispensation or distribution of a controlled substance
or dangerous drug, or unlawful possession of a controlled substance or dangerous drug
through forgery, fraud, misrepresentation, or deception;
(6) any unlawful wholesale promotion or possession of any obscene material or obscene
device with the intent to wholesale promote the same;
(7) any offense under Subchapter B; Chapter 43, depicting or involving conduct by or
directed toward a child younger than 18 years of age;
(8) any felony offense under Chapter 32;
(9) any offense under Chapter 36;
(10) any offense under Chapter 34 or 35;
(11) any offense under Section 37.11(a);
(12) any offense under Chapter 20A; or
(13) any offense under Section 37.0.
(b) (2 versions) Except as provided in Subsection (c) of this section, an offense under this
section is one category higher than the most serious offense listed in Subdivisions (1) through
(10) of Subsection (a) of this section that was committed, and if the most serious offense is a
Class A misdemeanor, the offense is a felony of the third degree, except that if the most serious
offense is a felony of the first degree, the offense is a felony of the first degree.
(b) (2 versions) Except as provided in Subsections (c) and (d), an offense under this section is
one category higher than the most serious offense listed in Subsection (a) that was committed,
and if the most serious offense is a Class A misdemeanor, the offense is a state jail felony, except
that if the most serious offense is a felony of the first degree, the offense is a felony of the first
degree.
(c) (2 versions) Conspiring to commit an offense under this section is of the same degree as the
most serious offense listed in Subdivisions (1) through (10) of Subsection (a) of this section that
the person conspired to commit.
(c) (2 versions) Conspiring to commit an offense under this section is of the same degree as the
most serious offense listed in Subsection (a) that the person conspired to commit.
(d) At the punishment stage of a trial, the defendant may raise the issue as to whether in
voluntary and complete renunciation of the offense he withdrew from the combination before
commission of an offense listed in Subsection (a) and made substantial effort to prevent the
commission of the offense. If the defendant proves the issue in the affirmative by a
preponderance of the evidence the offense is the same category of offense as the most serious
offense listed in Subsection (a) that is committed, unless the defendant is convicted of conspiring
to commit the offense, in which event the offense is one category lower than the most serious
offense that the defendant conspired to commit.

Sec. 71.021. Violation of Court Order Enjoining Organized Criminal Activity.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly violates a temporary or permanent
order issued under Section 125.065(a) or (b), Civil Practice and Remedies Code.
(b) If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under another
section of this code, the actor may be prosecuted under either section or under both sections.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 71.022. Soliciting Membership in a Criminal Street Gang,

(a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly causes, enables, encourages, recruits,
or solicits another person to become a member of a criminal street gang which, as a. condition of
initiation, admission, membership, or continued membership, requires the commission of any
conduct which constitutes an offense punishable as a Class A misdemeanor or a felony.
(h) Except as provided by Subsection (c), an offense under this section is a felony of the third
degree.
(c) A second or subsequent offense under this section is a felony of the second degree.

Sec. 71.03. Defenses Excluded.

It is no defense to prosecution under Section 71.02 that:

(1) one or more members of the combination are not criminally responsible for the object
offense;
(2) one or more members of the combination have been acquitted, have not been
prosecuted or convicted, have been convicted of a different offense, or are immune from
prosecution;
(3) a person has been charged with, acquitted, or convicted of any offense listed in
Subsection (a) of Section 71.02; or
(4) once the initial combination of three or more persons is formed there is a change in
 the number or identity of persons in the combination as long as two or more persons
remain in the combination and are involved in a continuing course of conduct
constituting an offense under this chapter.

Sec. 71.04. Testimonial Immunity.

(a) A party to an offense under this chapter may be required to furnish evidence or testify about
the offense.
(b) No evidence or testimony required to be furnished under the provisions of this section nor
any information directly or indirectly derived from such evidence or testimony may be used
against the witness in any criminal case, except a prosecution for aggravated perjury or
contempt.

Sec. 71.05. Renunciation Defense.

(a) (2 versions) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Section 71.02 of this code that
under circumstances manifesting a voluntary and complete renunciation of his criminal objective
the actor withdrew from the combination before commission of an offense listed in Subdivisions
(1) through (7) or Subdivision (10) of Subsection (a) of Section 71.02 of this code and took
further affirmative action that prevented the commission of the offense.
(a) (2 versions) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Section 71.02 that under
circumstances manifesting a voluntary and complete renunciation of his criminal objective the
actor withdrew from the combination before commission of an offense listed in Subsection (a) of
Section 71.02 and took further affirmative action that prevented the commission of the offense
(b) For the purposes of this section and Subsection (d) of Section 71.02, renunciation is not
voluntary if it is motivated in whole or in part:
(1) by circumstances not present or apparent at the inception of the actor's course of
conduct that increase the probability of detection or apprehension or that make more
difficult the accomplishment of the objective; or
(2) by a decision to postpone the, criminal conduct until another time or to transfer the
criminal act to another but similar objective or victim,
(c) Evidence that the defendant withdrew from the combination before commission of an offense
listed in Subdivisions (1) through (7) or Subdivision (10) of Subsection (a) of Section 71.02 of
this code and made substantial effort to prevent the commission of an offense listed in
Subdivisions (1) through (7) or Subdivision (10) of Subsection (a) of Section 71.02 of this code
shall be admissible as mitigation at the hearing on punishment if he has been found guilty under
Section 71.02 of this code, and in the event of a finding of enunciation under this subsection, the
punishment shall be one grade lower than that provided under Section 71.02 of this code.