Texas State Penal Code

Felony Offenses in the Texas Penal Code

Texas State law contains over one-thousand crimes, which fall under dozens of codes. The following information is focused on felony-level offenses in the Texas Penal Code. Felonies are crimes that are punishable by at least a year or more in prison. There are felonies in almost every section of Texas law, not just the Penal Code. Crimes contained within the Texas Penal Code are the "traditional" ones--assault, theft, etc. For more information about non-penal code felony offenses, check out our information on Texas Statutes and Crimes.

This following information is NOT LEGAL ADVICE and is provided for INFORMATIONAL and EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY. If you need legal advice regarding a criminal matter in the state of Texas, please contact us via our online form or call our offices at (512)472-1494.

Chapter- 15 - Preparatory Offenses

• Section 15.01 - Criminal Attempt
• Section 15.02 - Criminal Conspiracy
• Section 15.03 - Criminal Solicitation
• Section 15.04 - Criminal Solicitation of a Minor

Chapter- 16 - Other Inchoate Offenses

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

Chapter 19 - Homicide

• Section 19.02 - Murder
• Section 19.03 - Capital Murder
• Section 19.04 - Manslaughter
• Section 19.05 - Criminally Negligent Homicide

Chapter 20 - Kidnapping and Unlawful Restraint

• Section 20.02 - Unlawful Restraint
• Section 20.03 - Kidnapping
• Section 20.04 - Aggravated Kidnapping
• Section 20.05 - Unlawful Transport

Chapter 20A - Trafficking of Persons

• Section 20A.02 - Trafficking of Persons

Chapter 21 - Sexual Offenses

• Section 21.07 - Public Lewdness
• Section 21.08 - Indecent Exposure
• Section 21.11 - Indecency with a Child
• Section 21.12 - Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student
• Section 21.15 - Improper Photography or Visual Recording

Chapter 22 - Assaultive Offenses

• Section 22.01 - Assault
• Section 22.011 - Sexual Assault
• Section 22.015 - Coercing, Soliciting, or Inducing Gang Membership
• Section 22.02 - Aggravated Assault
• Section 22.021 - Aggravated Sexual Assault
• Section 22.04 - Injury to a Child, Elderly Individual, or Disabled Individual
• Section 22.041 - Abandoning or Endangering Child
• Section 22.05 - Deadly Conduct
• Section 22.06 - Consent As Defense to Assaultive Conduct
• Section 22.07 - Terroristic Threat
• Section 22.08 - Aiding Suicide
• Section 22.09 - Tampering with Consumer Product
• Section 22.10 - Leaving a Child in a Vehicle
• Section 22.11 - Harassment by Persons in Certain Correctional Facilities
• Section 22.12 - Applicability to Certain Conduct

Chapter 25 - Offenses against the Family

• Section 25.01 - Bigamy
• Section 25.02 - Prohibited Sexual Conduct
• Section 25.03 - Interference with Child Custody
• Section 25.031 - Agreement to Abduct from Custody
• Section 25.04 - Enticing a Child
• Section 25.05 - Criminal Nonsupport
• Section 25.06 - Harboring Runaway Child
• Section 25.07 - Violation of Protective Order or Magistrate's Order
• Section 25.071 - Violation of Protective Order Preventing Offense Caused by Bias or Prejudice
• Section 25.08 - Sale or Purchase of Child
• Section 25.09 - Advertising for Placement of Child
• Section 25.10 - Interference with Rights of Guardian of the Person

Chapter 28 - Arson, Criminal Mischief, and Other Property Damage or Destruction

• Section 28.02 - Arson
• Section 28.03 - Criminal Mischief
• Section 28.04 - Reckless Damage or Destruction
• Section 28.07 - Interference with Railroad Property
• Section 28.08 - Graffiti

Chapter 29 - Robbery

• Section 29.02 - Robbery
• Section 29.03 - Aggravated Robbery

Chapter 30 - Burglary and Criminal Trespass

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

Chapter 31 - Theft

• Section 31.02 - Consolidation of Theft Offenses
• Section 31.03 - Theft
• Section 31.04 - Theft of Service
• Section 31.05 - Theft of Trade Secrets
• Section 31.07 - Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle
• Section 31.11 - Tampering with Identification Numbers
• Section 31.12 - Theft of or Tampering with Multichannel Video or Information Services
• Section 31.13 - Manufacture, Distribution, or Advertisement of Multichannel Video or Information Services Device
• Section 31.14 - Sale or Lease of Multichannel Video or Information Services Device
• Section 31.15 - Possession, Manufacture, or Distribution of Certain Instruments Used to Commit Retail Theft

Chapter 32 - Fraud

• Section 32.21 - Forgery
• Section 32.22 - Criminal Simulation
• Section 32.23 - Trademark Counterfeiting
• Section 32.24 - Stealing or Receiving Stolen Check or Similar Sight Order
• Section 32.31 - Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse
• Section 32.32 - False Statement to Obtain Property or Credit
• Section 32.33 - Hindering Secured Creditors
• Section 32.34 - Fraudulent Transfer of a Motor Vehicle
• Section 32.35 - Credit Card Transaction Record Laundering
• Section 32.41 - Issuance of Bad Check
• Section 32.42 - Deceptive Business Practices
• Section 32.43 - Commercial Bribery
• Section 32.44 - Rigging Publicly Exhibited Contest
• Section 32.441 - Illegal Recruitment of an Athlete
• Section 32.45 - Misapplication of Fiduciary Property or Property of Financial Institution
• Section 32.46 - Securing Execution of Document by Deception
• Section 32.47 - Fraudulent Destruction, Removal, or Concealment of Writing
• Section 32.48 - Simulating Legal Process
• Section 32.49 - Refusal to Execute Release of Fraudulent Lien or Claim
• Section 32.50 - Deceptive Preparation and Marketing of Academic Product
• Section 32.51 - Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information

Chapter 33 - Computer Crimes

• Section 33.02 - Breach of Computer Security

Chapter 33A - Telecommunications Crimes

• Section 33A.02 - Unauthorized Use of Telecommunications Service
• Section 33A.03 - Manufacture, Possession, or Delivery of Unlawful Telecommunications Device
• Section 33A.04 - Theft of Telecommunications Service
• Section 33A.05 - Publication of Telecommunications Access Device

Chapter 34 - Money Laundering

• Section 34.02 - Money Laundering

Chapter 35 - Insurance Fraud

• Section 35.02 - Insurance Fraud

Chapter 36 - Bribery and Corrupt Influence

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

Chapter 37 - Perjury and Other Falsification

• Section 37.02 - Perjury
• 37.03 - Aggravated Perjury
• Section 37.08 - False Report to Peace Officer or Law Enforcement Employee
• Section 37.081 - False Report Regarding Missing Child or Missing Person
• Section 37.09 - Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence
• Section 37.10 - Tampering with Governmental Record
• Section 37.101 - Fraudulent Filing of Financing Statement
• Section 37.11 - Impersonating Public Servant
• Section 37.12 - False Identification As Peace Officer; Misrepresentation of Property
• Section 37.13 - Record of a Fraudulent Court

Chapter 38 - Obstructing Governmental Operation

• Section 38.02 - Failure to Identify
• Section 38.03 - Resisting Arrest, Search, or Transportation
• Section 38.04 - Evading Arrest or Detention
• Section 38.05 - Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution
• Section 38.06 - Escape
• Section 38.07 - Permitting or Facilitating Escape
• Section 38.09 - Implements For Escape
• Section 38.10 - Bail Jumping and Failure to Appear
• Section 38.11 - Prohibited Substances and Items In Correctional Facility or On Property of Texas Department of Criminal Justice
• Section 38.111 - Improper Contact with Victim
• Section 38.112 - Violation of Protective Order Issued On Basis of Sexual Assault
• Section 38.113 - Unauthorized Absence From Community Corrections Facility, County Correctional Center, or Assignment Site
• Section 38.12 - Barratry and Solicitation of Professional Employment
• Section 38.122 - Falsely Holding Oneself Out As a Lawyer
• Section 38.123 - Unauthorized Practice of Law
• Section 38.13 - Hindering Proceedings by Disorderly Conduct
• Section 38.14 - Taking or Attempting to Take Weapon From Peace Officer, Parole Officer, or Community Supervision and Corrections Department Officer
• Section 38.15 - Interference with Public Duties
• Section 38.151 - Interference with Police Service Animals
• Section 38.16 - Preventing Execution of Civil Process
• Section 38.17 - Failure to Stop or Report Aggravated Sexual Assault of Child
• Section 38.171 - Failure to Report Felony
• Section 38.18 - Use of Accident Report Information and Other Information For Pecuniary Gain
• Section 38.19 - Failure to Provide Notice and Report of Death of Resident of Institution

Chapter 39 - Abuse of Office

• Section 39.02 - Abuse of Official Capacity
• Section 39.03 - Official Oppression
• Section 39.03 - Violations of The Civil Rights of Person In Custody; Improper Sexual Activity with Person In Custody
• Section 39.05 - Failure to Report Death of Prisoner
• Section 39.06 - Misuse of Official Information

Chapter 42 - Disorderly Conduct and Related Offenses

• Section 42.01 - Disorderly Conduct
• Section 42.02 - Riot
• Section 42.03 - Obstructing Highway or Other Passageway
• Section 42.04 - Defense When Conduct Consists of Speech or Expression
• Section 42.05 - Disrupting Meeting or Procession
• Section 42.06 - False Alarm or Report
• Section 42.061 - Silent or Abusive Calls to 9-1-1 Service
• Section 42.062 - Interference with Emergency Telephone Call
• Section 42.07 - Harassment
• Section 42.072 - Stalking
• Section 42.08 - Abuse of Corpse
• Section 42.09 - Cruelty to Animals
• Section 42.091 - Attack On Assistance Animal
• Section 42.10 - Dog Fighting
• Section 42.11 - Destruction of Flag
• Section 42.12 - Discharge of Firearm In Certain Municipalities
• Section 42.13 - Use of Laser Pointers

Chapter 43 - Public Indecency; Subchapter a - Prostitution

• Section 43.01 - Definitions
• Section 43.02 - Prostitution
• Section 43.03 - Promotion of Prostitution
• Section 43.04 - Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution
• Section 43.05 - Compelling Prostitution
• Section 43.06 - Accomplice Witness; Testimony and Immunity
• Section 43.22 - Obscene Display or Distribution
• Section 43.23 - Obscenity
• Section 43.24 - Sale, Distribution, or Display of Harmful Material to Minor
• Section 43.25 - Sexual Performance by a Child
• Section 43.251 - Employment Harmful to Children
• Section 43.26 - Possession or Promotion of Child Pornography

Chapter 46 - Weapons

• Section 46.01 - Definitions
• Section 46.02 - Unlawful Carrying Weapons
• Section 46.03 - Places Weapons Prohibited
• Section 46.035 - Unlawful Carrying of Handgun by License Holder
• Section 46.04 - Unlawful Possession of Firearm
• Section 46.041 - Unlawful Possession of Metal or Body Armor by Felon
• Section 46.05 - Prohibited Weapons
• Section 46.06 - Unlawful Transfer of Certain Weapons
• Section 46.07 - Interstate Purchase
• Section 46.08 - Hoax Bombs
• Section 46.09 - Components of Explosives
• Section 46.10 - Deadly Weapon In Penal Institution
• Section 46.11 - Penalty If Offense Committed with in Weapon-Free School Zone
• 46.12 - Maps As Evidence of Location or Area
• Section 46.13 - Making a Firearm Accessible to a Child
• Section 46.15 – Non-applicability

Chapter 47 - Gambling

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

Chapter 48 - Conduct Affecting Public Health

• Section 48.01 - Smoking Tobacco
• Section 48.015 - Prohibitions Relating to Certain Cigarettes
• Section 48.02 - Prohibition of The Purchase and Sale of Human Organs

Chapter 49 - Intoxication and Alcoholic Beverage Offenses

• Section 49.01 - Definitions
• Section 49.02 - Public Intoxication
• Section 49.031 - Possession of Alcoholic Beverage In Motor Vehicle
• Section 49.04 - Driving While Intoxicated
• Section 49.045 - Driving While Intoxicated with Child Passenger
• Section 49.05 - Flying While Intoxicated
• Section 49.06 - Boating While Intoxicated
• Section 49.065 - Assembling or Operating an Amusement Ride While Intoxicated
• Section 49.07 - Intoxication Assault
• Section 49.08 - Intoxication Manslaughter
• Section 49.09 - Enhanced Offenses and Penalties
• Section 49.10 - No Defense
• Section 49.11 - Proof of Mental State Unnecessary
• Section 49.12 - Applicability to Certain Conduct

Title 11 - Organized Crime; Chapter 71 - Organized Crime

• Section 71.01 - Definitions
• Section 71.02 - Engaging In Organized Criminal Activity
• Section 71.021 - Violation of Court Order Enjoining Organized Criminal Activity
• Section 71.022 - Soliciting Membership In a Criminal Street Gang

 

If you are a target of a criminal investigation, or have been charged with a crime, contact Austin criminal defense attorney Bill White to discuss your case.

1307 West Avenue   Austin, Texas 78701   Phone: 512-476-1494
Bill White Blackberry: 512-698-1153   Fax: 512-476-8050  
Email: billwhite@billwhitecriminallaw.com