Texas Criminal Laws

Texas’ criminal statutes identify a wide range of conduct considered illegal, such as theft or murder, made punishable by fines, imprisonment, and other sanctions. Criminal laws and sanctions in Texas are similar to those of other states, but the Lone Star State is unique in a number of ways, such as its tough penalties for drug offenses and frequent use of the death penalty. This section covers a wide variety of Texas criminal laws, including statutes prohibiting child abuse, kidnapping, extortion, and illicit drugs. Speak with a Texas criminal law attorney if you have additional questions or need legal representation.

Learn About Texas Criminal Laws

• Texas Assault and Battery Laws: The basics of assault and battery law under Texas statute. Criminal assault is the threat of violence and the criminal battery is the unwanted touching (such as hitting) of another person.
• Texas Domestic Violence Laws: Overview of Texas domestic violence laws, beginning with the legal grounds for charging defendants with the crime, penalties and sentences for offenders, information for victims, and links to related resources.
• Texas Capital Punishment Laws: The main provisions of Texas capital punishment laws, which govern when and how the death penalty may be applied as a punishment for particularly serious crimes, like first-degree murder.

• Texas Drug Possession Laws: Details about the Texas Controlled Substances Act and its prohibition of illicit drug possession, including classifications, defenses to possession charges, penalties for offenders, and links to other drug-related resources.
• Texas Gambling LawsDespite the popularity of Texas Hold ‘Em, gambling is strictly prohibited in Texas except for dog and horse racing. This page summarizes gambling laws in the Lone Star State.
• Texas Sexual Assault LawsBasics of Texas sexual assault (or rape) laws, which prohibit the commission of sexual acts against an unwilling partner, often through force or threat of force.

Texas Criminal Laws Articles

• Overview of Texas DWI Laws
• Texas Arson Laws
• Texas Assault and Battery Laws
• Texas Burglary and Criminal Trespass Laws
• Texas Capital Punishment Laws
• Texas Child Abuse Laws
• Texas Child Neglect and Child Abandonment Laws
• Texas Child Pornography Laws
• Texas Cocaine Laws
• Texas Computer Crimes Laws
• Texas Credit Card Fraud Laws
• Texas Criminal Laws
• Texas Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws
• Texas Disorderly Conduct Laws
• Texas Dog Bite Laws
• Texas Domestic Violence Laws
• Texas Drug Manufacturing / Cultivation Laws
• Texas Drug Possession Laws
• Texas Drug Trafficking / Distribution Laws
• Texas Embezzlement Laws
• Texas Extortion Laws
• Texas First Degree Murder Laws
• Texas Forgery Laws
• Texas Gun Control Laws
• Texas Heroin Laws
• Texas Identity Theft Laws
• Texas Indecent Exposure Laws
• Texas Insurance Fraud Laws
• Texas Kidnapping Laws
• Texas Manslaughter Laws
• Texas Marijuana Laws
• Texas Money Laundering Laws
• Texas Perjury Laws
• Texas Prohibited Consensual Sexual Activity Laws
• Texas Prostitution Laws
• Texas Protective Orders Laws
• Texas Pyramid Scheme Laws
• Texas Racketeering / RICO Laws
• Texas Resisting Arrest Laws
• Texas Robbery Laws
• Texas Second Degree Murder Laws
• Texas Securities Fraud Laws
• Texas Self Defense Laws
• Texas Sexual Assault Laws
• Texas Shoplifting Laws
• Texas Stalking Laws
• Texas Tax Evasion and Fraud Laws
• Texas Telemarketing Fraud Laws
• Texas Theft / Larceny Laws
• Texas Vandalism Laws