Texas is no stranger to crime. From its bustling cities to quiet rural towns, criminal activities have made their way into the community. According to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Texas consistently ranks among the states with higher crime rates.
With the crime rate in Texas higher than the national average, Texans are 22% more concerned about property crime than most Americans, motivating Texans to invest more in property protection measures. Like any other state, Texas has its own top list of crimes, and some of these offenses could be happening closer to home than you think. So, read and find out what these crimes are and how you can protect yourself from them.
Drug Offenses
According to drug manufacturing lawyer Lawrence J. Zimmerman, drug offenses are illegal activities related to the possession, distribution, and trafficking of controlled substances. Possession of drugs like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, or prescription drugs without a valid prescription is considered a serious offense. If you’re caught with a large amount of drugs, you could face felony charges, hefty fines, and lengthy prison sentences.
Drug distribution is the act of selling, delivering, or providing controlled substances to others. This crime carries severe penalties in Texas, with long prison time and a permanent criminal record. Trafficking drugs is the transportation and sale of illegal drugs on a larger scale, which is met with even harsher consequences. Law enforcement agencies in Texas have stringent measures in place to combat drug-related crimes, including undercover operations and surveillance.
To avoid getting entangled in drug offenses, steer clear of illegal substances and avoid associating with people involved in drug-related activities, as it can have long-lasting effects on your life and future opportunities.
Property Crimes
In Texas, property crimes are common. Burglary ranks high among property crimes in the Lone Star State. It’s the act of unlawfully entering a building with the intent to commit theft. Thefts, particularly of motor vehicles and personal belongings, are also widespread. Car theft, in particular, is a serious issue in urban areas. While vandalism, which includes damaging or destroying property, is another common property crime in Texas, graffiti and intentional destruction of property fall under this category.
When it comes to property crimes, prevention is key. Making sure that your home or vehicle is secure can go a long way toward deterring potential criminals. Installing security systems, locking doors and windows, and being mindful of your surroundings can all help prevent property crimes. For any suspicious activity, report it to the authorities quickly. Stay vigilant and take proactive measures to protect yourself and your property from falling victim to these common crimes in Texas.
Violent Crimes
The use or threat of force against individuals constitutes violent crimes. In Texas, the most commonly reported violent crimes are:
Homicide
Homicide is the most severe form of violent crime, and it is the unlawful killing of another person.
Assault
Assault is the act of causing physical harm or injury to someone. This includes sexual assault or the act of non-consensual sexual contact or behavior.
Robbery
This occurs when a person takes someone else’s property through force or threat of force.
These violent crimes can have a profound impact on victims, their families, and communities. It is important to be aware of the prevalence of these crimes and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from falling victim to violence.
White-Collar Crimes
Deceptive financial practices can have legal repercussions in Texas, especially when it comes to white-collar crimes. White-collar crimes are non-violent actions, typically committed by individuals or organizations, for financial gain through deceit. Common examples include embezzlement, fraud, insider trading, and money laundering.
If you’re involved in white-collar criminal activities, you could face penalties like hefty fines, restitution orders, probation, or even imprisonment. The state of Texas takes these offenses seriously, and law enforcement agencies actively investigate suspected white-collar crimes to bring justice.
It’s best to understand the legal implications of your actions and seek legal counsel if you’re being accused of a white-collar crime. Being proactive in your defense and cooperating with authorities may mitigate the consequences you may face. Ignorance of the law isn’t a valid defense, so stay informed and compliant with financial regulations to avoid getting entangled in white-collar criminal activities.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence, commonly referred to as DUI, is a serious criminal offense in Texas. If you’re caught operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, you could face harsh penalties. These penalties may include fines, license suspensions, mandatory alcohol education programs, community service, and even jail time.
In Texas, law enforcement takes DUI cases very seriously. If you’re pulled over under suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the police may conduct field sobriety tests and chemical tests to determine your level of impairment. Refusing to take these tests can also mean automatic license suspension. There are risks associated with driving under the influence, so always have a designated driver or alternative transportation arranged if you plan on drinking.
Weapons Offenses
Texas law strictly prohibits the possession of certain weapons without the appropriate permits or licenses. It’s in your best interest to understand the regulations surrounding firearms in Texas to avoid committing weapons offenses.
Carrying a firearm without a valid license, for instance, can result in serious legal consequences. Unlawfully carrying a weapon in prohibited locations, such as schools, polling places, or government buildings, is also strictly prohibited. Modifying a firearm to make it fully automatic or possessing certain types of weapons, like sawed-off shotguns or brass knuckles, can also result in criminal charges.
If you’re unsure about whether you’re complying with the regulations, seek legal advice to prevent facing weapons-related charges that could have long-lasting implications for your life.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a serious crime that can have long-lasting effects on survivors. It is a range of non-consensual sexual acts like rape, unwanted touching, and sexual coercion. In Texas, sexual assault is a felony offense and has severe legal consequences for perpetrators. In this case, sexual assault is never the fault of the victim, and support services are available to help survivors cope with the trauma.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, it’s important to seek help from law enforcement and medical professionals. Reporting the crime can help prevent future incidents and hold offenders accountable for their actions. Counseling and support groups can also provide emotional support and guidance during the recovery process. By raising awareness and supporting survivors, we can work towards creating a safer and more informed community in Texas.
Child Abuse
If you or someone you know suspects or has witnessed child abuse, it’s important to report the situation quickly to protect the well-being of the child. Child abuse is a serious crime in Texas that involves physical, emotional, or sexual harm inflicted on a minor. Signs of child abuse can manifest in ways like unexplained injuries, sudden changes in behavior, or fear of certain individuals.
Reporting child abuse can help protect the child from further harm and connect them with the necessary support services. In Texas, anyone who suspects child abuse is legally required to report it to the authorities. Failure to report known or suspected child abuse can have legal consequences.
Take action if you suspect a child is being abused, as early intervention can prevent long-lasting trauma and negative effects on the child’s development. By reporting child abuse, you become an advocate for the well-being and safety of vulnerable children in Texas.
Homicide
When investigating homicide cases in Texas, law enforcement officers meticulously gather evidence to unravel the circumstances surrounding the crime. They analyze crime scenes, collect physical evidence, and interview witnesses to piece together what happened. Homicide investigations are complex and require a thorough understanding of forensic techniques to identify suspects and build a case for prosecution.
In Texas, homicide is classified into different categories, such as murder, manslaughter, and capital murder. Murder involves the intentional killing of another person, while manslaughter is the unlawful killing without malice aforethought. As for capital murder, it is a more severe offense that can lead to the death penalty in Texas.
The Texas Penal Code defines the penalties for homicide offenses, ranging from long prison sentences to capital punishment. Prosecutors work on seeking justice for the victims and their families, holding those responsible for taking their lives accountable for their actions.
Cybercrimes
As technology evolves, criminals have also found new ways to exploit individuals and organizations through the internet. Cybercrimes are illegal activities involving hacking, identity theft, phishing scams, and online fraud. These crimes pose a huge threat to the security and privacy of Texans, requiring law enforcement to adapt and develop new skills to combat this evolving threat.
Identity theft, where criminals steal personal information to commit fraud, is common in Texas. Resulting in financial losses and damage to the victim’s credit history. Another common cybercrime is phishing, where scammers deceive individuals into providing sensitive information like passwords or credit card details through fake emails or websites.
To address these cyber threats effectively, law enforcement agencies in Texas are enhancing their cybersecurity capabilities and working closely with technology experts to investigate and prosecute cybercriminals. Stay vigilant online, Texans. Protect your personal information and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement to help combat cybercrimes effectively.
Conclusion
The top 10 crimes in Texas can help you stay informed and know how to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Being aware of these crimes helps you better understand the risks and how to avoid becoming a victim.
Stay vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and work together to create a safer community for everyone.
