Texas Penal Code 33A.051 – False Caller Identification Information Display
WHAT IS FALSE CALLER IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION DISPLAY IN TEXAS?
The Texas law against false caller identification information display prohibits caller ID spoofing, or making calls showing a number different from that under which the call was placed with the intent to defraud, harass, or cause harm to another.
WHAT IS THE FALSE CALLER IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION DISPLAY LAW IN TEXAS?
Tex. Penal Code § 33A.051. FALSE CALLER IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION.
(a) A person commits an offense if the person, with the intent to defraud or cause harm, makes a call or engages in any other conduct using any type of technology that results in the display on another person’s telecommunications device of data that misrepresents the actor’s identity or telephone number.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a conviction for an offense under this section may not be used for enhancement purposes under any other section of this chapter.
(d) It is a defense to prosecution that the actor:
(1) blocked caller identification information;
(2) was a peace officer or federal law enforcement officer lawfully discharging an official duty;
(3) was an officer, agent, or employee of a federal intelligence or security agency lawfully discharging an official duty;
(4) was an officer, agent, or employee of a telecommunications service provider who was:
(A) acting in the provider’s capacity as an intermediary for the transmission of telephone service, a Voice over Internet Protocol transmission, or another type of telecommunications transmission between the caller and the recipient;
(B) providing or configuring a service or service feature as requested by a customer;
(C) acting in a manner that is authorized or required by other law; or
(D) engaging in other conduct that is a necessary incident to the provision of service; or
(5) was a private investigator licensed under Chapter 1702, Occupations Code, lawfully conducting an investigation.
(e) For the purposes of this section, “telecommunications service provider” means a:
(1) telecommunications provider, as defined by Section 51.002, Utilities Code; or
(2) provider of telecommunications service, advanced communications services, or information service, as those terms are defined by 47 U.S.C. Section 153.
WHAT IS THE PENALTY CLASS FOR FALSE CALLER IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION DISPLAY IN TEXAS?
False caller identification information display is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail.
WHAT IS THE PUNISHMENT RANGE FOR FALSE CALLER IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION DISPLAY IN TEXAS?
The punishment range for false caller identification information display is up to one year in jail, and a maximum $4,000 fine.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR FALSE CALLER IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION DISPLAY IN TEXAS?
A person charged with false caller identification information display may be eligible for probation after a conviction, or deferred adjudication without a conviction, for a period not to exceed two years.
WHAT ARE THE DEFENSES TO FALSE CALLER IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION DISPLAY IN TEXAS?
The statute authorizes defenses to false caller identification information display. A person accused thereof may assert the conduct was lawful if the person:
- blocked the caller identification information;
- was lawfully discharging an official duty as a peace officer, federal law enforcement officer, or an officer, agent, or employee of a federal intelligence or security agency;
- was a licensed private investigator lawfully conducting an investigation; or
- was acting as an agent, employee, or officer of a telecommunications service provider, and was:
- providing or configuring a service as requested by a customer;
- acting as an intermediary for transmission of a telephone service, Voice over Internet Protocol transmission, or other type of telecommunications transmission between the caller and recipient; or
- engaging in other conduct necessary to provide service or authorized or required by law.
WHAT IS THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR FALSE CALLER IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION DISPLAY IN TEXAS?
The limitation period for false caller identification information display is two years.
FALSE CALLER IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION DISPLAY IN TEXAS
Caller identification spoofing became a Texas crime in 2019 in response to the increased volume in people making these calls with the intent to defraud, harass, or cause harm to others.
Glowing Client Reviews
Trey is the man! I hired him because I had overheard a county court judge mentioning how awesome of an attorney he is, so if an endorsement from a judge won’t convince you then I’m not sure what will. I sure do hope I never find myself in a pickle ever again but if I do, I would hire Trey in a heartbeat. He’s honest, transparent, doesn’t beat around the bush, and will work tirelessly so that your clean record stays clean and unblemished. 5 stars, highly recommend!
I recently hired Trey Porter Law to help our teenage daughter with a drug charge. In the state of Texas she was being charged as an adult which carried a much stiffer penalty. Trey is very responsive, helpful, knowledgeable and is always available to answer any questions or concerns via phone, text or email. He was able to negotiate on her behalf so it was a pleasant experience. I would highly recommend Trey Porter Law.
Trey really helped me out. He was straight forward and professional, and really helped me in my case. I thought i was going to lose my job, but trey did everything in his power to help me keep my way of life, and still keeps up with me any details on my case.
I really appreciated all he did for me.
Trey is a phenomenal attorney that gets the job done right! He is dedicated to help his clients.
He made himself available and answered all my concerns immediately! I had faith in him and he continued to prove his expertise by helping me. I highly recommend Trey Porter!!
Trey Porter fought for me! I am a nurse and thought my career was over.
Very thankful I got Trey Porter involved. He responds to messages regularly and was very thorough.
He saved my career. Forever grateful!
Mr Porter is the real deal. You get what you pay for these days. I know that from my personal business dealings. Attorney Trey Porter was no different.
He was prompt, professional and poised. I was charged with DWI, and Mr Porter got the charge dismissed. I could not be more pleased or thankful. If you get a DWI, hire the best — hire Trey Porter.
WE FIGHT FOR DISMISSAL
WE FIGHT FOR DISMISSAL
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED .15
Driving facts involved failing to maintain a single lane and speeding. Client refused breath test and forced law enforcement to obtain search warrant for blood. Blood test result was not used after challenge from Defense, and State waived and abandoned charge.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Client was a college student, worried about the collateral consequences of an alcohol offense. After negotiation and review of the traffic stop, the case was dismissed. Client received no criminal conviction. The charge was later expunged and deleted from client’s record.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED .15+
Client was involved in minor accident. Client was at fault in accident. A young executive, client was concerned that a criminal conviction for DWI would result in termination. After review of the traffic stop, it was clear the officer lacked probable cause for arrest. State eventually dismissed DWI charge. Client received no criminal conviction.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DWI 2nd
Client, a military veteran, was facing up to one year in jail. State could not prove intoxication by alcohol, and was prepared to proceed on loss of use by marijuana. After challenging the State to prove that marijuana was ingested at or near time of driving, and that marijuana impaired client’s driving, the State dismissed the case on the day of trial.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Driving facts involved a false claim by police that taillight was out. After challenging the reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop, the State was forced to dismiss the case when video did not match police report. Client has since expunged arrest, and has no criminal record.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Client is a public school teacher and faced immediate termination upon conviction. The facts of the case were bad. State was unwilling to budge in negotiation, and matter was set for trial – the last shot at avoiding a conviction and preserving client’s livelihood. State was forced to dismiss on day of trial. Client has no criminal record, and has since expunged the DWI arrest.
Contact Trey Porter Today
Request a free consultation
The stakes are high. Criminal charges can have devastating, lifelong consequences. During the free, confidential consultation, Mr. Porter will answer questions surrounding your legal matter, and discuss and identify potential defenses.
If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, the State is working on your conviction. It’s time to start building your defense.
