Texas Penal Code 46.08 – Hoax Bombs

Attorney Trey Porter
Trey Porter

Texas Penal Code 46.08 – Hoax Bombs

WHAT IS HOAX BOMBS IN TEXAS?

The Texas law against hoax bombs prohibits manufacturing, selling, purchasing, transporting, or possessing anything appearing to be a bomb or explosive, or designed to cause alarm or fear.

Texas Penal Code 46.08 - Hoax Bombs

WHAT IS THE HOAX BOMBS LAW IN TEXAS?

Tex. Penal Code § 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.

WHAT IS THE PENALTY CLASS FOR HOAX BOMBS IN TEXAS?

Hoax bombs is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail.

WHAT IS THE PUNISHMENT RANGE FOR HOAX BOMBS IN TEXAS?

The punishment range for manufacturing or using a hoax bomb is up to one year in jail, and a maximum $4,000 fine.

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR HOAX BOMBS IN TEXAS?

A person charged with hoax bombs 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 HOAX BOMBS IN TEXAS?

The statute does not authorize specific defenses to hoax bombs. A person accused thereof may attempt to negate at least one of the elements the State must prove at trial.

WHAT IS THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR HOAX BOMBS IN TEXAS?

The limitation period for hoax bombs, a Class A misdemeanor, is two years.

HOAX BOMBS IN TEXAS

A person may be charged with hoax bombs if they possess a real or fake bomb designed to cause alarm or a reaction by an emergency agency.

TEXAS HOAX BOMBS COURT CASES

The case law regarding hoax bombs in Texas illustrates the statute’s application.

  • In Perez v. State, the defendant brought a bag into the Harris County Courthouse containing metallic objects, batteries, electronic devices, and tools, as well as a wire that connected to an empty can outside the bag. Security feared they were components of a bomb, but the canine didn’t alert to a bomb. Because the components were not explosives, but appeared to be, and were designed to cause alarm, the defendant was convicted of possessing a hoax bomb. The appellate court affirmed.
Did like a post? Share it with:
Attorney Trey Porter

Trey Porter

Trey Porter is one of the highest-rated criminal defense attorneys in Texas. Nationally recognized, Mr. Porter relentlessly fights to protect and assert his clients’ constitutional rights in and out of courtrooms across the state.

REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION

If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, it’s time to start building your defense.

Related Posts

Let's Get Legal on YouTube!

Tune In for Legal Tips, Laughs, and Learning

Explore More Legal Adventures: Discover Related Posts

Discover Related Posts

Categories

Explore Our Legal Categories

constitutional rights

CRIMINAL CHARGES

DRIVER'S LICENSES

DWI CHARGES

EXPUNGEMENT

FELONY CHARGES

MISDEMEANOR CHARGES

PROBATION

Testimonials

What our clients think about us

Unlock the Perks of Choosing Us!

 

Request
a free consultation

Contact Trey Porter Today

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.
Contact Trey Porter Today
Request a free consultation
Legal Insights Unveiled:
Your Path to Clarity

Results matter when life and livelihood are on the line. DWI arrests are warrantless arrests, and the State is legally bound to a burden of proving the charge beyond all reasonable doubt.

© 2024 Trey Porter | All Rights Reserved