Chapter 12 of the Penal Code lists all of the punishments by the grade of offense. Each offense lists the grade where the offense is defined. Most departments have a list of the offenses with their grades in their booking area but I don't know of one publicly available to refer to.speedsix wrote:...thanks for the info on the punishment...is there a chart or table listing the range of possible fines and jail sentences each offense in Texas law can draw, or is that the judges have?
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- Thu Dec 22, 2011 10:53 pm
- Forum: General Texas CHL Discussion
- Topic: 2 PI in 1 yr.
- Replies: 47
- Views: 5607
Re: 2 PI in 1 yr.
- Wed Dec 21, 2011 9:37 pm
- Forum: General Texas CHL Discussion
- Topic: 2 PI in 1 yr.
- Replies: 47
- Views: 5607
Re: 2 PI in 1 yr.
Speedsix,
I think the PI charge is actually about the same as the simple drunk charge you mentioned. The elements are a little tougher, but it is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine only. In most cases, the actual sentence is the time served in the drunk tank sobering up. Yes, there is the potential for it to be abused slightly, such as abnormally high fines (up to $500) or being arrested when you were not actually a danger, but most laws can be abused.
And if there is a larger problem, we do have the additional charge of disorderly conduct. For example, fighting in a public place is a charge under disorderly conduct. It is also only a class C, but it can be used by a judge to punish someone who is both drunk and causing trouble fighting.
It really does depend on the police officers involved and the attitudes of the officers and suspects.
I think the PI charge is actually about the same as the simple drunk charge you mentioned. The elements are a little tougher, but it is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine only. In most cases, the actual sentence is the time served in the drunk tank sobering up. Yes, there is the potential for it to be abused slightly, such as abnormally high fines (up to $500) or being arrested when you were not actually a danger, but most laws can be abused.
And if there is a larger problem, we do have the additional charge of disorderly conduct. For example, fighting in a public place is a charge under disorderly conduct. It is also only a class C, but it can be used by a judge to punish someone who is both drunk and causing trouble fighting.
It really does depend on the police officers involved and the attitudes of the officers and suspects.