The Criminal Simulation crime in the state of Texas makes it illegal to create or pass off fake antiques. It is a fraud offense that requires you intended to harm or defraud someone. Learn more detailed information about the Criminal Simulation offense below.

Criminal Simulation is classified in the Texas Penal Code under Title 7 “Offenses Against Property,” Chapter 32 “Fraud.”

What is the current Texas law about Criminal Simulation?

The current Texas law defines the offense of Criminal Simulation in Penal Code Section §32.22 as follows:^[1]

(a) A person commits an offense if, with intent to defraud or harm another:

(1) he makes or alters an object, in whole or in part, so that it appears to have value because of age, antiquity, rarity, source, or authorship that it does not have;

(2) he possesses an object so made or altered, with intent to sell, pass, or otherwise utter it; or

(3) he authenticates or certifies an object so made or altered as genuine or as different from what it is.

How can I be charged with Criminal Simulation?

You can be charged with Criminal Simulation if the state’s attorneys believe that each of the elements of 32.22(a) as described in the section above have been met.

What is the punishment for Criminal Simulation?

A conviction for Criminal Simulation is punished as a Class A misdemeanor,^[2] with a maximum possible fine under Texas state law of up to $4,000 and jail time of up to one year. Learn about the differences between grades of felonies and misdemeanors

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Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §32.22^2. Texas Penal Code §32.22(b)