The Criminal Solicitation crime in the state of Texas gives police the right to arrest you if they believe you asked another person to commit either a first degree felony offense or a capital felony. Learn more detailed information about the Criminal Solicitation offense below.
CRIMINAL SOLICITATION ATTORNEY FAQs
This offense prohibits asking someone to be “hit man” or otherwise engage in a murder for hire, but it goes further, extending to the commission of any first degree felony.
Have you been charged with Criminal Solicitation? Book a consultation to discuss legal representation with criminal defense attorney Paul Saputo today.
Criminal Solicitation is classified in the Texas Penal Code under Title 4 “Inchoate Offenses,” Chapter 15 “Preparatory Offenses.”
What is the current Texas law about Criminal Solicitation?
The current Texas law defines the offense of Criminal Solicitation in Penal Code Section §15.03 as follows:[1]
(a) A person commits an offense if, with intent that a capital felony or felony of the first degree be committed, he requests, commands, or attempts to induce another to engage in specific conduct that, under the circumstances surrounding his conduct as the actor believes them to be, would constitute the felony or make the other a party to its commission.
How can I be charged with Criminal Solicitation?
You can be charged with Criminal Solicitation if the state’s attorneys believe that each of the elements of 15.03(a) as described in the section above have been met.
What is the punishment for Criminal Solicitation?
If the offense solicited was a capital offense, then a conviction for Criminal Solicitation is punished as a Felony of the First Degree,[2] with a maximum possible fine under Texas state law of up to $10,000 and up to life in prison.
If the offense solicited is a Felony of the First Degree, then a conviction for Criminal Solicitation is punished as a Felony of the Second Degree,[3] with a maximum possible fine under Texas state law of up to $10,000 and prison time of up to 20 years. Learn about the differences between grades of felonies and misdemeanors
Legal References:
^1. Texas Penal Code §15.03^2. Texas Penal Code §15.03(d)(1)^3. Texas Penal Code §15.03(d)(2)
