The Discharge of Firearm in Certain Municipalities crime in the state of Texas gives police the right to arrest you if they believe you recklessly discharge a firearm in an area with a population of 100,000 people or more. Learn more detailed information about the Discharge of Firearm in Certain Municipalities offense below.

Discharge of Firearm in Certain Municipalities is classified in the Texas Penal Code under Title 9 “Offenses Against Public Order And Decency,” Chapter 42 “Disorderly Conduct And Related Offenses.”

What is the current Texas law about Discharge of Firearm in Certain Municipalities?

The current Texas law defines the offense of Discharge of Firearm in Certain Municipalities in Penal Code Section §42.12 as follows:^[1]

(a) A person commits an offense if the person recklessly discharges a firearm inside the corporate limits of a municipality having a population of 100,000 or more.

How can I be charged with Discharge of Firearm in Certain Municipalities?

You can be charged with Discharge of Firearm in Certain Municipalities if the state’s attorneys believe that each of the elements of 42.12(a) as described in the section above have been met.

What is the punishment for Discharge of Firearm in Certain Municipalities?

A conviction for Discharge of Firearm in Certain Municipalities 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

---

Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §42.12^2. Texas Penal Code §42.12(b)