The Hindering Proceedings by Disorderly Conduct crime in the state of Texas gives police the right to arrest you if they believe you intentionally disrupted an official proceeding by making noise or generally violent behavior. Learn more detailed information about the Hindering Proceedings by Disorderly Conduct offense below.

Hindering Proceedings by Disorderly Conduct is classified in the Texas Penal Code under Title 8 “Offenses Against Public Administration,” Chapter 38 “Obstructing Governmental Operation.”

What is the current Texas law about Hindering Proceedings by Disorderly Conduct?

The current Texas law defines the offense of Hindering Proceedings by Disorderly Conduct in Penal Code Section §38.13 as follows:^[1]

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally hinders an official proceeding by noise or violent or tumultuous behavior or disturbance.

(b) A person commits an offense if he recklessly hinders an official proceeding by noise or violent or tumultuous behavior or disturbance and continues after explicit official request to desist.

How can I be charged with Hindering Proceedings by Disorderly Conduct?

You can be charged with Hindering Proceedings by Disorderly Conduct if the state’s attorneys believe that each of the elements of 38.13(a)(b) as described in the section above have been met.

What is the punishment for Hindering Proceedings by Disorderly Conduct?

A conviction for Hindering Proceedings by Disorderly Conduct 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 §38.13^2. Texas Penal Code §38.13(c)