Interference with Radio Frequency Licensed to Government Entity

Texas Criminal Law

The Interference with Radio Frequency Licensed to Government Entity crime in the state of Texas gives police the right to arrest you if they believe you interrupted or interfered with a radio frequency used by the police, firemen, or any emergency medical services. Learn more detailed information about the Interference with Radio Frequency Licensed to Government Entity offense below.

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Interference with Radio Frequency Licensed to Government Entity 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 Interference with Radio Frequency Licensed to Government Entity?

The current Texas law defines the offense of Interference with Radio Frequency Licensed to Government Entity in Penal Code Section §38.152 as follows:[1]

(a) A person commits an offense if, without the effective consent of the law enforcement agency, fire department, or emergency medical services provider, the person intentionally interrupts, disrupts, impedes, jams, or otherwise interferes with a radio frequency that is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to a government entity and is used by the law enforcement agency, fire department, or emergency medical services provider.

How can I be charged with Interference with Radio Frequency Licensed to Government Entity?

You can be charged with Interference with Radio Frequency Licensed to Government Entity if the state’s attorneys believe that each of the elements of 38.152(a) as described in the section above have been met.

What is the punishment for Interference with Radio Frequency Licensed to Government Entity?

A conviction for Interference with Radio Frequency Licensed to Government Entity is punished by default 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.

However, the offense can be punished as a state jail felony if the state’s attorneys prove that you interrupted the radio frequency with the intent to make it easier to commit another offense[3] or to stop police, firemen, or an emergency medical services from responding to an emergency.[4]


Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §38.152^2. Texas Penal Code §38.152(b)^3. Texas Penal Code §38.152(b)(1)^4. Texas Penal Code §38.152(b)(2)


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