The Interference with Rights of Guardian of the Person crime in the state of Texas gives police the right to arrest you if they believe you take a ward knowing that it interferes with the possessory right of the ward. A ward is a person who has a guardian. Learn more detailed information about the Interference with Rights of Guardian of the Person offense below.

Interference with Rights of Guardian of the Person is classified in the Texas Penal Code under Title 6 “Offenses Against The Family,” Chapter 25 “Offenses Against The Family.”

What is the current Texas law about Interference with Rights of Guardian of the Person?

The current Texas law defines the offense of Interference with Rights of Guardian of the Persons in Penal Code Section §25.10 as follows:^[1]

(b) A person commits an offense if the person takes, retains, or conceals a ward when the person knows that the person’s taking, retention, or concealment interferes with a possessory right with respect to the ward.

A ward is a person who has a guardian. Learn more detailed information about the Interference with Rights of Guardian of the Person offense below.^[2]

How can I be charged with Interference with Rights of Guardian of the Person?

You can be charged with Interference with Rights of Guardian of the Person if the state’s attorneys believe that each of the elements of 25.10(b) as described in the section above have been met.

What is the punishment for Interference with Rights of Guardian of the Person?

A conviction for Interference with Rights of Guardian of the Person is punished as a State Jail Felony,^[3] with a maximum possible fine under Texas state law of up to $10,000 and jail time of up to 2 years. Learn about the differences between grades of felonies and misdemeanors

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Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §25.10^2. ¹ Texas Penal Code §25.10(a)(2) – “Ward” has the meaning assigned by Section 601, Texas Probate Code.”^3. Texas Penal Code §25.10(c)