The Unlawful Use of Pen Register or Trap and Trace Device crime in the state of Texas gives police the right to arrest you if they believe you used certain types of surveillance equipment without being a law enforcement officer or an authorized business representative.
UNLAWFUL USE OF PEN REGISTER OR TRAP AND TRACE DEVICE ATTORNEY FAQs
Unlawful Use of Pen Register or Trap and Trace Device is classified in the Texas Penal Code under Title 4 “Inchoate Offenses,” Chapter 16 “Criminal Instruments, Interception of Wire or Oral Communication, and Installation of Tracking Device.”
Have you been charged with Unlawful Use of Pen Register or Trap and Trace Device? Book a consultation to discuss legal representation with criminal defense attorney Paul Saputo today.
Learn more detailed information about the Unlawful Use of Pen Register or Trap and Trace Device offense below.
What is the current Texas law about Unlawful Use of Pen Register or Trap and Trace Device?
The current Texas law defines the offense of Unlawful Use of Pen Register or Trap and Trace Device in Penal Code Section §16.03 as follows:[1]
(a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly installs or uses a pen register or trap and trace device to record or decode electronic or other impulses for the purpose of identifying telephone numbers dialed or otherwise transmitted on a telephone line.
How can I be charged with Unlawful Use of Pen Register or Trap and Trace Device?
You can be charged with Unlawful Use of Pen Register or Trap and Trace Device if the state’s attorneys believe that each of the elements of 16.03 as described in the section above have been met.
What is the punishment for Unlawful Use of Pen Register or Trap and Trace Device?
A conviction for Unlawful Use of Pen Register or Trap and Trace Deviceis punished as a state jail felony,[2] with a maximum possible fine under Texas state law of up to $10,000 and state jail prison time of up to two years.
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