If you have ever wondered what the most common crimes in Texas are, you’re not alone. Every state has their own set of crime statistics. In Texas, they vary with the population of each area. Texas is the second largest state in the US, so it has everything from vast rural areas to the fourth largest city in the country. So the greater the city’s population, the higher the crime rate. The Texas cities with the highest crime rates include:
- Houston
- San Antonio
- Dallas
- Austin
- Fort Worth
The Texas Department of Public Safety provides crime reports and statistics for each year, which allows residents to keep up with the most common crimes. When people are aware of the most common crimes being committed in their state, they can take measures to protect themselves.
Here are some of the most common crimes being committed in the State of Texas.
#1: Drugs
While drug-related offenses are common in every state, it’s a major problem in Texas. Drug offenses make up the majority of Texas arrests, which includes possession. This is no surprise when you consider the size of the state itself, and it should be no surprise that, like most states, drug crimes are taken seriously in Texas. There are certain types of drugs that are illegal to use, manufacture, share, distribute, sell, or possess. Some of them include but may not be limited to:
- Controlled Prescription Drugs (CPD).
- Heroin.
- Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.
- Cocaine.
- Methamphetamines.
- Marijuana.
- New psychoactive substances (NPS).
Both the State of Texas and the federal government believe that the same substances go against the interests of the public and need to be categorized as “controlled substances.”
#2: Theft
Theft is the second most common crime in Texas. In the last year alone, there were 518,000 theft-related arrests in the State of Texas. If you have been accused of theft in the State of Texas, you might be able to use the following defenses:
- Lack of intent — You took the item without intending to steal it. You might have returned a borrowed item, regardless of how aggravating it might be for the owner.
- Mistake of fact — The item was thought to have been stolen when it really wasn’t.
- Age — While being a minor is not a complete defense, it may be a way to get a less severe penalty.
Be sure to speak to a qualified attorney for more information.
#3: Aggravated Assault
About 118,000 people were arrested for this crime in the State of Texas, and this number includes simple assault as well. Someone commits an act of assault it he or she:
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to someone else (which can include the person’s spouse).
- Intentionally or knowingly threatens someone else with bodily injury, which can include the person’s spouse.
- Intentionally or knowingly makes physical contact with someone else when he or she knows or should reasonably believe that the other person will consider the contact offensive or provocative.
Feel free to speak to qualified attorney for more information.
#4: Burglary
Anyone who illegally breaks into something is committing the crime of burglary. This can include a machine, a car, or a house. In the State of Texas, over 100,000 individuals are arrested every single year for committing burglary. Examples of this crime include but may not be limited to:
- Staying past your permitted time in a private or public building with the intention of committing an act of assault.
- Hiding inside a retail store after hours with the intention of committing an act of theft.
- Entering a rail car with the intention of commit theft.
- Breaking into a coin collection machine in an attempt to steal money.
- Using a coat hanger to unlock a car door with the intention of stealing a purse.
- Entering a recreational vehicle to assault someone inside.
Feel free to speak to a qualified attorney for more information.
#5: Robbery
Unlike burglary, robbery is considered a violent crime because it involves direct contact with the victim (which will typically lead to injury). In 2017, over 32,000 people were arrested for robbery in the State of Texas. Not only is it one of the most common Texas crimes, it’s also extremely dangerous to the victim. You should always be alert when you’re walking alone, and you should keep a phone on you at all times.
If you have been charged with any of these crimes, be sure to speak to someone at Gale Law Group. We’re a criminal defense attorney in Corpus Christi that will fight for you. So if you want to increase your chances of coming up with a solid defense, get in touch with us today!