The Most Common Criminal Charges in Austin

Recent statistics from Austin reveal a sharp increase in homicides. In fact, research pinpoints that the city recorded 14 more homicides in 2021 compared to the previous year. Below is the table of the most prevalent criminal charges in Austin, Texas:

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Statutory Wrongdoing and Its Consequences

When it comes to misdemeanors, the rules are different.

The Most Common Criminal Charges in Austin

Here we discuss the top most common criminal charges in Austin:

Burglary

According to Texas Statutes, Title 7, burglary is a serious criminal offense. The law says that burglary occurs if the person:

• Enters a building, vehicle, or habitation not open to the public wanting to commit theft, a felony, or assault
• Hides somewhere in or around the premisesto commit an assault, robbery, or felony
• Enters a building, vehicle, or habitation and attempts to or commits a felony, theft, or assault

Research reveals that Austin experienced a dramatic 14% increase in aggravated robberies, as well as robberies by 16%.

Automobile Theft

According to Texas law, auto theft offenses are the same asstandard theft crimes but classified depending on the value of the allegedly stolen automobile. If the vehicle is worth less than $2,500, the person accused of autotheft is said to have committed a misdemeanor.

Here’s an overview of how Texan law classifies automobile theft:

• Class C Misdemeanor- If the value of the theft is less than $100
• Class B Misdemeanor- whenthe value of the theft is between $100 and $750
• State Jail Felony- whenthe value of the theft is between $750 and $2500
• 3^rd Degree Felony- If the value of the theft is between $2500 and $30K
• 2^nd Degree Felony- If the value of the theft is between $30K and $150K
• 1^st Degree Felony- If the value of theft exceeds $30K

Recent studies show that car thefts have increased dramatically during the last couple of years. In fact, automobile thefts have gone up by 77% since 2017, with approximately 1200 cars stolen in 2021 alone.

Homicide

According to the law, homicide is when one person takes the life of another person. Keep in mind that not all homicides are murder since some of them are lawful or manslaughter.

Statistics show that Austin is the only populous U.S. city with the highest spike in homicide rates. It has experienced a 65% increase in homicide attacks since June2021. In addition, Austin’s murder rate increased by a staggering 43% as compared to 2019.

Assaults

Assault is a common charge in Austin, Texas, and taken very seriously. Texas defines assault as knowingly or intentionally causing injury or threatening others with physical harm.

Under Texas law, a simple assault is classified as a Class A misdemeanor that results in the following penalties:

• A fine of up to $4000
• Confinement in jail for a term less than one year
• Or both

The classification of assault majorly depends on the charges pressed against you.Following are categorized as assaults under Texas Law:

Domestic Assault

Domestic assault can be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony and involves people from the same family.

Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault classifies as a second-degree felony with jail time lasting between 2 and 20 years and a fine of $10,000. It involves physical injuries caused by deadly weapons.

Sexual Assault

Sexual, as well as aggravated sexual assaults, include rape or molestation. While sexual assault classifies as a 2^nd-degree felony, aggravated sexual assault is a 1^st-degree felony.

Statistics reveal that aggravated assaults spiked up by 36% in the past couple of years. In fact, there were 1,034 recorded aggravated assaults in 2021 as compared to 2017’s 815 cases.

The Bottom Line

Recent reports reveal that the violent crime rate in Austin has increased by 1percent. At the same time, specific offenses have increased, with automobile theft spiking up 33%, arson going up by 24%, burglary by 11%, and robberies by 9%. On the bright side, burglaries have decreased by a whopping 9%.

Looking at the current crime rate, the Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, believes that now is a dangerous time to reduce the state police’s budget.

If you’re facing a criminal charge, it’s time to contact a professional criminal lawyer. Here at  Austin Criminal Lawyer, we have a dedicated team of expert lawyers specializing in DWI, domestic violence, violent offenses, probation violations, and much more. So, contact us today!