What is Deadly Conduct under Texas Law?

Viral videos from Houston recently showed two people firing guns indiscriminately out of their car window. The couple posted the videos on the social media platform Snapchat. At first, the police said that no one had reported anything about the shooting, so they could not investigate it. But a day later, they confirmed they were actively investigating the incident.

The woman in the videos was arrested shortly after the shootings. The man showed up at the courthouse the next day and turned himself in. Both were charged with deadly conduct.

What is the Definition of Deadly Conduct under Texas Law?

“Deadly conduct” is a vaguely named but serious charge.

Under Texas law, a person commits deadly conduct if they recklessly engage in conduct that places someone else in imminent danger of serious bodily injury. You can also be charged with deadly conduct if you knowingly discharge a firearm at or in the direction of a person, more than one person, a habitation, building or vehicle and are acting recklessly as to whether those habitations, buildings or vehicles are occupied.

If the offense involves recklessly placing another person in imminent danger of bodily injury, it is a Class A misdemeanor under Texas law. If the offense involves a knowing discharge of a firearm, it is a third-degree felony.

These crimes can result in thousands of dollars in fines and up to 10 years in state prison. You may also lose your driver’s license or be ordered to participate in a mandatory program depending on the facts of your case (such as an alcohol rehabilitation program). If you have been charged with deadly conduct in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, our law firm can help you get your charges reduced or dismissed.