What happens if a person provides a false name during failure to identify and has a previous conviction?

When a person provides a false name during a failure to identify situation and has a previous conviction, this can lead to more severe penalties. Specifically, in jurisdictions that follow the guidelines typical of Texas law, the act of providing a false name in this context is treated as a Class A misdemeanor when the individual has a prior conviction.

This means that the severity of the offense escalates based on the individual's criminal history. A Class A misdemeanor can result in more significant consequences, such as higher fines and potential jail time, compared to a Class C misdemeanor, which typically involves lesser penalties. Understanding this classification underscores the importance of providing accurate information to law enforcement and the potential ramifications of giving false information, especially for those with prior convictions.