What penalty does "Impersonating a public servant" fall under?

"Impersonating a public servant" is classified as a 3rd Degree Felony under Texas law. This offense typically involves an individual unlawfully acting as if they are a public servant, which can include misrepresentation of authority to influence or deceive others in the course of their duties.

The significance of this classification is that a 3rd Degree Felony carries serious consequences, including a potential prison sentence ranging from 2 to 10 years and substantial fines. The law recognizes this act as a significant breach of public trust, warranting strict penalties to discourage such behavior and protect the integrity of public service.

Understanding the classification of this offense highlights the legal framework that seeks to maintain order and protect citizens from fraud and abuse of power by individuals falsely portraying themselves as authority figures. This is crucial knowledge for peace officers as they encounter various scenarios in the field where someone may attempt to impersonate a public servant.