What Does A Charge Of “escape Resulting In Bodily Injury” Mean?

A Denton law enforcement officer was recently injured at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital while guarding an inmate who was also a patient at the hospital. The event occurred when the inmate attempted to run out of the hospital room when part of the inmate’s restraint system was removed. When the law enforcement officer approached the inmate, the officer fell and struck his face on part of a window. Law enforcement later caught the inmate on hospital property and charged him with failure to identify as a fugitive and escape resulting in bodily injury, which is classified as a first degree felony in the state of Texas. The inmate was initially arrested on a charge of possession of a controlled substance between 4 and 200 grams. The inmate also had three outstanding warrants in Denton County for theft of a firearm. The inmate is currently being held at the Denton County Jail.

Escape resulting in bodily injury in the state of Texas is grouped into several crimes that generally relate to actions that work against the government’s processes. The penalties associated with this offense can be particularly serious, which is why it is important that anyone facing these charges seeks the help of a criminal defense attorney.

Situations in Which Escape Charges Arise

In accordance with Texas Penal Code, a person can be found to have committed the offense of escape when the individual is detained or charged with an offense, in custody in accordance with a court order, detained in a secure detention facility, or in the custody of a juvenile probation officer. The most common way in which escape occurs is when a person does not report or is late to do so when he or she is supposed to return to jail. An escape is defined in Section 38.01 as unauthorized departure from custody or failure to return to custody after temporary leave.The definition of escape includes any departure that is not authorized, which means that the charge can be brought against individuals in a number of situations.

The Punishment Associated with Escape

In most situations, escape is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, but the penalties associated with the offense can be increased in some situations. For example, escape is classified as a third degree felony if an individual who escapes is either under arrest, charged with a felony, or detained in a correctional facility. Escape can also be classified as a second degree felony if the individual who escapes caused bodily injury to someone else in the process of escaping.

Speak with an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

No matter the criminal charge, you should not hesitate to speak with a knowledgeable attorney who can help create a strong legal strategy to respond to your case. By contacting the Wheeler Law Office today, you can make sure that your case resolves in the best possible manner. Reach out to us today to schedule an initial free consultation for your case.

(image courtesy of Miguel A Ramirez)