Failure to Identify in Texas

Failure to ID in Texas

Failure to Identify can take two forms – not giving your name and date of birth after you are arrested, or by giving false identifying information to an officer at any point. The offense is a misdemeanor and is enhanced by one level if it occurred while there was a warrant out for your arrest.

2023 Update: You are now also required to identify yourself if you are driving a motor vehicle by giving your correct name and date of birth.

Common Misconceptions about Failure to ID in Texas

A recent post in a Texas Lawyers forum raised the question of whether a person who is detained by the police has to identify themselves.  It makes sense for an officer to ask for your license if you were driving, but what is your duty to identify yourself when you are not driving and police stop you on foot?

There were 50 comments on the Texas Lawyers thread within an hour, and if anything was clear, it was this: “Failure to ID” is a confusing charge, even for lawyers.

So let’s break it down.

Failure to Identify by Refusing to Give Information

If you are under arrest and the arrest is lawful, it is a crime to not provide identifying information to police.

Failure to identify yourself when an officer has lawfully arrested you is a Class C misdemeanor offense in Texas, which is punishable by a fine of up to $500. [Refusal to give your identity after arrest = Class C citation]

Class C Misdemeanor

This same offense rises to a Class B misdemeanor if you lie about your identity once an officer has lawfully detained or arrested you.

Class B Misdemeanors in Texas
Class B Misdemeanors in Texas

If you lie about your identity while there’s a warrant out for your arrest, that becomes a Class A misdemeanor in Texas for Failure to ID-Fugitive.

Class A misdemeanor
Class A Misdemeanors in Texas

Do I have to identify myself to the police in Texas?

Unless you are driving, it turns out you only have to identify yourself if you are under arrest, not merely detained. That’s surprising. If you want to read the statute, turn to Penal Code 38.02.

Do I have to identify myself if I am detained?

There is no requirement to identify yourself unless you are driving or under arrest. If you are detained, you may choose not to identify yourself, assuming you are not driving, but lying about your identity while you are detained is an offense.

What constitutes the charge of Failure to Identify?

The title of the offense is confusing. Failure to ID, when it occurs before a person is under arrest, means a person gave a false name or date of birth. It’s sometimes listed as Failure to Identify – False or Fictitious Information. In other words, there would have been no criminal charge for failing to identify if the person had kept quiet during their detention. It is their lie that got them in trouble.

Things change when you are placed under arrest. If you are arrested, you must give your name, date of birth, and address.

Do I have to identify myself after an arrest?

Yes. You must provide your name, date of birth, and address. There is no requirement to provide that information in any particular form, such as a license or identification card.

Again, in Texas, if you are not under arrest, you do not have to identify yourself if you are not driving. You can simply decline to provide your name and date of birth. Likewise, if you are being detained, but not under arrest, you are not required to identify yourself to police. This is why most officers who stop a motorist ask for license and registration, which provides them with the information they want without having to ask for it.

Failure to Identify – False or Fictitious Information

In Texas, it is a crime to intentionally give an officer false or fictitious identifying information when the officer has:

  • lawfully arrested you;
  • lawfully detained you; or
  • has good reason to believe you are a witness to a crime.

Giving false information is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and up to a $2,000 fine. It is important to point out that the crime here wasn’t failing to provide identifying information, but rather, it was falsifying the information that was provided. For example, if you are being detained and intentionally gave a false name or an address that didn’t exist, you could be charged with failure to identify.

What if there is a warrant out for your arrest?

If you have a warrant out for your arrest, the punishment is increased one level. A Class C misdemeanor for refusing to identify yourself becomes a Class B misdemeanor. A Class B misdemeanor for providing false information becomes a Class A misdemeanor. This is often referred to as Failure to ID – Fugitive.

Is Failure to Identify a crime of moral turpitude in Texas?

The offense of failure to identify by intentionally giving a false or fictitious name to a peace officer is a crime of moral turpitude. See Lape v. State, 893 S.W.2d 949, 958 (Tex.App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1994, pet. ref’d). Failure to identify by refusing to give the requested information to a peace officer is not a crime of moral turpitude. See Lester v. State, 366 S.W.3d 214, 215 (Tex. App. 2011)

Failure to ID Charge in Tarrant County

If you have been charged with a failure to identify in Fort Worth or anywhere in Tarrant County, it’s imperative to work with a knowledgeable lawyer, who will guide you through the process and help you understand your rights. We can help. Our attorneys have decades of experience and proven results. Call today for a free consultation.

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About the Author Board Certified Lawyer Benson Varghese

About the Author

Benson Varghese is the managing partner of Varghese Summersett. He is a seasoned attorney, highly esteemed for his comprehensive knowledge and expertise in the field. He has successfully handled thousands of state and federal cases, ranging from misdemeanor driving while intoxicated cases to capital offenses, showcasing his commitment to preserving justice and upholding the rights of his clients. His firm covers criminal defense, personal injury, and family law matters. Benson is also a legal tech entrepreneur. Benson is a go-to authority in the legal community, known for his ability to explain complex legal concepts with clarity and precision. His writings offer a wealth of in-depth legal insights, reflecting his extensive experience and his passion for the law. Not only is Benson an accomplished litigator, but he is also a dedicated advocate for his clients, consistently striving to achieve the best possible outcomes for them. His authorship provides readers with valuable legal advice and an understanding of the complexities of the criminal justice system. CriminalPersonal InjuryFamily Law Contact
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