Recording Laws
One-Party Consent
Texas is a one-party consent state. Recording is legal if one party consents.
Statute: Tex. Penal Code § 16.02
Can Record Police: Yes (in public)
Penalties: State jail felony; 180 days to 2 years
Stop and Identify
Partial Requirement
Only after lawful ARREST (not Terry stop). Failure to ID is only illegal if arrested first.
What you must provide:
- - Name
- - Address
- - Date of birth
Penalty for refusal: Class C misdemeanor; Class B if fugitive
Statute: Tex. Penal Code § 38.02
Immigration Policy
Anti-Sanctuary State
SB 4 (2017) bans sanctuary policies and requires local law enforcement to honor ICE detainers. Penalties for non-compliance.
ICE Cooperation: Full Cooperation
E-Verify: Required
287(g) Agreements: Yes
State Resources
State Bar Association
https://www.texasbar.com/Legal Aid
https://www.texaslawhelp.org/Remember in Texas
- ✓ You always have the right to remain silent
- ✓ You can record police in public spaces
- ✓ You do not have to consent to a search
- ✓ If arrested, say "I want a lawyer"