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Title 8 (Offenses Against Public Administration), Chapter 38 (Obstructing Governmental Operation), Section 38.17 (Failure to Stop or Report Aggravated Sexual Assault of Child)

United States

38.17: Failure to Stop or Report Aggravated Sexual Assault of Child.

(a) A person, other than a person who has a relationship with a child described by Section 22.04(b), commits an offense if:

(1) the actor observes the commission or attempted commission of an offense prohibited by Section 21.02 or 22.021(a)(2)(B) under circumstances in which a reasonable person would believe that an offense of a sexual or assaultive nature was being committed or was about to be committed against the child;

(2) the actor fails to assist the child or immediately report the commission of the offense to a peace officer or law enforcement agency; and

(3) the actor could assist the child or immediately report the commission of the offense without placing the actor in danger of suffering serious bodily injury or death.

(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Year of enactment

1999

Last Amended

2007