Learn About The Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
(a) In this section, “actor” and “element of offense” have the meanings assigned by Section 1.07, Penal Code.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), a statute or rule that creates or defines a criminal offense or penalty shall be construed in favor of the actor if any part of the statute or rule is ambiguous on its face or as applied to the case, including:
(1) an element of offense; or
(2) the penalty to be imposed.
(c) Subsection (b) does not apply to a criminal offense or penalty under the Penal Code or under the Texas Controlled Substances Act.
(d) The ambiguity of a part of a statute or rule to which this section applies is a matter of law to be resolved by the judge.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Texas Government Code - GOV'T § 311.035. Construction of Statute or Rule Involving Criminal Offense or Penalty - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/government-code/gov-t-sect-311-035/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)