Sour Lake, TX asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Texas

Q: is it illegal to not report crimes?

I started up an international chat room online, and I was wondering if I could face legal consequences for not reporting crimes that people claim to have committed, say that they are in the process of committing, or say that they are planning to commit. Does it depend on the crime?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Roy Lee Warren
Roy Lee Warren
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • San Marcos, TX
  • Licensed in Texas

A: It depends on the situation; for instance if it is sexual assault of a child there is a duty to report it. The variables are too numerous to answer all but a good rule of thumb is to report instances when someone is in danger from future acts.

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