SMUGGLING OF PERSONS: FLEEINGTexas Penal Code (PC) § 20.05(b)(1)(e)
“SMUGGLING OF PERSONS: FLEEING” stands for Smuggling of Persons While Fleeing a Peace Officer, a second-degree felony under Texas Penal Code (PC) § 20.05(b)(1)(e). It is punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
Below: how these cases end in Texas courts, how long they take, and the punishment.
What does “SMUGGLING OF PERSONS: FLEEING” mean?
“SMUGGLING OF PERSONS: FLEEING” stands for Smuggling of Persons While Fleeing a Peace Officer, a second-degree felony under Texas PC § 20.05(b)(1)(e).
Under Texas Penal Code § 20.05, smuggling of persons occurs when a person knowingly uses a motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or other means of conveyance to transport an individual with intent to conceal the individual from a peace officer or special investigator, or to flee from an officer attempting a lawful arrest or detention; knowingly encourages or induces a person to enter or remain in the United States in violation of federal law by concealing, harboring, or shielding that person from detection; or knowingly assists, guides, or directs two or more individuals to enter or remain on agricultural land without the owner's effective consent. This charge, brought under § 20.05(b)(1)(E), is the second-degree felony variant alleging that during the commission of the offense a peace officer or special investigator attempted to lawfully arrest or detain the actor and the actor fled. That flight allegation distinguishes this charge from base-level smuggling.
What is the punishment for Smuggling of Persons While Fleeing a Peace Officer in Texas?
2 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
| Charged as | Possible confinement | Fine | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree felony | 2 to 20 years in prison (TDCJ) | Fine up to $10,000 | Penal Code § 12.33 |
Ranges are the statutory maximums for the level; enhancements, prior convictions and plea agreements change what is actually imposed.
How much is bail for SMUGGLING OF PERSONS: FLEEING in Texas?
The median bail is $15,000, and 11% of defendants were released on a personal bond.
Across 1,986 Texas bail settings for this charge (11 counties, Apr 2022 – Jun 2025), the median cash or surety bond was $15,000 (middle half: $10,000 – $25,000). 11% of defendants were released on a personal bond, and bail was denied in 37 cases. When this was the only charge at booking (246 records), the median was $30,000 and 2% got a personal bond.
| County | Records | Median cash bail | Middle half | Personal bond | Denied |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Val Verde | 441 | $20,000 | $10,000 – $40,000 | 0% | 0% |
| Kinney | 407 | $10,000 | $10,000 – $10,000 | 36% | 0% |
| El Paso | 406 | $20,000 | $10,000 – $40,000 | 0% | 4% |
| Webb | 142 | $15,000 | $10,000 – $45,000 | 2% | 0% |
| Jim Hogg | 99 | $20,000 | $7,500 – $20,000 | 0% | 0% |
Showing the 5 counties with the most records; use the selector for any county with at least 30. Per-charge bond settings on original magistrations, from Texas OCA bail reporting under SB 6. Bail is set case by case — these are statistics, not a prediction.
Charged with SMUGGLING OF PERSONS: FLEEING?
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Find a Defense AttorneyBail data: Texas Office of Court Administration magistration reports (SB 6), Apr 2022 – Jun 2025. Court outcomes: county district and county clerk records. Statistics describe past cases and are not legal advice; every case is decided on its own facts.