UNL INSTALLATION OF TRACKING DEVICE

Texas Penal Code § 16.06 defines unlawful installation of a tracking device. A person commits the offense by knowingly installing an electronic or mechanical tracking device on a motor vehicle owned or leased by another person. A tracking device is one capable of emitting an electronic frequency or other signal that may be used to identify, monitor, or record the location of a person or object. The offense is a Class A misdemeanor. The culpable mental state attaches to the act of installation on someone else's vehicle; the statute targets placing the device, not the later monitoring. Affirmative defenses cover a person who first obtained the effective consent of the vehicle's owner or lessee, a person assisting someone reasonably believed to be a peace officer, and a licensed private investigator acting with written consent or court authorization. Peace officers installing devices for law enforcement purposes are excluded.

Ranges are the statutory maximums for the level; enhancements, prior convictions and plea agreements change what is actually imposed.

Across 530 Texas bail settings for this charge (5 counties, Apr 2022 – Jun 2025), the median cash or surety bond was $4,500 (middle half: $2,100 – $7,500). 7% of defendants were released on a personal bond, and bail was denied in 8 cases. When this was the only charge at booking (224 records), the median was $3,500 and 11% got a personal bond.

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.