News Summary
Starting September 1, Texas has categorized jugging, the act of following someone from an ATM to steal their money, as a state jail felony. This law, part of House Bill 1902, reflects lawmakers’ efforts to combat the rise of these incidents, which have become increasingly common. Penalties for convicted individuals include potential jail time and substantial fines. Advocates believe this legislation will help deter such crimes and protect citizens, although challenges remain in proving intent during prosecutions.
Austin, Texas — Starting September 1, jugging, the dangerous act of following someone from a bank or ATM with the intention to steal, will be classified as a state jail felony in Texas. This significant legislative change comes as part of House Bill 1902, which was recently signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott.
This new law represents a proactive step by Texas lawmakers to combat a growing concern over jugging incidents. With an increase in the number of reported cases, officials felt compelled to create a stronger legal framework aimed at safeguarding the state’s citizens from this crime.
The legal ramifications for individuals convicted of jugging are serious. As a state jail felony, the crime can lead to a sentence of up to 180 days in jail and fines that may reach $10,000. In more severe cases, individuals could face even harsher penalties if other laws are applied, potentially leading to life sentences for first-degree felonies.
Reports suggest that jugging originally emerged in Texas but has since spread to other regions, including as far away as South Carolina. The Texas law enforcement community has noted a growing trend in these cases, and local police departments have issued warnings to the public to be vigilant.
One notable incident involved three men from Texas who allegedly followed a victim from a bank in Illinois and broke into their vehicle to steal cash. Such cases highlight the criminal behavior associated with jugging, where individuals target victims based on their financial transactions at banks or ATMs.
In North Texas, a gym owner recently experienced a jugging incident after withdrawing $5,000. Upon returning to his car, he discovered that the cash had been stolen from his locked vehicle. Incidents like these indicate how prevalent jugging has become, prompting an urgent response from law enforcement.
The rise of jugging cases, particularly in high-density areas like Houston, has resulted in the establishment of a dedicated police task force aimed at addressing this type of crime. State Representative David Cook from Fort Worth has been a vocal advocate for legislation targeting jugging specifically, emphasizing the necessity of tackling this issue before it escalates into more serious crimes or even violence.
Experts, including Austin attorney Sam Bassett, have expressed optimism that the new law will lead to a decrease in jugging incidents. However, they note that proving intent in these cases may present legal challenges, as it requires clear evidence showing that the individual was purposefully following the victim to commit a crime.
Victims of jugging often tend to be those who engage in transactions at banks or high-end stores, as these individuals are perceived as wealthier targets. A case involving a victim named Katherine reflects this trend, where she lost $1,000 after being followed from a bank to her car, which later was broken into. Such incidents not only signify financial loss but also instill a sense of vulnerability among the public.
The classification of jugging as a felony offense marks a significant milestone in Texas’s approach to combating increasingly sophisticated forms of theft. By implementing stricter penalties, lawmakers aim to deter potential offenders and protect their constituents from this threatening trend.
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Additional Resources
- FOX 7 Austin
- Wikipedia: Jugging (crime)
- FOX 4 News
- Google Search: Jugging crime
- FOX News
- Google Scholar: Jugging law
- KFDM
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jugging
- KHOU
- Google News: Jugging Texas law
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
