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      Varghese Summersett Background

      Abuse Of Official Capacity

      Abuse of Official Capacity in Fort Worth

      Penal Code Section 39.02 makes it illegal for a public servant to use government property, services, personnel, or anything of value, that comes into the public servant’s possession by virtue of the public servant’s office. The mental state requirement for this offense is that the public servant intended to obtain a benefit while intentionally or knowingly committing the act in question.

      This offense ranges from a Class C misdemeanor if the value of the thing used was less than $100 to a first-degree felony if the value of the thing used was $300,000 or more.

      Value Offense Level Punishment Range
      Under $100 Class C Up to $500 fine
      $100 – $750 Class B Up to 180 days in jail
      $750- $2,500 Class A Up to 1 year in jail
      $2,500 – $30,000 State Jail 180 days – 2 years in State Jail
      $30,000-$150,000 Third Degree 2-10 years in prison
      $150,000-$300,000 Second Degree 2-20 years in prison
      Upwards of $300,000 First Degree 5-99 years/life

      For example: State officers and employees are prohibited from using a state computer on state time to send email messages to co-workers urging them to vote for a certain candidate in an upcoming election. Tarrant County District Attorney Sharen Wilson may have missed that.

      Call a Lawyer for Assistance With Allegations of Abuse of Official Capacity in Fort Worth

      A seasoned lawyer could help if you have been charged with abuse of official capacity in Fort Worth. Call us today to learn more.

      Our lawyers are your bridge over troubled waters.

      Benson Varghese is the founder and managing partner of Varghese Summersett, where he has built a distinguished career championing the underdog in personal injury, wrongful death, and criminal defense cases. With over 100 jury trials in Texas state and federal courts, he brings exceptional courtroom experience and a proven record with Texas juries to every case.

      Under his leadership, Varghese Summersett has grown into a powerhouse firm with dedicated teams across three core practice areas: criminal defense, family law, and personal injury. Beyond his legal practice, Benson is recognized as a legal tech entrepreneur as the founder of Lawft and a thought leader in legal technology.

      Benson is also the author of Tapped In, the definitive guide to law firm growth that has become essential reading for attorneys looking to scale their practices.

      Benson serves as an adjunct faculty at Baylor Law School.

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