Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

Is slapping your 18 yr. old illegal?

I live in Texas. My 18 year old son was being aggressive and verbally abusive. I slapped him (not hard) on the face and told him to quit calling me dirty, derogatory names. He Hit me with his fist (rather hard) and proceeded to damage property in my house. I called the local police. They responded by threatening to put both of us in jail for assault and wrote me a citation. I was not angry or aggressive in the presence of the officers. I was told I do not have the right to discipline my son in this way for any reason. Is this true? Can I be cited and charged with assault for this? I suppose I have no other choice than to throw my son out of the house or allow him to stay and be abusive. I was shocked the police did not try to back me up on this issue. What are my rights as a parent?


Asked on 7/22/07, 11:04 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Keith Engelke Law Office of S. Keith Engelke

Re: Is slapping your 18 yr. old illegal?

Yes. Assault is defined as any unwanted touch. This alone is a Class C misdemeanor. If there is Bodily Injury (which is defined as anything that causes pain) you have a class A misdemeanor (max 2 years jail, $4000 fine) This if there is no prior conviction.

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Answered on 7/23/07, 10:26 am


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