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Writer's pictureBrian Foley

Houston Criminal Defense Attorney - Texas Code of Criminal Procedure - Article 2.022 Texas Rangers

Houston Criminal Defense Attorney - Brian Foley - Board Certified in Criminal Law


Have you ever wondered about the Texas Rangers? You better hope they haven't been wondering about you, because that would mean you are in a heap of trouble. The Texas Rangers are the most elite law enforcement officers in the State of Texas and have specialized training in violent crime investigation and interrogation tactics. Article 2.022 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure authorizes the attorney representing the state to request the Texas Rangers to assist in an investigation in a number of circumstances.


  1. When it is alleged that an offense has been committed by an elected officer of the political subdivision served by the law enforcement agency, and

  2. On conviction or adjudication would subject the elected officer to registration as a sex offender under Chapter 62.

There is a saying, "one riot, one ranger" which originates from a story about local law enforcement asking the Texas rangers for assistance in quelling an all out riot. When the head of the Texas Rangers sent a single ranger the local law enforcement chief said I thought they were going to send more help. The response he got was, "One riot, one ranger." You can see why the Texas Rangers are the ones you call when an elected official is alleged to have committed some misconduct. When the stakes are that high for law enforcement you want the most professional division you can find to handle the case.


The Texas Rangers also will help at the request of local law enforcement in other matters such as Murder, Aggravated Robbery and other serious violent crimes.


Recently Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg requested the assistance of the Texas Rangers in an election inquiry.



Art. 2.022. ASSISTANCE OF TEXAS RANGERS. (a) The attorney representing the state may request the Texas Rangers division of the Department of Public Safety to provide assistance to a local law enforcement agency investigating an offense that: (1) is alleged to have been committed by an elected officer of the political subdivision served by the local law enforcement agency; and (2) on conviction or adjudication, would subject the elected officer to registration as a sex offender under Chapter 62. (b) For purposes of this article, "assistance" includes investigative, technical, and administrative assistance. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 431 (H.B. 2130), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.


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