Deadly Conduct is classified as which of the following?

• A. Class A Misdemeanor
• B. Class B Misdemeanor
• C. Felony
• D. Class C Misdemeanor

Answer: (A)

Deadly Conduct in Texas is defined as knowingly placing another person in imminent danger of serious bodily injury, which can include actions like discharging a firearm in a direction toward someone. The important aspect is the creation of imminent danger, not whether anyone is actually harmed.

This offense is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which is the highest level of misdemeanor penalties and carries potential punishment of up to one year in jail and a fine up to $4,000. It is not categorized as a Class B or Class C misdemeanor, and it is not a felony under its basic definition. If the conduct itself results in serious bodily injury or death, different charges would apply, but the standalone offense of Deadly Conduct remains a Class A misdemeanor.

In practice, understanding this helps you recognize why the act itself—creating a dangerous situation with a firearm or similar conduct—meets the threshold for a high-level misdemeanor rather than a lesser misdemeanor or a felony, because the danger to others is the central element of the crime.