Failure to stop or report aggravated sexual assault of a child is classified as what level offense?

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

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that certain failures to act in abuse cases are treated as offenses to deter neglect of a child’s safety. In Texas, failing to report aggravated sexual assault of a child is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. That makes it the most serious level among the misdemeanor categories, reflecting the seriousness of not reporting abuse, but still not a felony. This is more serious than Class B or Class C misdemeanors, and far less severe than a felony such as a State Jail Felony. The penalties for a Class A misdemeanor can include up to a year in jail and a substantial fine, which aligns with the intent to strongly deter non-reporting in cases involving child victims.