City of Mingus, Texas

Title XV – Offenses and Penalties

Adopted by Ordinance No. 2025-__, effective ________ 2025

Chapter 15.01 – General Provisions

Sec. 15.01.001 Purpose

This Title defines acts and omissions that constitute offenses against the peace, order, and welfare of the City of Mingus, and prescribes penalties for violations of municipal ordinances.

Sec. 15.01.002 Enforcement Authority

All peace officers, the City Administrator, and other authorized officials are empowered to enforce this Title. Violations may be prosecuted in the Mingus Municipal Court.

Sec. 15.01.003 Definitions

Public Place – Any area to which the public has access, including streets, sidewalks, and parks.
Weapon – Any firearm, knife, or device designed to inflict harm.
Nuisance – Any act or condition that endangers the health, safety, or comfort of the public.

Chapter 15.02 – Offenses Against Public Order

Sec. 15.02.001 Disorderly Conduct

It shall be unlawful to engage in fighting, unreasonable noise, abusive language, or conduct that disturbs the peace of others within the City.

Sec. 15.02.002 Public Intoxication

No person shall appear in a public place under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the degree that they may endanger themselves or others.

Sec. 15.02.003 Curfew Violations

During any declared curfew or emergency order, no person shall be in public areas in violation of such restriction without lawful exemption.

Chapter 15.03 – Property Offenses

Sec. 15.03.001 Criminal Mischief and Vandalism

It is unlawful for any person to intentionally damage, deface, or destroy public or private property within the City.

Sec. 15.03.002 Theft of City Property

No person shall remove, appropriate, or misuse any City equipment, sign, tool, or material without authorization.

Sec. 15.03.003 Trespass

No person shall enter or remain upon any public or private property after being lawfully warned to leave.

Chapter 15.04 – Public Nuisances

Sec. 15.04.001 Nuisance Conditions

The creation or maintenance of any nuisance, including accumulation of junk, refuse, stagnant water, or hazardous conditions, is prohibited.

Sec. 15.04.002 Abatement Procedures

The City may issue written notice requiring abatement of a nuisance within a specified time. Failure to comply may result in City abatement at the owner’s expense.

Sec. 15.04.003 Recovery of Costs

All costs incurred by the City in abatement may be assessed as a lien against the property in accordance with state law.

Chapter 15.05 – Weapons and Dangerous Devices

Sec. 15.05.001 Discharge of Firearms

Except for peace officers in performance of duty or lawful defense, no person shall discharge a firearm within City limits.

Sec. 15.05.002 Explosives and Fireworks

The possession or use of explosives or fireworks within the City is prohibited except by special permit approved by the City Council and Fire Department.

Sec. 15.05.003 Air Guns and Projectile Devices

No person shall discharge any air rifle, pellet gun, or similar projectile device within the City limits except in areas specifically designated for such use.

Chapter 15.06 – Public Decency and Morals

Sec. 15.06.001 Indecent Exposure

No person shall intentionally expose themselves or engage in lewd conduct in a public place.

Sec. 15.06.002 Gambling

No person shall operate or participate in unlawful gambling activities within the City limits.

Sec. 15.06.003 Prostitution or Solicitation

It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in prostitution, solicitation, or to knowingly permit such activity on premises under their control.

Chapter 15.07 – Enforcement, Penalties, and Procedures

Sec. 15.07.001 Enforcement Officers

Enforcement of this Title shall be under the authority of the City Administrator, Police Department, and the Municipal Court of Mingus.

Sec. 15.07.002 General Penalty

Unless otherwise specified, violations of this Title are misdemeanors punishable by fines not exceeding $500 per offense. Violations involving public health or safety hazards may be fined up to $2,000 as authorized by law.

Sec. 15.07.003 Separate Offenses

Each day that a violation continues constitutes a separate offense.

Sec. 15.07.004 Severability

If any section of this Title is declared invalid, the remainder shall continue in full force and effect.

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