In September 2025, Texas enacted a new law specifically targeting a crime known as jugging—a term once limited to law enforcement circles but now firmly embedded in the state’s criminal code. This new statute reflects growing concern over a trend where criminals follow victims from banks or high-end stores to commit theft. Now, jugging is a named offense in Texas, carrying serious consequences for those accused.
At Vinas & Graham, PLLC, we stay ahead of legislative changes like this to protect our clients from overly aggressive prosecutions. If you or someone you know has been accused of jugging in Houston, it’s imperative to understand what this new law means and how a strong defense can make a difference.
What Is Jugging?
Jugging refers to a crime where a person watches or follows a victim—often from a bank, ATM, or retail store—intending to rob them once they reach a less secure location. Typically, jugging suspects observe individuals withdrawing cash or purchasing high-value items, then track them to their vehicles or homes to carry out the theft.
Before the new law took effect, jugging incidents were often charged as general theft, robbery, or burglary. However, these charges didn’t always capture the premeditated nature of following or surveilling a target. The new law gives prosecutors a specific charge to pursue when someone is accused of this type of criminal behavior.
Details of the New Jugging Law in Texas
The new offense is officially classified under organized retail theft laws, but now includes language that targets surveillance-based theft. It criminalizes the act of intentionally following or tracking someone from a financial institution, retail store, or other location with the intent to steal money, merchandise, or property.
Key elements of the law include:
- Observing or tracking a person after they leave a financial institution or store
- Knowing or intending that the person possesses cash or valuables
- Following them to another location for the purpose of committing theft or robbery
All jugging charges in Texas are classified as felonies. The specific level of the charge depends on the circumstances, including the value of the property involved, whether a weapon was used, or if someone was injured during the offense.
Why The Jugging Law Was Introduced
Texas lawmakers introduced this statute in response to a rise in jugging cases across major cities, including Houston. Law enforcement reported patterns where suspects waited near ATMs or store exits, targeting individuals who were likely carrying large amounts of cash or expensive merchandise. In Harris County alone, authorities have reported at least 531 jugging incidents since January 2024, further underscoring the need for a law specifically aimed at this growing type of crime.
By naming jugging as a distinct crime, the state aimed to deter these organized thefts and simplify prosecution. But the downside is that people may now face more serious charges for behavior that previously might have resulted in a lesser offense, especially if prosecutors interpret the law broadly.
What Defendants Need to Know
The new jugging law opens the door to enhanced penalties, even for first-time offenders. If you are accused of following someone after a bank withdrawal or shopping trip, you could now be charged with jugging, even if no theft ultimately occurred. Intent plays a central role in this charge, and prosecutors may use circumstantial evidence, such as location tracking, surveillance footage, or witness statements, to build their case.
In many situations, someone may be in the wrong place at the wrong time or misunderstood by law enforcement. Proving intent to commit theft is not always straightforward, and a strong defense can challenge assumptions made during an investigation.
Potential Defenses to a Jugging Charge
If you are facing a jugging charge, it’s important to know that there are legal defenses available. Some common strategies may include:
Lack of intent: The prosecution must prove you followed the person with the intent to commit theft. If that can’t be proven, the charge may not stand.
Mistaken identity: In many cases, suspects are identified through unclear surveillance footage or vague descriptions.
No theft occurred: If no crime was actually committed, and there’s no evidence of a plan to commit one, charges may be dropped or reduced.
Unlawful search or seizure: If evidence was obtained improperly, it may be excluded from court proceedings.
Your attorney will review all facts, including police reports, surveillance footage, and any statements made, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Accused of Jugging in Houston? Get Legal Help Now
Because jugging is a relatively new criminal offense in Texas, police and prosecutors are under pressure to demonstrate that they are taking it seriously. That means aggressive arrests, heightened charges, and potentially harsh plea offers for those accused.
At Vinas & Graham, PLLC, we bring over 40 years of combined experience to defending clients in Houston against serious criminal allegations. As former felony chief prosecutors, attorneys Joe Vinas and Spence Graham understand how these new cases are built—and how to break them down.
If you’ve been charged with jugging, contact us today for a confidential consultation. We can help you understand your rights, review your options, and build a defense tailored to your situation.
