Texas Penal Code Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive Study Guide

The Texas Penal Code defines "burglary" primarily as the act of entering a habitation or building with the intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault. This definition encompasses a variety of scenarios in which the perpetrator unlawfully enters a structure with criminal intent.

This legal definition emphasizes that it is not just the act of breaking and entering that constitutes burglary, but rather the intent behind the action is crucial. The idea is that the act of entering itself is not what defines burglary; instead, it is the purpose for which the entry is made that regulates the nature of the crime. Therefore, the criterion of intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault solidifies the understanding of burglary as a serious offense within the scope of Texas law.

While choices that reference breaking into vehicles, unauthorized entry into commercial buildings, or possessing burglary tools may involve criminal acts, they do not fully capture the legal definition of burglary as outlined in the Texas Penal Code. The definition is specific to habitations and structures with the requisite intent to commit certain crimes, marking option B as the most comprehensive and accurate reflection of what constitutes burglary under Texas law.