The two felony charges against Gov. Rick Perry will be challenging to prove in court, criminal law experts said Friday.
The most serious charge, abuse of official capacity, was bumped up to a first-degree felony — with prison time of up to 99 years — because the value of government property allegedly misused by Perry exceeded $200,000.
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The 2 charges
• Abuse of official capacity: “A public servant commits this offense if, with the intent to obtain a benefit or with the intent to harm or defraud another … he intentionally or knowingly misuses government property, services, personnel or any other thing of value belonging to the government.”
A first-degree felony, punishable by up to 99 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
• Coercion of a public servant: “A person commits this offense if … he influences or attempts to influence a public servant in a specific exercise of official power or a specific performance of official duty.”
A third-degree felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
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