What does the term "aggravating factors" mean in Texas law?

In Texas law, "aggravating factors" refer to elements or circumstances surrounding a crime that enhance its severity or increase the culpability of the offender. These factors are considered during a criminal trial or sentencing and can lead to harsher penalties. For instance, if a crime involves the use of a weapon, the victim is particularly vulnerable, or it was committed in a heinous manner, these elements can be classified as aggravating factors. When present, they signal to the court that the offense warrants a more serious response than it might otherwise receive, reflecting public policy goals of deterring particularly egregious behavior and ensuring that the punishment fits not just the crime but the context in which it occurred.

The other options do not accurately represent the function or definition of aggravating factors in Texas law. Mitigating factors, for instance, may reduce culpability or the severity of the punishment but do not enhance it. Legal defenses pertain to arguments made to refute criminal liability, and economic impacts, while relevant to understanding crime's broader implications, do not relate directly to the concept of aggravating factors.