Index

Texas Castle Doctrine and Use of Deadly Force

Summary

Texas law presumes a person's use of force is reasonable if someone is unlawfully and with force entering or attempting to enter the person's occupied habitation, vehicle, or place of business.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    You can use force to protect your home, vehicle, or workplace.
  • 02.
    The law assumes you acted reasonably if someone breaks into your occupied home.
  • 03.
    You generally have no duty to retreat from your own home or vehicle.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Unjustified use of deadly force can result in First Degree Felony murder charges.
  • 02.
    Aggravated assault charges if the force used was excessive compared to the threat.
  • 03.
    Civil lawsuits if the presumption of reasonableness is successfully rebutted.

Verified Citations

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