Index
Self-Defense LawTexas, USA

Texas Deadly Force in Defense of Person

Summary

Deadly force is justified to protect oneself against another's use or attempted use of unlawful deadly force, or to prevent the imminent commission of specific violent crimes.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    You can use deadly force to prevent murder, sexual assault, or robbery.
  • 02.
    The law presumes your use of force was reasonable if someone was unlawfully entering your occupied home, vehicle, or place of business.
  • 03.
    You have no duty to retreat if you have a right to be present and have not provoked the person.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Failure to prove justification can lead to Murder charges (5 to 99 years or life).
  • 02.
    Improper use of force can result in Aggravated Assault charges (2 to 20 years).

Verified Citations

Subchapter C. Protection of Persons

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