Castle Doctrine: Self Defense in Texas 

If someone enters my home, that warrants any amount of force that I choose if I feel my family is in danger.

I was in fear for my life. I used force to stop the threat. I am terrified and extremely shaken. I want a Lawyer.

If someone unlawfully enters my property I am IMMEDIATELY in fear for my life and I will do what I need to do to feel safe.

In Texas we are a stand your ground state.

We’ve had the Castle Doctrine in Texas decades before the doctrine even had a name. Chapter 9 is Chapter 9; same as it always was.

I saw a video where an armed teenager broke into a home in the early morning hours through an unlocked front door, the home owner also armed got into a shootout with him and died, the perpetrator ended up on video asking for medical attention after being shot multiple times at a neighbors and saying he’d been shot, those home owners had no idea he just killed a man and burgled.

In California, you're supposed to prepare a cup of tea and biscuits for the burglars and allow them to take your things all while smiling and thanking them for it. Failure to do so and defending your property during a break in would send you straight to prison and the burglars receive all sorts of awards and possibly a noble peace prize.

I am seventy-five and I live in Texas. I have been employed as a level 3 (armed security guard) and I have a CHL permit. I am almost always armed when I leave my home. Basically it comes down to the totallity of the circumstances when the use of deadly force is necessary.

I would counter the initial argument with, if they come at you with their fists you can assume that they have experience or training. In that case, you fear for your safety. And that their intent is to cause bodily harm. In Texas you can defend against bodily harm. Texas Penal Code 9.31. This section states that “a person is justified in using force against another when and to the degree the actor reasonably believes the force is immediately necessary to protect the actor against the other’s use or attempted use of unlawful force.” If you have reasonable belief that an aggressor poses an immediate threat, and use an amount of force that is no more than necessary to repel the aggressor’s threat. I am NOT trained in martial arts. I have NO IDEA if the aggressor is trained or not. With their confidence, I assume so. The right to use deadly force was not made by me, but by my aggressor.

On the contrary. One punch can kill someone. Deadly force is extremely appropriate.

At what point does a Fist present deadly force? Many people have been killed or knocked out and beaten after 1 single punch. How is that not at least grounds for the threat of deadly force if the attacker doesnt stop?

An update on this with the new constitutional carry laws and a little more on person to person self defense would be great

Highly recommend getting some carry insurance. Do your homework on the different carry insurance companies as some want you to reimburse them if you use their services. Look for a company that has no cap on the amount they pay an attorney, pays for loss of wages, crime scene cleanup, expert witnesses, 24 hour live service, bail’s you out etc. A good defense isn’t cheap.

Basically in Texas you break my door you pay with your life.

So if someone threatens you with a fist fight , you cant use deadly force ? That persons fists might have the ability to kill you, so a person should be justified to use deadly force to protect him or herself

This was made before constitutional carry was passed in the state of Texas. We can carry anywhere unlicensed now in the State of Texas as long as the owner of the property has not told us to be unarmed. If someone does carry on property that has requested us to be unarmed this person is considered a trespasser, and can be removed by law enforcement, and charged with a misdemeanor. Other than that the information is really solid as far as I understand the laws on the books currently.

You sound very knowledgeable and sound I’ll be sure to recommend you to all my friends

In Texas, what are the use of force (not deadly force) requirements and limits against someone who is confirmed to be criminally trespassing? The trespasser has ignored multiiple clearly placed No Trespassing signs and entered the property, but is otherwise not a threat. Texas Penal code 9.41 seems pretty clear on that, but what is your expert opinion?

This is a bit out of date -- 2 years old. Texas is now a permitless handgun carry (aka Constitutional Carry) state, so the info for carrying a handgun only in your home, your vehicle, and between them, unless licensed to carry, needs updating. Anyone else otherwise legal to purchase and own a handgun may carry one concealed in a holster or openly In a holster anywhere it is legal to carry a weapon. Also, the term "illegal knife" has been removed from the Texas Penal Code. It was replaced by "Length Limited Locations". If 18 or older OR if accompanied by a parent or guardian, virtually any style and length of knives may be carried. There are 3 location categories: 1. No knives of any kind • Public buildings (courts, etc) • Airoprts beyond security check-in 2. Length limited locations • Blade lengths over 5.5" not allowed • Check online for details at "knife carry in Texas" - there were several places listing details the last I checked, including law firm websites, a knife carry advocacy group, and the Texas State Statutes (linked on the DPS [Dept of Public Safety - state police] website) 3. Everywhere else. • You may walk down the street carrying a sword, battle ax, spear, etc. • You may carry a large Tactical or Bowie knife on your belt at all times, etc. However, there is a short list of illegal weapons that may not be carried. Check online for a detailed list. Unfortunately for bushcrafters and historic reenactors this includes tomahawks. For unknown reasons it was added apparently as an afterthought, since it appears at the end of the list for "clubs and bludgeons". I am sure carrying one at a reenactment event would be allowed, but probably not just hilking or camping. I seldom carried an axe camping anyway, preferring a 14" to 16" heavy bladed machete. A heavy blade (0.125" to 0.250" thick) 15" long bolo will do 85% or so of what a camp ax will.

Someone just tried to rob me at the laundromat while I was in my car. That is why I'm here. Keep your head on a swivel folks

Meeting force with equal force is stupid when you consider that a grown man can beat another person completely to death with his fist. So, I can't use deadly force against someone who is agressively trying to beat me unconscious, or worse? Maybe I should ask the person if they intend to kill me? Not knowing a criminals intentions, especially if my Wife is with me, is reason enough for me to use whatever is at my disposal to defend myself and my loved ones. I wouldn't use deadly force to protect my property at all. I just hope if a guy steals my tv, he remembers to take the remote control too!

so I'm 70 years old and I can not throw hands as I used to ..so should I stand there and take a whipping? or I'AM I allowed to escalate?

If you could answer a few quick questions I would appreciate it. 1. So would just finding someone in your home at any time of the day warrant deadly force? Even if it was daytime. Say my backdoor was unlocked because I constantly let the dogs in and out, so the intruder wouldnt technically be breaking in? Although I would still assume they were planning on harming me or my family, or possibly committing theft or burglary since they would have no business being in my home. 2. If someone was camping somewhere in Texas in an RV, and someone is attempting to enter or does enter or break into the RV, would that warrant deadly force? Again, I would assume they intend to harm or rob... 3. Finally, what about in the case of self carry and the situation is not strictly "Self defense"... as I see the desire to draw a weapon being much greater in an active shooter situation in this day and age. There are too many stories of populated areas and mass shootings. If there was an active shooter somewhere in Texas and someone was to use deadly force, even though the shooter may not have been engaged with or directly threatening them, would deadly force still be justified to help or save others?

I am old and gimpy and although not specifically addressed here, I can no longer scrap like I used to and sure as hell can't run or effectively evade. My options are therefore more limited than they used to be. You gotta do what you gotta do to protect you and yours.

Considering the significant changes in the law in Texas, you should consider updating this.

I swear these laws make it impossible for us to defend ourselves and protect intruders. We're just suppose to hope that us alerting them of our gun is suffice for them not to rush us and possibly take it away? At that point it's real simple "he reached for my weapon officer"

To answer some of the questions in the comments we have put out new videos addressing specific questions: Deadly Force Against Fists: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-CMCSTQEQat0.html Deadly Force to Protect Property: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZjuSh_kJCTs.html Deadly Force Against Multiple Unarmed Assailants: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-08RyjCRkkkI.html Deadly Force to Protect Yourself or a Third Party: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HlvfnysAVWU.html

I didn't know about the work place applying to the castle law. But does that also include like car technicians for example? Maybe leave it in the toolbox or something. Always have it at home and then leave it in the car when I get to work.

What if it's three against one and they won't stop and they won't leave your property your home?

What if they are more skilled (mma fighter or received training or knows the technics), or bigger, or multiple assailants?

I'm going to tell any judge or jury I was threatened because the intruder will not be in any condition to deny it.

Does the castle doctrine apply to unlawful warrantless entry by police?

Dont mess with Texas !!

The person that attacks you could be trained in MMA, You have know way of knowing! If so he could KILL you with his hands thus making it necessary to shoot him! If some one attacks you using only their hands they are obviously confident that they can do you bodily harm using just their hands!😏🙆‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤬

What If Someone Attacks You w Fists, but Your Handicapped??

As a less lethal trained instructor, you can use chemical agents like defense spray too. Thank you!

You can use deadly force for someone breaking into your truck? What counts as your own property? What about people that rent lots or live in apartments?

We appreciate the videos education

"if someone is criminally trespassing.. but doing nothing wrong"?? what tf is this even supposed to mean? LOL if someone is "criminally trespassing" on someones property they are in fact "doing something wrong".. are they not?

amazing video guys but i do feel like at the end yall left us with a cliff hanger . i heard in texas i can legally shoot someone in the back fleeing with my property and i feel like thats a BIG topic that should be discussed considering we have to go through the jury of a bunch of people who might not quite be qualified . i have also heard at night laws somewhat change like you said .

He said from your vehicle to your car .lol

Does this apply if you live in an apartment? Or in your car in public?

Does that apply to the land you own surrounding your house? Isn’t the fence, the line at where your home begins, and then crossing it would be a forceful entry? Just curious

Very good video. Straight to the point

“From your vehicle to your car or from your car to your vehicle” 😭😭

Overcome any enemy with superior firepower, speed and violence of action

So if a person comes at me with a baseball bat? Do I tell them wait let me get my baseball bat. A baseball bat is a deadly weapon. Is it not? Tell me.

You stated that if they are trying to enter your home forcefully you can use deadly force. What about if they are already in your home. Do I have to give a warning before I splatter them all over the walls? Or can I shoot first and ask questions after?

If I feel that my and mine are in danger I will react accordingly. With a gun, knife, or anything within my reach. I don't care about judges or laws. My person is my domain. You breach it you sew it. Then God can help you see why you're no longer here on earth. Peace.🙏💛💯

So besides the lovely thing on my nightstand, there are 3 pit bulls who roam my house freely. I don't think I'd have to use deadly force unless they REALLY wanted in and shot my dogs. If they shoot my dogs, I see a verified threat and am justified in either a .556 or 12g slug placed center mass. On my property, I'd let my dogs out, and carry my shotgun outside. Once again same issue. My best friends make sure my home is safe and in return I'll use force to defend them.

Im sorry but i have many more questions. What about age of victim, what about the number of per per traitors? You said if someone comes at you with fists in a menacing fashion, you can use equal force but what if they are 20 something but you are in 60s? Can u use deadly force to equalize the situation? What if you are 18 year old female, but the perp is male and is in there 30s? Do i have to rely on my fists to save me? What if you are a felon of a non violent offense living with someone that has a gun. If im home alone and someone is breaking in can i go retrieve my roommates gun to defend myself?

Two on one sounds deadly

Amen

If you believe your life is in danger you can use deadly force to defend yourself against someone unarmed for the simple fact that 1 you don’t know if they’re armed with a knife in their pocket. There are a lot of people that die from bare fists so yes your fists are a weapon. If the person wants to kill you and has already broken into your home as soon as that person crosses the threshold you’re legally able to shoot.

Ok. Now when the killer robber jumps your fence and he's running towards you, your not going to remember every little law this man just described. A lawyer, and a cop are NOT there at that moment. You do exactly what you have to within seconds to protect yourself and your family.

How much does the passage of Texas Constitutional Carry change this?

A punch can be just as deadly. Once I’m disoriented than what does he do? Keep beating me until I’m on life support? And/or now he takes the firearm I was carrying to commit more crime? I always hated the phrase “equal force” if my family is in danger I’m at 💯. That’s why so many police officers get assaulted and killed because their told to not put their life before the perp. And the cops that do the right thing and maybe use lethal force in a justified instance are vilified. It’s sickening how we are suppose turn on law inforcement and be on the criminal side.

If the person is 6’4” 259 lbs and you are 5’5” , the 6’4” 259 lbs person hits you , is it legal to use deadly force? or can you use a blunt weapon for self defense?

Good to know.

I love the Texas Law of Deadly Force at night. It is a DEFENSE to Prosecution for"...Theft in the Night..."

??? What if the one who is being attacked is much weaker and much old than the attacker ?

This is how self defense should be in any civilized free country

Can you please expand on the nature of being terminated by a private company for use of a handgun to defend yourself i.e. FedEx driver in Philadelphia who shot a robber in December 2019. Is it a wrongful termination

“Car to ur vehicle, or ur vehicle to ur car”. I thought it was the same thing.. I know what meant just messing. Good video

There is an exception to the like force for like force. For instance a woman being attacked by a man who is obviously going to use fist to harm her may use deadly force to protect herself as she is going to be unevenly weaker. Likewise, and elderly person, particularly a disabled person who cannot reasonably withstand a brutal physical attack may also use deadly force. KnifeMaker

I'm a none walking disabled vet. How does this apply to me?

THE BATTLE OF ATHENS TENNESSEE, AUGUST 1 & 2 1946. A stolen election caused 2-300 locals & many were veterans of WW 2 to take up arms, march to & surround a police station & demanded justice. Instead it turns into a 6 hour gun battle with 2-3 dozen cops. Then the use of dynamite to blow open the police station brought justice in post WW 2.mid-20th century America. A 1992 Hallmark movie, filmed in Texas, titled An American Story is on you tube. 3 books have been written on this incident as well. This is a good example of a use of America's 2nd Amendment in American history!!!!!

Texas mom here .. i let him pass the threshold and aim for center mass . Center 4 .

Are my front and back yards considered part of my house? I don't have LTC, can I carry a gun while mowing my lawn?

I'm old , crippled and have two nerve diseases. I could not take a punch or be knocked down because then I could not defend myself or protect myself at all so I would have to....

If someone breaks in my home, I shall consider using my only rule of engagement to use deadly force because I am unable to use my hands to fight due to my unablility to use my hands to defend myself and defend myself while in my vehicles or in my home. So if someone breaks in and I call 911 I will just say bring body bags because I will be the one answering questions since I don't think I've ever heard of a dead person answering questions. There You Go....🇨🇱🇺🇸👊🙏

How do you measure the level of force(strike)on a person who is more powerful than you.For instance a female who is less powerful than a male. His level of force is going to be more powerful,then the female,so what other levels of force can a vulnerable female use at this point of attack?

Went to the store RIGHT here on IN Texas it's open carry HERE YOU DON'T need training JUST GO to academy YOU got the money YOU get your gun how safe do you think any person with common sense should feel..Do you .

I’m in my late 60’s. I’m not going “fist city” with a younger person and especially one in better shape. There should be some allowance for age, I would think, as far as use of deadly force?

Not that I would. But I heard of a case that the person did not shoot the attacker but fired a shot in the air, floor and wall. And why was it a crime?

Does ding ding ditch at 3am constitute “criminal mischief” warranting the use of deadly force?

It is technically impossible to judge an attackers martial abilities in the moments before an attack.

Now I've already got a problem with what your saying. If someone comes at me with balled up fists making a threatening movements. I'm opening up on Him. I'm 5'6"" 120lbs, 68 years old. I cannot fight someone comiing at me with intent on doing me bodily harm. In order to protect myself & my wife I need to use some kind of weapon. The best weapon to defend my family is a firearm. Now you tell me I have to let some a*hole pound on me instead of defending myself the best way possible???? How does that make any kind of sense?????

I carry a crossbow and a blackball pistol incase my water pistol doesn't have water.

As a Texan the name castle doctrine isn't a thing.. however if a person has a weapon in my house or property, you can assume they mean you harm or death. Unfortunately for them if you use just enough force to stop them you can be sueing for damages, this needs to be changed. While in the commission of a crime no criminal should be allowed to sue for damages if they are injured. Cameras, cameras, cameras. You must prove they are guilty and they are the criminals. Sadly thugs are today's media darlings and heroes.

From vehicle to car?

If a man punches me, he was a lot more force than me!

Wish I would have known this when my uncle was kicking in my door trying to kill me 🤘

If someone has your valuable items, can you shoot them in the back if running or driving your car?

Better tried by 12 than carrying by 6

What if I was to catch two men under my vehicle hacking away to steal my Catalytic converter at night in Texas?

We can openly or concealed carry now without a license.

Now you can use threat of deadly force to defend a punch and if they try to take your legal threat then you can then shoot….

Texas Casltle Laws. Also known as “Fuck Around and Find Out: The Home Edition”

What happens if you do but can't force to protect yourself

Didn't mention attackers with knifes or clubs ...Size and number of attackers and elderly victims of attack

So if im in my car and someone is trying to open my door continuously i can use deadly force

I only have my right arm, i cannot allow anyone with two arms to attack me. Regardless if he got a weapon or not.

Is he saying that if someone is punching me, that my only defense is to punch him back? I'm a walking cripple, with limited use of my arms. If a 90yr old lady grabbed my arm, there's a good chance that she could take me down, beat the hell out of me and possibly kill me and all I can do is TRY TO PUNCH HER BACK. Something is wrong here. Physically, I'm not able to defend myself without deadly force, so I guess that I'll either die due to a beating or go to jail for the rest of my life because i used my only means to protect myself. Personally, I don't like either one of those options.

I just rang the door bell and waiting. Can the home owner user use deadly force to shoot and kill me?

i heard there is a thing , called corrupted good guys and corrupted bad guys are RATS and something about snitches get stitches and sometimes DEATH

What if you are 65 or older

In texas can i point a rifle at someone for trying to break in to my car and citizen arrest him then call the cops?

What if it's illegal searches & seizures?

So if I'm on the street and man comes to assault me, I have to wait to be assaulted. I'm 72 years old and disabled. Someone who assaults me may overcome my ability at self defense very easily.