Can you shoot a trespasser

Stand your ground laws allow property owners to defend their property through deadly force without retreating if the other party is an imminent threat. Despite these laws, it is fairly well-known that any case involving the use of weapons or death can leave the self-defending party in hot water.

In cases involving weapon use, a jury will need to determine the need for the deadly force in that instance. In other words, was shooting the other party really necessary or warranted?

Texas juries have a three-step process that they will use when looking at such cases:. After reviewing the Texas legislation that discusses the use of deadly force, the jury must find that you were justified in using this level of force to stop the trespasser, thief, or attempted murderer. The jury must decide that you had reasonable belief to think that deadly force was immediately necessary to stop the individual from fleeing the scene with your property in hand or to protect yourself against the individual.

The jury must agree that when you used deadly force, you believed that you had no other means to protect your property from being taken or protect yourself and that using less force would have led to risks of your own death or serious injuries. If you or anyone you know is facing charges involving the use of weapons or deadly force, you should immediately seek out legal counsel. Charges to this degree can lead to significant time behind bars, hefty fines, or even the death penalty.

Our BCP Criminal Defense Attorneys believe in the right of Texas property owners to defend themselves and are committed to defending those facing murder or manslaughter charges in the state of Texas. We have over 40 years of combined experience to put toward your defense and we will fight tirelessly on your behalf.

If you are facing criminal charges after defending yourself using a weapon, contact our Wilson County criminal defense attorneys at to schedule your free consultation. Barrera Christopher D. Cavazos G. Congratulations to all 4 of our Attorneys for receiving the S.

Learn More Case Results. Subscribe via RSS. Posted on August 07, in Criminal Defense. The law is controversial, as many believe that it allows people to get away with gun violence. Proponents of the law, on the other hand, believe the law allows for self-defense and helps protect the rights of law-abiding citizens. The main focus of the law is that the person must feel as if they are in imminent danger. The law applies to cases such as murder, manslaughter, sexual battery, aggravated assault or battery, burglary, robbery, carjacking, arson, kidnapping, aggravated stalking and unlawful use of a bomb or other explosive device.

Due to pressure from gun control and anti-gun groups, firearms offenses are taken seriously. However, you may have a solid defense under Florida law. We can help you avoid strict penalties. Schedule a free consultation today by filling out the online form or calling All rights reserved. This law firm website and legal marketing is managed by MileMark Media. Close Menu. Use of this Website does not create an attorney-client relationship. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

Any and all pictorial representations, people and or situations contained on this page or any other page in this website are simulations for purposes of advertising and for this site and are not actual clients or situations. Charles, Troy and Lincoln and throughout Warren and St. Louis counties.

We also serve clients in Illinois. Experienced Trial Lawyers. Get Free Consultation. What is Considered Self-Defense in Missouri? The law provides three elements for physical force to qualify as self-defense: Imminent threat.

Missouri law further allows the use of deadly force as self-defense, but only in these situations: A person reasonably believes that deadly force is necessary to defend themselves or others. A person is defending themselves from someone who has unlawfully entered their property or a property they are leasing. Can you Shoot Trespassers in Missouri? Charles The criminal defense lawyers at Shea Kohl Law are here for you.