Use-of-Force in Self-Defense
Making a calculated decision to employ violence to resolve a situation takes preparation and purpose. You must prepare with physical readiness workouts, self-defense focused training, situational contemplation and self-awareness. With proper preparations you will define purpose. Come train with us for more information.
The Use-of-Force Continuum
The Use-of-Force Continuum outlines an escalating series of actions an individual may take to resolve a situation. This continuum has many levels. You should consider the totality of the circumstances to respond with a level of force appropriate to the situation at hand. Acknowledging, you may move from one part of the continuum to another, as required by the Attacker’s behavior.
REFERENCE: Archived | The Use-of-Force Continuum | National Institute of Justice (ojp.gov)
State of Texas Penal Code Title 2. Chapter 9 Use of Force
Sec. 9.31. SELF-DEFENSE. (a) Except as provided in Subsection (b), 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. The actor's belief that the force was immediately necessary as described by this subsection is presumed to be reasonable if the actor:
(1) knew or had reason to believe that the person against whom the force was used:
(A) unlawfully and with force entered, or was attempting to enter unlawfully and with force, the actor's occupied habitation, vehicle, or place of business or employment;
(e) A person who has a right to be present at the location where the force is used, who has not provoked the person against whom the force is used, and who is not engaged in criminal activity at the time the force is used is not required to retreat before using force as described by this section.
Sec. 9.33. DEFENSE OF THIRD PERSON. A person is justified in using force or deadly force against another to protect a third person if:
(1) under the circumstances as the actor reasonably believes them to be, the actor would be justified under Section 9.31 or 9.32 in using force or deadly force to protect himself against the unlawful force or unlawful deadly force he reasonably believes to be threatening the third person he seeks to protect; and
(2) the actor reasonably believes that his intervention is immediately necessary to protect the third person.
REFERENCE: PENAL CODE CHAPTER 9. JUSTIFICATION EXCLUDING CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY (texas.gov)
State of Texas Code of Criminal Procedures Title 1. Chapter 14 Arrest Without Warrant [Citizens Arrest]
Art. 14.01. OFFENSE WITHIN VIEW (a) A peace officer or any other person, may, without a warrant, arrest an offender when the offense is committed in his presence or within his view, if the offense is one classed as a felony or as an offense against the public peace.
"Breach of the Peace" — To be a "breach of the peace" the act complained of must be one which disturbs, or threatens to disturb, the tranquility enjoyed by citizens.
REFERENCE: CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE CHAPTER 14. ARREST WITHOUT WARRANT (texas.gov)
