Stand Your Ground in Texas
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Texas permits force without retreat when defending yourself, others, or property against unlawful force or threats.
How Texas treats Stand Your Ground
Texas Penal Code § 9.31 allows a person to use force when they reasonably believe it is immediately necessary to protect themselves or another against unlawful force. Texas Penal Code § 9.32 extends this to deadly force when reasonably necessary to prevent death, serious bodily injury, sexual assault, or aggravated robbery. Texas does not impose a duty to retreat before using defensive force anywhere the person has a legal right to be.
The general definition of Stand Your Ground
A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.
Stand your ground laws permit a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves against a threat without first trying to escape or avoid the danger. These laws eliminate the traditional legal duty to retreat before using force. They apply in places where a person has a legal right to be, such as their home, workplace, or public spaces. Stand your ground laws are controversial because they expand when people can legally use deadly force, and they vary significantly by state.
Read the full Stand Your Ground entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Texas.