Texas-Book-Gun Law Armed And Educated - Flipbook - Page 235
II. CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
When a person uses force or deadly force in a defensive incident,
it is specifically directed at a particular individual or individuals,
the criminal aggressors. In the event that the investigators do not
believe this force or deadly force is justified, it can lead to criminal
charges for crimes against persons.
A. Murder
The most severe crime a person can be charged with when they use
deadly force is murder. Murder under Texas Penal Code Section
19.02 is intentionally or knowingly causing the death of another
person, or intending to cause serious bodily injury and committing an
act clearly dangerous to human life that causes the death of another
person.
B. Manslaughter
Manslaughter under Texas Penal Code Section 19.04 is recklessly
causing the death of another person. This charge is used in situations
where the prosecution believes the defendant killed the victim,
however, may not have enough credible evidence to prove that the
killing was intentional. Manslaughter is often included as a lesser
offense in the jury instruction in a trial for murder.
C. Assault and Aggravated Assault
In the event a person used deadly force that did not result in the
death of another person, they can be charged with aggravated
assault. This offense starts with an assault on another person.
An assault can occur when a person intentionally, knowingly,
or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; intentionally or
knowingly threatens another with imminent bodily injury; or
intentionally or knowingly causes offensive or provocative
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