Laws regarding self defense will vary from state to state. In Texas you have the right to defend your property during night time hours with the amount of force you deemed necessary at the time the criminal offense occurred. Keep in mind however that regardless of the circumstances if you injure or kill anyone that it will be left to the grand jury as to whether or not you will be indicted to stand trial. I have been a police officer for 18 yrs in Dallas Texas and have seen grand juries make some questionable decisions regarding indictments. Where im going with all this is that the use of force is a decision you should make long before any incident happens because the consequences will stay with you the rest of your life. If you go to trial there will be legal expenses, time missed from work and several months of anxiety waiting for an upcoming criminal trial. Even if found innocent you may be subject to a civil trial by the family of the individual you injured or killed. Im just trying to give a little insight to anyone who might be faced with this situation. We are all adults and make our own decisions. Think about the conseqiunces before you act. Im not trying to influence anyone and im certainly not trying to encourage anyone to stand by and let themselves be a victim of a crime.
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