When Self-Defense Isn’t Just About You
Many people understand self-defense as the right to protect yourself, but Texas law also recognizes situations where force may be used to protect someone else. Knowing when that protection applies and when it doesn’t is critical. The line between lawful defense and criminal charges can be thin and highly fact-specific.
At MC Criminal Law, our FAQ Series is designed to give clear, practical answers to the questions people ask when they’re trying to understand their rights under Texas law. Our criminal defense attorneys handle self-defense cases every day and know how quickly these situations can turn into serious legal matters.
Today’s FAQ addresses a question we hear often:
Q: Does the self-defense law apply to protecting other people?
A: Yes. The legal standard for the defense of others is the same standard applied to self-defense. A person may use force—or deadly force—to protect another individual when, and to the degree, they reasonably believe it is immediately necessary to protect that person from another’s use or attempted use of unlawful force.
MC Tip
Clearly articulating the perceived threat in full detail is critical to achieving a fair outcome. Anyone who steps in to protect another person should be able to explain what they knew at the time, what they observed, and why they believed intervention was immediately necessary.
People who step in to protect someone else are often acting under extreme stress. In those moments, it’s common for important details to go unspoken or unexplained when speaking with law enforcement. At MC Criminal Law, we take the time to sit down with you to walk through what you knew, what you saw, and why you acted so the full context is clearly presented to investigators, prosecutors, and, if necessary, a jury.
Cases involving self-defense and the defense of others are complex and closely scrutinized. We’re here to help you navigate the process and protect your rights. Contact MC Criminal Law to schedule a confidential consultation.