Denton Criminal Lawyer

The Castle Doctrine in Texas

A person’s home is supposed to be a place that offers safety and rest from the dangers and demands of the outside world. Unfortunately, there are those who would seek to disrupt that peace of mind by intruding with the intent to commit violent crimes against the inhabitants or the property itself. These invasions are likely to provoke strong reactions from a homeowner who is concerned for the welfare of his or her family.

Depending upon the circumstances of the intrusion and the course of the events that transpire, a criminal may suffer serious injury or death at the hands of an individual who is attempting to protect family members. The particularly brazen criminal or the survivors of a deceased intruder may attempt to pursue assault, murder, or other charges against a homeowner.

If you have been arrested and are facing prosecution for your actions committed in defense of your home, you may be protected by the so-called “Castle Doctrine”. Contact the Denton criminal lawyers of Alexander & Associates at 972-420-6560 to learn more.

Castle Doctrine Considerations

Legal statutes and the precedents established in Texas criminal courts have asserted that the occupants of a home do not have an obligation to make an effort to vacate the premises to escape an aggressor’s intrusion. Important Castle Doctrine considerations include the following:

• The intruder must have gained or attempted to gain entry by illegal means or force
• A home’s occupants cannot attack officers of the law who are acting pursuant to their duties
• There must be sufficient reason to believe that the intruder intends to harm the occupants of the home or to commit another felonious act
• Occupants of the home cannot have provoked or instigated the intrusion or threat of violence

Contact Us

Our skilled and experienced team of legal professionals can help you to present a vigorous defense if you have harmed an intruder. Contact the Denton criminal lawyers of Alexander & Associates at 972-420-6560 to discuss whether you may be protected by the Castle Doctrine.