Constitutional Carry is Here
Be Ready – Sign up for our new class when it launches this Summer: Constitutional Carry – What You Do Not Know
The Firearms Carry Act of 2021 was signed by Governor Abbott 16 Jun 2021 and takes effect 1 Sep 2021. The old law remains in force until that time.
The Act does not abolish the License to Carry (LTC), and Texas Legends Gun Range and Training Center will continue to offer LTC classes.
The Act provides that LTC holders can do some things and carry some places that permit-less carriers cannot. The Law of Self Defense is unchanged (Chapter 9, Texas Penal Code) and EVERY law-abiding firearms carrier – licensed or unlicensed – MUST ABSOLUTELY know the relevant law, the legally applicable prohibitive signage and where carry is allowed.
Short summary: A permit-less carrier in public must carry the handgun in a holster, be 21, not a felon, not intoxicated, not a domestic violence misdemeanant, an illegal alien or other Federal Prohibited Person, not a member of a criminal street gang and not have been convicted within the last 5 years for a smorgasbord of violent Class A misdemeanors or Disorderly Conduct, and not be currently committing any criminal offense (including criminal trespass) other than a Class C misdemeanor related to traffic or boating.
Take a class. No one will force you to do so but you must know the Law.
For starters-
You cannot ever, shoot a mere trespasser (even in Texas). Trespass is a tort, not a crime – you sue a trespasser. If you order the trespasser to leave and the trespasser refuses, that is the offense of criminal trespass. Call the Sheriff, the Constable or the police and have the trespasser arrested. You cannot shoot a trespasser, regardless of what they say on the Internet.
It is unlawful to use Deadly Force against mere words: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” - Remember that. That guy screaming and cussing you and using racist and vulgar and insulting words about your mama – EVEN if he says bad things about Texas A&M – as long as the provocation is simply verbal, you can not use Deadly Force against him.
Any behavior with a firearm that is immature, juvenile, and irresponsible is almost certainly unlawful. Like any responsible law-abiding citizen, if there is a dispute, control your emotions, swallow your anger and your ire and pride if need be – SHUT UP and WALK AWAY FROM THE CONFLICT. Your firearm is not to protect your pride.
Not knowing the Law will get some honest but misinformed people stuck in jail as well as sued.
Every firearms carrier or defensive user should read Massad Ayoob’s book “In Gravest Extreme” and its recent update and expansion “Deadly Force”.
Texas Legends Gun Range and Training Center, LLC