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Texas Penal Code - PENAL § 9.55. Use of Less-Lethal Force Weapon

Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a) In this section, “less-lethal force weapon” means:

(1) any weapon, device, or munition that is designed, made, or adapted to expel a projectile or multiple projectiles against a target to temporarily incapacitate the target while minimizing the risk of serious bodily injury or death;

(2) a chemical dispensing device;

(3) a device used to strike a person;  or

(4) a stun gun, as defined by Section 38.14.

(b) This section applies only to a guard employed by a correctional facility or a peace officer who is engaged in the discharge of the guard's or officer's official duties.

(c) A person to whom this section applies is justified in using force with a less-lethal force weapon against another when and to the degree the person reasonably believes the force was necessary to accomplish the person's official duties as a guard or officer and if the person's use of the weapon is in substantial compliance with the person's training.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Texas Penal Code - PENAL § 9.55. Use of Less-Lethal Force Weapon - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/penal-code/penal-sect-9-55/

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