The following is a video transcript.
When we think of self-defense, most of the time the first thing we picture is someone defending themselves with a firearm, but there are other non-lethal weapons that are legal to carry and use for self-defense in Texas. Let’s discuss a few of them.
Pepper Spray
The most common non-lethal weapon is pepper spray, which is a chemical dispensing device sold commercially for personal protection. Pepper spray is legal to carry and use for self-defense in Texas. Let’s say, for instance, you’re leaving the store when someone approaches you and tries to take your money. If you pull out pepper spray and spray the perpetrator with it, it would likely be a legally justified use of self-defense.
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Tasers
The next non-lethal weapons that we get a lot of questions about are tasers. Under Texas law, there are no restrictions on the possession or use of tasers. It’s perfectly legal for you to purchase, sell, carry, or use a taser for self-defense. Be aware, however, that tasers can cause serious bodily injury or death, which may result in the taser being classified as a deadly weapon. With both pepper spray and tasers, you’ll still have to be able to explain the fear you felt to justify your use of force in self-defense, defense of others, or defense of your property.
Clubs
Under Texas Law, a club is defined as an instrument that is specifically designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting serious bodily injury or death by striking a person with the instrument. A club can include a lot of different tools, including a nightstick. Before September 1st, 2019, a club was legal to have in a premises under your control (i.e., your house or vehicle), but illegal if carried outside of a premises under your control. As of September 1st, the law now allows the carrying of clubs outside of these places.
For any questions regarding carrying or using non-lethal weapons in Texas, call Texas LawShield and ask to speak to your Independent Program Attorney.
What about use of a pepper ball launcher? Where does our Lifelite Pepper Ball Launcher fall in your discussion ?
Thats what I’m trying to find out. I ordered 2 byrna launchers. Guess no one has an answer for it.
The answer to Byrna launcher is :
in TX Penal code.
I also ordered one. I have LTC but,
Launcher is NOT allowed for carry unless receiving level III security guard training.
What if you only use the “Kinetic” hard plastic balls and NO pepper content at all ?
This is not accurate. The Byrna, with pepper balls, is sold commercially. And is a SMALL dispensing device. The pepper balls are specifically restricted in states where they are prohibited.
Could you please provide the penal code for that.
Not sure if you guys have figured this out yet, but pepper balls are perfectly legal in the state of Texas. Not only did I call the attorney general, but I also called the local sheriff saying police departments here and they all confirmed pepper balls are legal to be carried in the state on your person or in your vehicle
what about a sword cane?
🤠 howdy y’all from southeast texas. from what I was told that the byrna hd pepper ball launcher for self defence is legal to carry conceal or open carry in texas but I ask a police officer in the town were I live about carry a pepper ball launchers for self defense .all she could say is know one has every ask her that question before and she actually don’t know if it’s legal or illegal . I try to research it on line but I can’t fine any thing about texas law on carrying a pepper ball launchers . the security guard I talk to say it’s legal to carry but other say it is . so I’m more confused now then I was at the start of my research. so if any one finds the answer to this question please let me know . cause I give up on trying to find the answer lol 🦅🇺🇸
To carry any equipment in the State of Texas for a Security Officer you must be a Level III or IV commissioned officer. A Non Commissioned or a Level II is not allowed to carry any equipment including a Byrna pepper ball launcher. This includes Handcuffs, Baton and OC.
What about a Sakabotou?
What about carrying a Byrna Launcher in California but just using the “Kinetic” Hard plastic balls instead of the Pepperballs ? In that case your not using Pepper product at all ? ? ? What’s the Law on that ???
I have the hp68 rubber Ball for the byrna hd pepper ball launcher,. Trying to find out if felon’s can Carry one,. For through state and federal they are not considered firearms. These are less leathal for self defense.
I got a felony 32 years ago I have been out of prison for 25 years. I would like to know if it legal for me to carry a Byrna launcher? it is not a fire arm it uses CO-2
did any body get a response to your questions ? about the Byrna and if we can carry it?
This is a great question for a U.S. LawShield program attorney. If you’re a member, please call our non-emergency line at 877-448-6839.
I spoke to Texas law shield on this who stated to me that a pepperball launcher is allowed to be carried in Texas
Is the HD Launcher interchangeable from projectiles to pepper spray and vise versa
I have a question about the taser laws in Texas one of my family members works for the school districts as a Counselor of some sort and I was wondering what is the legality regarding caring a taser in there purse or in there person ? Is it legal ? As well as caring in one’s person to the store kinda like conceal caring is there any restrictions regarding stores ,school , or other places in Texas?
This is a great question for a U.S. LawShield program attorney. If you’re a member, please call our non-emergency line at 877-448-6839.
Is it legal to carry the rubber ball launcher in state of texas
The launcher for a non lethal rubber ball is legal, depending on if it’s fired by a black powder type “explosion” (like a firearm) or by compressed air. For instance, there are .50 caliber six shot, compressed air pistols that shoot non lethal rubber balls. A felon can have any compressed air weapon. The intent to protect with non lethal force under your perception of imminent threat is the key. That being said, I would be very careful having a pepper ball pistol or rubber ball launching pistol. If I saw you point a real looking weapon at another person and had a pistol, under Texas law I can shoot you thinking your about to take the life of another. It’s a murky situation you can mitigate by using a launcher that doesn’t resemble a firearm. Like a flashlight launcher or something similar. Although it’s perfectly legal to have a non lethal launcher that’s commercially available for the purpose of self defense, is it wise to appear to have a deadly force looking device?
The launcher for a non lethal rubber ball is legal, depending on if it’s fired by a black powder type “explosion” (like a firearm) or by compressed air. For instance, there are .50 caliber six shot, compressed air pistols that shoot non lethal rubber balls. A felon can have any compressed air weapon. The intent to protect with non lethal force under your perception of imminent threat is the key. That being said, I would be very careful having a pepper ball pistol or rubber ball launching pistol. If I saw you point a real looking weapon at another person and had a pistol, under Texas law I can shoot you thinking your about to take the life of another. It’s a murky situation you can mitigate by using a launcher that doesn’t resemble a firearm. Like a flashlight launcher or something similar. Although it’s perfectly legal to have a non lethal launcher that’s commercially available for the purpose of self defense, is it wise to appear to have a deadly force looking device?
I have self defense insurance , which covers not just a firearm, but self defense in any situation. If you trip someone to get away, they hit their head and die, you need a specialized lawyer. Even if you are perfectly legal in your actions, you’re going to jail and the decision to be prosecuted will be made. In my policy, the lawyer shows up and doesn’t leave until your released from police custody. There are plenty of armed crazies out there. As a Vet and perfectly capable of defending myself, I’m trying to escape using force if at all possible, with the exception if it’s against another person that I have the tactical advantage of stopping the assault on them. That’s just me.
Can a bouncer of a store restoration carry a gun that doesn’t sell liqueur in Texas?
Can a felon in the state of Texas carry a less lethal launcher I’ve been wanting the tr50 and wanna make sure I’m legal