Southern State Roleplay

TEXAS STATE PENAL CODES (STATE LAWS)
The Texas State Penal Codes (State Laws) outline the statutes and legal provisions governing criminal and civil conduct within the State of Texas. These laws define offenses, set penalties, and establish the legal framework for enforcement and judicial action.

State Gun Ownership Laws & Constitutional Carry

The State of Texas is a constitutional carry state and affirms the right to keep and bear arms as a fundamental constitutional protection.

BLANKET RULE I: Minors are prohibited from possessing firearms unless under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian.

BLANKET RULE II: Individuals convicted of a felony or violent crime are prohibited from possessing firearms unless their records have been officially expunged or rights restored.

CARRY RULE I: A lawfully carried firearm may contain a chambered round; however, the safety must remain engaged when the weapon is not in use.

Long Gun Purchase Requirements

Minimum age of 18 years at the time of purchase.
No prior felony or violent crime convictions.

Handgun Purchase Requirements

Minimum age of 21 years, or 18 with proof of military service.
No prior felony or violent crime convictions.

Constitutional Carry – Open Carry

Any person who is legally allowed to possess a firearm may open carry in a clearly visible holster. The firearm and holster must remain fully visible at all times. If the firearm becomes covered by clothing or any object, the act is legally considered concealed carry.

Concealed Carry – CCW

To carry a firearm concealed, the State of Liberty requires a valid Concealed Carry License (CCW). Applicants must meet the following:

Be 21 years of age, or 18 with proof of military service.
Have no violent crime or felony convictions.
Complete a state-approved firearm safety course.
Pass the CCW exam with a minimum score of 85%.

If a concealed weapon becomes visible without lawful justification, the act is treated as brandishing under state law.

Other Firearm Offenses

All other firearm-related violations are enforced in accordance with federal law and ATF regulations.

Texas State Castle Doctrine & Self Defense Laws

Texas recognizes the use of the Second Amendment for self-defense and provides the following guidelines for self-defense.

Property Defense Doctrine

The Property Defense Doctrine allows gun-owning citizens to protect their private property when being broken into. This includes their private land, homes, businesses, and vehicles.
Gun owners may only shoot trespassers if they feel the trespasser is a threat to their life.
Gun owners have the right to shoot anyone who breaks into their home, the suspect is automatically seen as a threat to the homeowner once they break into their home.
When a person is attempting to break into an individual's vehicle whilst persons occupy the vehicle and they pose a threat to the owner's safety, the owner may resort to their firearm to defend themselves.
Business owners may protect their businesses from threats such as robberies with a firearm. Business owners may give their employees the right to do this in their absence as long as the employee possesses proper licensure for the situation.

Public Self-Defense Doctrine

When in public areas, firearm carriers may protect themselves with their firearms. When in a public space this is a last-ditch effort. Every option of escape from the threat must be attempted before resorting to using a firearm in public.

Texas State Move Over Law

The state’s Move Over Law mandates that drivers slow down by 20 mph below the posted speed limit and change lanes away from any emergency vehicle stopped and performing duties on the roadside.

Citation Notice

An individual who receives a citation has 30 days to either pay the fine or contest the charge in court.

Payment
If the person pleads guilty or no contest and chooses to pay, they must do so within 30 days of the citation date or set up an approved payment plan. Failure to pay will result in the suspension of their driver’s license until the balance is cleared.
Court Contest
If the person decides to contest the citation, they will be assigned a court date to appear in traffic court. Failure to appear is a misdemeanor offense, and a warrant will be issued for their arrest. Their license will remain suspended until the court reaches a decision.

The cited individual will be asked to sign the citation. Signing acknowledges receipt and agreement to the terms in Sections 1 and 2. Refusal to sign will result in immediate arrest, and the person will be held until their court hearing or for no longer than 30 days.

Non-Driving Citations
For non-driving related citations, failure to comply with Sections 1 and 2 will not result in a license suspension.

Misdemeanor Court Summons

In place of a physical arrest, an officer may issue a court summons to an individual accused of a misdemeanor offense.

The defendant will be asked to sign the summons, acknowledging their obligation to appear in court on the assigned date. While the individual has the legal right to refuse to sign, a signature confirms their agreement to appear as required. Refusal to sign the summons will result in immediate arrest on the original misdemeanor charge.

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