As a new CHL, I have studied the laws of my state (TX) but there is one gray area that constantly confuses me and keeps me thinking scenarios over in my mind. I think the same gray area may exist in the laws of most states.
If I am to pull my handgun and point it at someone I need reasonable justification, i don't think anyone would disagree with that. Is it enough that someone is approaching me and refuses commands (1) to explain what they want and (2) not to come any closer. Do I have to wait for them to make an explicit verbal threat ("I'm going to kill you/do you seriously bodily harm"), lay hands on me, start hitting me, or produce a weapon, before I am justified in drawing my gun?
One of my concerns is that even laying hands on me/hitting me may not be legal justification. Maybe the stranger is just a "touchy-feely" person and put his hand on my arm with no malice intended? Maybe when he started hitting me, he just wanted to prove his machismo and his blows were not intended to do me me any serious harm?
I'm not talking about bar brawls here. The scenario that most concerns me is when someone approaches me on the street, no weapon evident, no threats made, but refuses to stay back when commanded to do so. If I wait till the person is within 7 yards, or I am actually attacked, my chances of survival are greatly diminished if that person does have malicious intent.
If I am to pull my handgun and point it at someone I need reasonable justification, i don't think anyone would disagree with that. Is it enough that someone is approaching me and refuses commands (1) to explain what they want and (2) not to come any closer. Do I have to wait for them to make an explicit verbal threat ("I'm going to kill you/do you seriously bodily harm"), lay hands on me, start hitting me, or produce a weapon, before I am justified in drawing my gun?
One of my concerns is that even laying hands on me/hitting me may not be legal justification. Maybe the stranger is just a "touchy-feely" person and put his hand on my arm with no malice intended? Maybe when he started hitting me, he just wanted to prove his machismo and his blows were not intended to do me me any serious harm?
I'm not talking about bar brawls here. The scenario that most concerns me is when someone approaches me on the street, no weapon evident, no threats made, but refuses to stay back when commanded to do so. If I wait till the person is within 7 yards, or I am actually attacked, my chances of survival are greatly diminished if that person does have malicious intent.