Crossbows, FRT’s, Carrying on a School Playground, and More!

Published on May 4, 2026
Duration: 17:43

This episode of Armed Attorneys addresses several critical legal and self-defense topics. It clarifies the legality of using a crossbow for home defense, explains Texas's open meeting laws regarding firearms, and discusses the potential jury impact of using a Forced Reset Trigger (FRT). The discussion also covers carrying firearms on school grounds, the limitations of grand jury evidence presentation, and the legal implications of prior training in self-defense cases. Finally, it details Texas's duty to inform laws during traffic stops and the penalties for making false police reports.

Quick Summary

In Texas, you can use a crossbow for home defense if it's a reasonable and necessary response to a deadly threat. Firearms are restricted at governmental open meetings under Penal Code 4603A.14, though constitutional carry offers exceptions for license holders. Your prior firearms training should not be volunteered to police; discuss it with your attorney to manage its potential impact in a self-defense case.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Grand Jury Probable Cause Standard
  2. 00:18Introduction: Viewer Questions
  3. 01:01Can You Use a Crossbow for Home Defense?
  4. 01:34Texas Open Meetings & Firearms Restrictions
  5. 02:12Texas Penal Code 4603A.14 Explained
  6. 02:31Impact of Constitutional Carry on Open Meetings
  7. 03:24Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs) & Jury Trials
  8. 04:00How Prosecutors Handle Firearms in Court
  9. 04:30Prosecution's Use of FRTs Against Defendants
  10. 05:09Justifying FRT Use in Self-Defense
  11. 05:35Limited Evidence Presentation to Grand Juries
  12. 06:00The Role of Grand Juries in Texas
  13. 06:26Prosecutor's Control Over Grand Jury Evidence
  14. 07:14Self-Defense as an Affirmative Defense
  15. 08:22Carrying on a School Playground After Hours
  16. 08:38Federal Gun-Free School Zones Act & Exceptions
  17. 09:04School Property Restrictions for LTC Holders
  18. 09:35School-Sponsored Activities & Carry Rules
  19. 09:55Training Impact in Self-Defense Cases
  20. 10:11Don't Volunteer Training Information to Police
  21. 11:05The 'Training Trickle' in Civilian Cases
  22. 12:20Texas Duty to Inform During Traffic Stops
  23. 13:07Officer Safety & Vehicle Searches
  24. 14:15Penalties for False Reports to Police
  25. 15:14Low Penalties for False Reports in Texas
  26. 15:51Defense Against False Report Charges
  27. 16:13Lack of Prosecution for False DV Accusations

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a crossbow for home defense in Texas?

Yes, you can legally use a crossbow for home defense in Texas. The use must align with self-defense principles, meaning it must be reasonable and immediately necessary in response to a threat of unlawful deadly force. There are no specific laws prohibiting crossbows for this purpose.

What are the firearm restrictions at Texas open meetings?

Texas Penal Code 4603A.14 prohibits firearms at open meetings of governmental entities. However, since constitutional carry, license holders cannot be excluded unless the meeting is in an otherwise prohibited location. This restriction primarily affects non-license holders.

How can my firearms training be used against me in a self-defense case?

Prosecutors may try to portray your training as evidence of intent to harm, calling you a 'trained killer.' It's crucial not to volunteer this information to police. Discuss your training with your attorney, who can strategize to present it positively or mitigate its impact.

What is the duty to inform in Texas during a traffic stop?

If you have a Texas License to Carry (LTC), you must inform the officer you have the license. While not mandatory to state you have a firearm, officers will likely ask. They can disarm you for officer safety during the stop.

What are the penalties for making a false police report in Texas?

Making a false report to a police officer is a crime. In Texas, it's typically a low-level misdemeanor. However, prosecution often requires proof of intent to deceive, as a sincere but mistaken belief can be a defense.

More 2nd Amendment & Law Videos You Might Like

More from Armed Attorneys

View all →