NO. 03-14-00579-CR 

 

TO THE 

THIRD COURT 

OF APPEALS 

 

PERRY LEE PENNING, 

 Appellant 

VS. 

THE STATE OF TEXAS, 

 Appellee 

 

Appeal in Cause No. 2012-209292 

County Court at Law #7 

Travis County, Texas 

 

BRIEF FOR APPELLANT 

 

 CONNIE J. KELLEY 

 1108 Lavaca #110-221 

 Austin, Texas 78701 

 (512) 445-4504 

 (512) 478-2318 (fax) 

 warrentucker@grandecom.net 

 State Bar Number 11199600 

 Attorney for Appellant 

 

ACCEPTED

03-14-00579-CR

3973430

THIRD COURT OF APPEALS

AUSTIN, TEXAS

1/30/2015 4:49:27 PM

JEFFREY D. KYLE

CLERK

 FILED IN 3rd COURT OF APPEALS AUSTIN, TEXAS 1/30/2015 4:49:27 PM JEFFREY D. KYLE Clerk
i

IDENTITY OF PARTIES AND 

COUNSEL PURSUANT TO Rule 38.1(a), 

TEXAS RULES OF APPELLATE PROCEDURE 

Party and Appellee’s Counsel: State of Texas 

 Travis County Attorney 

 314 W. 11th St., Ste. 300 

 Austin, TX 78701 

State’s Trial Attorney: Laura Gorman 

 Travis County Attorney’s Office 

 314 W. 11th St., Ste. 300 

 Austin, TX 78701 

Party/Defendant: Perry Penning 

 Killeen, Texas 

Defendant’s Trial Attorney: Bart Denum 

 P.O. Box 5995 

 Austin, TX 78763 

Appellant’s Attorney: Connie J. Kelley 

 Attorney at Law 

 1108 Lavaca #110-221 

 Austin, Texas 78701 

The Honorable Elizabeth Earle presided at trial. 
ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

 Page 

Identity of Parties and Counsel ................................................................................... i 

Index of Authorities .................................................................................................. iv 

Statement of Case ........................................................................................................ i 

Statement Regarding Oral Argument ......................................................................... i 

Points of Error Presented ....................................................................................... 1-2 

POINT OF ERROR NO. ONE 

THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN REFUSING TO INCLUDE AN 

INSTRUCTION ON THE NECESSITY DEFENSE UNDER PENAL 

CODE §9.22 IN THE JURY CHARGE. (R.R. VOL. 6 AT 197 & 

C.R. AT 80-84). 

POINT OF ERROR NO. TWO 

THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN REFUSING TO INCUDE AN 

INSTRUCTION ON SELF-DEFENSE UNDER PENAL CODE 

§9.31 IN THE JURY CHARGE. (R.R. VOL. 6 AT 195-196 & C.R. 

AT 80-84). 

Statement of Facts .................................................................................................. 2-4 

Summary of Argument........................................................................................... 4-5 

Argument.............................................................................................................. 5-35 
iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont.) 

 Page 

Prayer ....................................................................................................................... 35 

Certificate of Service ............................................................................................... 35 

Certificate of Compliance ........................................................................................ 36 
iv

Index of Authorities 

 Page 

Cases: 

Almanza v. State, 686 S.W.2d 157 (Tex. Crim. App. 1985) ................. 20, 25, 30, 35 

Alonzo v. State, 353 S.W.3d 778 (Tex. Crim. App. 2011)...................................... 27 

Arline v. State, 721 S.W.2d 248 (Tex. Crim. App. 1986) ................................. 20, 30 

Barron v. State, 353 S.W.3d 879 (Tex. Crim. App. 2011) ................................ 23, 33 

Boget v. State, 74 S.W.3d 23 (Tex. Crim. App. 2002) ................................ 26, 27, 29 

Bowen v. State, 162 S.W.3d 226 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005) .................... 13, 19, 21, 30 

Bowen v. State, 187 S.W.3d 744 (Tex. App. –Ft. Worth 2006) ........................ 21, 30 

Boykin v. State, 818 S.W.2d 782 (Tex. Crim. App. 1990)............................ 9, 12, 27 

Brazelton v. State, 947 S.W.2d 644 (Tex. App. –Ft. Worth 1997) ................... 17, 18 

Bufkin v. State, 207 S.W.3d 779 (Tex. Crim. App. 2006) ...................................... 14 

Cornet v. State, 359 S.W.3d 217 (Tex. Crim. App. 2012) ... 6,7,9,10,11,12,13,23,33 

Cornet v. State, 417 S.W.3d 446 (Tex. Crim. App. 2013) .................... 20, 24, 30, 34 

Fitzgerald v. State, 782 S.W.2d 876 (Tex. Crim. App. 1990) ................................. 17 

Granger v. State, 3 S.W.3d 36 (Tex. Crim. App. 1999) .......................................... 13 

Guilbeau v. State, 193 S.W.3d 156 (Tex. App. –Houston [1st Dist] 2006) ............. 35 

Hamel v. State, 916 S.W.2d 491 (Tex. Crim. App. 1996) ................................. 14, 25 

Hatch v. State, 958 S.W.2d 813 (Tex. Crim. App. 1997) ........................................ 11 
v

Index of Authorities 

 Page 

Johnson v. State, 271 S.W.3d 359 (Tex. App. –Beaumont 2008) ............... 31, 34-35 

Juarez v. State, 308 S.W.3d 398 (Tex. Crim. App. 2010) ..................................... 6, 7 

Long v. State, 931 S.W.2d 285 (Tex. Crim. App. 1996) ......................................... 11 

Miller v. State, 815 S.W.2d 582 (Tex. Crim. App. 1991) ........................... 13, 21, 31 

Pennington v. State, 54 S.W.3d 852 (Tex. App. –Ft. Worth 2001) ......................... 18 

Rodriguez v. State, 544 S.W.2d 382 (Tex. Crim. App. 1976) ................................. 29 

Shaw v. State, 243 S.W.3d 647 (Tex. Crim. App. 2007) ........................................ 14 

Stefanoff v. State, 78 S.W.3d 496 (Tex. App. –Austin 2002) ........................... 17, 18 

Valentine v. State, 587 S.W.3d 399 (Tex. Crim. App. 1979) .................................. 26 

VanBrackle v. State, 179 S.W.3d 708 (Tex. App. –Austin 2005) ........... 6, 14, 29, 31 

Vasquez v. State, 830 S.W.2d 948 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992) .................. 21, 25, 30-31 

Vernon v. State, 841 S.W.2d 407 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992) ............................... 23, 33 

Villa v. State, 370 S.W.3d 787 (Tex. App. –Eastland 2012) ..................................... 7 

Villa v. State, 417 S.W.3d 455 (Tex. Crim. App. 2013) ......................................... 12 

Walters v. State, 247 S.W.3d 204 (Tex. Crim. App. 2007) ..................................... 26 

Statutes and Rules: 

Penal Code 

 § 1.07 ........................................................................................................ 6, 7, 9, 17 

 § 2.03 .............................................................................................................. 22, 31 

 § 9.02 ...................................................................................................................... 6 

 § 9.22 .......................................................................................................... 6, 16, 17 
vi

Index of Authorities 

 Page 

 § 9.31 ........................................................................................6, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 

 § 22.05 .................................................................................................................. 19 

 § 42.01 ......................................................................................9, 11, 12, 19, 22, 32 

 § 46.035 ................................................................................................................ 11 

Code of Criminal Procedure, Art. 36.14 ............................................................ 20, 29 

Other Authorities: 

Dix & Schmolesky, 43 Tex. Prac. Series: 

Criminal Practice and Procedure (3d ed. 2011) ................... 13-14, 16, 17, 19, 22, 32 

Other References: 

American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (3d ed. 1992) .................. 10 

Black’s Law Dictionary (6th ed. 1991)(abridged) ................................................ 8, 10 

Black’s Law Dictionary (7th ed. 2000)(abridged) .................................................... 28 

Webster’s II New College Dictionary (1999) .......................................................... 10 

Webster’s Third International Dictionary of the English Language 

(1961)(unabridged edition) ........................................................................................ 8 
1

STATEMENT OF THE CASE 

 Appellant, Perry Penning, after a plea of not guilty, was found guilty by a 

jury of Disorderly Conduct under Penal Code, §42.01(a)(8) on May 15, 2014 in 

Travis County Court #7 (C.R. at 7 & 92). On May 22, 2014, the court sentenced 

him to serve 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine, probated for 2 years. (C.R. at 93-

94). Notice of Appeal was filed by the undersigned attorney Connie Kelley on 

June 20, 2014. (C.R. at 99). No motion for new trial was filed. 

STATEMENT REGARDING ORAL ARGUMENT 

 Appellant believes that the issues raised herein can be adequately addressed 

in the briefs of the parties. 

POINTS OF ERROR 

POINT OF ERROR NO. ONE 

THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN REFUSING TO INCLUDE AN 

INSTRUCTION ON THE NECESSITY DEFENSE UNDER PENAL 

CODE §9.22 IN THE JURY CHARGE. (R.R. VOL. 6 AT 197 & 

C.R. AT 80-84). 

POINT OF ERROR NO. TWO 

THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN REFUSING TO INCUDE AN 

INSTRUCTION ON SELF-DEFENSE UNDER PENAL CODE 
2

§9.31 IN THE JURY CHARGE. (R.R. VOL. 6 AT 195-196 & C.R. 

AT 80-84). 

STATEMENT OF FACTS 

 This case involves a roadway encounter between Appellant and 

Complainant, Jerold Hill, age 22, on Highway 183 in Austin, Texas. (R.R. Vol. 5 

at 24 & 26-27). Complainant drove a Buick LaSabre and Appellant a Volkswagen. 

(R.R. Vol. 5 at 27 & Vol. 6 at 120). It was late afternoon and traffic was “tight.” 

(R.R. Vol. 5 at 83). Complainant had originally been in a lane that was ending, 

and his lane of traffic was supposed to merge into the lane to the left. (R.R. Vol. 5 

at 50-52 & 73-74). Rather than waiting to merge, Complainant drove ahead on the 

right shoulder of the road. (R.R. Vol. 5 at 74 & 82-83 & Vol. 6 at 119). Appellant 

testified that when he saw Complainant “charging up” in his rearview mirror, 

Complainant was completely off the road, driving in the grass. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 

117). As Complainant approached a guardrail before the Montopolis bridge, he 

“forced himself over”, taking about one-third of Appellant’s lane. (R.R. Vol. 5 at 

74 & Vol. 6 at 118, 125-127). When this occurred, Appellant heard something hit 

his car. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 120). He testified he thought there had been an accident, 

and stopped where they were with the intention of checking the car for any damage 
3

that could impact his ability to drive across the upcoming bridge.1 (R.R.Vol. 6 at 

120-121 & 123 & 129). If there was damage, he wanted to get Complainant’s 

insurance information and take pictures. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 125). Witness accounts 

differ greatly about what occurred next. 

 Complainant testified that after Appellant got out they cursed at one another, 

and that when he reached for his cell phone Appellant pulled out a gun. (R.R. Vol. 

5 at 27-28). He stated that when he stopped reaching for the phone Appellant put 

the gun back in its holster. (R.R. Vol. 5 at 27-28). A witness from another car 

testified she saw Appellant lift his shirt and put his hand over a gun, but that he did 

not take the gun out of its holster. (R.R. Vol. 5 at 80-81). 

 Appellant testified that after another car slowed to let him out he had walked 

around the back of his car, glanced briefly at the right side, and seeing nothing 

major, intended to leave. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 124-125 & 129). He denied yelling at 

Complainant, who he claimed was screaming at him. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 128). 

Appellant testified that the only thing he ever said to Complainant was “If you hit 

my car, you ain’t leaving.” (R.R. Vol. 6 at 128). Appellant stated that when he 

was about to return to his car after seeing that his tire was up and everything 

looked okay, Complainant “backed up very violently” and then came “flying 

 

1 Appellant stated it was illegal to drive onto a bridge with a car that might not make it across. 

(R.R. Vol. 6 at 120). He wanted to safeguard the commercial driver’s license he had, and was 

concerned he could get a ticket if he got a flat on the bridge. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 120 & 122-123). 
4

forward,” driving directly at him, refusing to stop when he motioned for him to do 

so. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 129 & 130-132). Appellant testified that he feared 

Complainant was going to run him over and possibly hit his car and injure his wife 

who was inside. (R.R. Vol. 6 at131-132). He recounted that he tightened his 

shirt, but did not raise it, and put his hand over his weapon.2

 (R.R. Vol. 6 at 132 & 

135). When Complainant realized Appellant had a gun, he put on his brakes. 

(R.R. Vol. 6 at 138). Appellant testified that he took his hand off the gun and 

watched Complainant while backing up to get in his car. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 142). 

 There was also conflicting testimony about events that arose after the parties 

left the scene, but it is the above-described events that formed the basis of the 

charge against Appellant, who was arrested and eventually charged with 

Disorderly Conduct under P.C. §42.01(a)(8). 

SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT 

 The trial court erred in denying Appellant’s request that the jury be 

instructed on the Necessity defense under P.C. 9.22. The defense was raised by the 

evidence and Appellant satisfied the Confession and Avoidance Doctrine. 

Appellant suffered “some harm” from the court’s error. 

 The trial court also erred in denying Appellant’s request that the jury be 

instructed on Self-defense under P.C. §9.31. The defense was raised by the 

 

2 It was not contested at trial that Appellant was licensed to carry a handgun. 
5

evidence and Appellant satisfied the Confession and Avoidance Doctrine. 

Appellant suffered “some harm” from the court’s error. 

ARGUMENT AND AUTHORITIES 

POINT OF ERROR NO. ONE 

THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN REFUSING TO INCLUDE AN 

INSTRUCTION ON THE NECESSITY DEFENSE UNDER PENAL 

CODE §9.22 IN THE JURY CHARGE. (R.R. VOL. 6 AT 197 & 

C.R. AT 80-84). 

POINT OF ERROR NO. TWO 

THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN REFUSING TO INCUDE AN 

INSTRUCTION ON SELF-DEFENSE UNDER PENAL CODE 

§9.31 IN THE JURY CHARGE. (R.R. VOL. 6 AT 195-196 & C.R. 

AT 80-84). 

I. 

 There is certain law and testimony applicable to both Points of Error 

as follows:

A. 

Confession and Avoidance Doctrine 
6

 It is a defense to prosecution that the conduct3 in question is justified under 

Chapter Nine of the Penal Code. P.C. §9.02. To be entitled to assert certain 

defenses, such as Necessity and Self-defense, the accused must admit to conduct 

that would violate the statute under which he is charged, and then claim the 

defense to justify his otherwise criminal conduct. Juarez v. State, 308 S.W.3d 398, 

399 (Tex. Crim. App. 2010) and VanBrackle v. State, 179 S.W.3d 708, 715 (Tex. 

App. –Austin 2005). See P.C. §§9.22 & 9.31. This is referred to as the Confession 

and Avoidance Doctrine. Juarez v. State, 308 S.W.3d at 399. To satisfy the 

requirement that the defendant admit to conduct under the doctrine, it is sufficient 

that the defendant point to defensive evidence, originating in his own statements, 

such that a trier of fact could reasonably infer that each element of the offense has 

been satisfied. Cornet v. State, 359 S.W.3d 217, 226 (Tex. Crim. App. 2012). 

 If the accused wholly and consistently denies the offense by, for example, 

claiming alibi, he has not confessed to any conduct that needs justifying and a 

statutory justification defense will be unavailable. VanBrackle v. State, 179 

S.W.3d at 715. However, where the testimony of the accused is inconsistent or 

contradictory, the doctrine will be satisfied so long as he gives some testimony 

confessing to conduct that shows commission of all elements of the charged crime. 

Id. (self-defense) and Juarez v. State, 308 S.W.3d at 405. (necessity defense). See 

 

3 “Conduct” means an act or omission and its accompanying mental state. P.C. §1.07(a)(10). 
7

also Villa v. State, 370 S.W.3d 787, 795 (Tex. App. –Eastland 2012) (medical care 

defense). Likewise, where a necessary element of the offense can be reasonably 

inferred from the defendant’s testimony, he will not be denied a defensive 

instruction. See Juarez v. State, 308 S.W.3d at 406 and Cornet v. State, 359 

S.W.3d at 226-227 (Tex. Crim. App. 2012). Finally, where a defendant denies 

committing an element of the charged crime, but testifies to conduct that could be 

construed as commission of the element in the legal sense, he has “essentially 

admitted” to it under the Doctrine of Confession and Avoidance. Cornet v. State, 

359 S.W.3d at 226-228 (defendant denied element of penetration in aggravated 

sexual assault case, but admitted to conduct that could satisfy legal definition of 

penetration). 

B. 

Appellant Satisfied the Confession 

And Avoidance Doctrine 

 A person commits the offense of Disorderly Conduct under P.C. §42.01 if he 

intentionally or knowingly displays a firearm or other deadly weapon in a public 

place in a manner calculated to alarm. P.C. §42.01(a)(8). 

 Appellant’s testimony reflected that he acted knowingly or intentionally. 

(R.R. Vol. 6 at 135 & 141). He testified to being on a public roadway, which is a 

“public place” under Penal Code §1.07(a)(40). (R.R. Vol. 6 at 118-120) He 
8

admitted that his conduct involved a firearm. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 132-133). Appellant 

testified to facts showing he acted in a manner calculated to alarm. Though the 

Penal Code contains no definitions of “manner,” “calculated”, or “alarm”, Black’s 

Law Dictionary defines “manner”, in part, as a way, mode, or method of doing 

anything. Black’s Law Dictionary – Abridged (6th ed. 1991). It gives definitions 

of “calculated” that include contrivance to accomplish a purpose or likely to 

produce a certain effect. Id. Webster’s dictionary defines “alarm” in part, as a 

signal giving notice of danger, and as fear resulting from a sudden sense of danger. 

Webster’s Third International Dictionary of the English Language at p. 38 (1961) 

(unabridged edition). According to Appellant, during his encounter with 

Complainant, he tightened his shirt, put his hand over his weapon and got in a 

position where he could quickly remove the weapon from its holster, in order to 

show the complainant he could defend himself. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 132, 135-137 & 

141). A jury could infer from this testimony that Appellant acted in a manner 

calculated to alarm. 

 Appellant denied during his testimony that he displayed his weapon. (R.R. 

Vol. 6 at 141). He equated the legal requirement of display with openly showing it 

to others or taking it out of its holster. (See R.R. Vol. 6 at 141). At one point he 

testified that “About all you could – if you want to call it display... it’s less than 
9

half inch of barrel and maybe a piece of holster, so that would be display. It don’t 

even meet the criteria of display in the law.” (R.R. Vol. 6 at 141). 

 The Court of Criminal Appeals has held that in interpreting a statute courts 

focus on its literal text. Boykin v. State, 818 S.W.2d 782, 785 (Tex. Crim. App. 

1991) and Cornet v. State, 359 S.W.3d 217, 221 (Tex. Crim. App. 2012). If the 

text has a nonambiguous meaning on its face, courts will adopt the statute’s plain 

meaning unless such an interpretation would lead to “absurd consequences that the 

Legislature could not possibly have intended.” Boykin v. State, 818 S.W.2d at 785 

(emphasis in original). The meaning of the word “displays” is not plain on the face 

of P.C.§42.01(a)(8). Unlike many other elements of the offense, the Legislature 

chose not to give it a statutory definition. See P.C. §§1.07(a)(17), (38) & (40) and 

6.03(a) & (b) and 46.01(3). The trial court, like Appellant, interpreted the element 

of display in P.C. §42.01(a)(8) as requiring a gun to be pulled from its holster. 

(R.R. Vol. 6 at 196 & 198). The court denied Appellant’s requests for defensive 

instructions in the charge, finding he had not admitted to the element of display 

based on his testimony that he never removed his weapon from its holster. (R.R. 

Vol. 6 at 195-198). 

 When there is an ambiguity or absurdity in the language of a statute courts 

may consult extra-textual sources in determining legislative intent. Cornet v. State, 

359 S.W.3d at 221. Courts resort to these sources only insofar as they do not “add 
10

or subtract from [the] statute.” Id., citing Boykin v. State, 818 S.W.2d 782, 785 

(Tex. Crim. App. 1991). The opinion in Cornet pointed out that the Court often 

turned to dictionaries as an aid in discerning what the Legislature intended in 

adopting particular language. Cornet v. State, 359 S.W.3d at 221-222. In 

consulting dictionaries, courts look to the alternative definitions the Legislature 

most likely had in mind, taking into account the context of the word, subsection of 

the statute, and overall statutory scheme in which the word appears. Id. at 222. 

 Webster’s dictionary defines the verb “display”, in part, as to exhibit to the 

sight or mind, and to give evidence of.4

 Webster’s Third International Dictionary 

of the English Language (1961)(unabridged). Among the definitions of “display” 

given in the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language are: to give 

evidence of; manifest; to express by gestures or bodily posture. American Heritage 

Dictionary of the English Language. (3d ed. 1992). Black’s Law Dictionary 

defines “display”, in part, as an opening or unfolding, exhibition or manifestation.5

 

Black’s Law Dictionary (6th ed. 1991)(abridged ed.). Webster’s has defined 

“manifestation”, in part, as a demonstration of the existence or presence of an 

object. Webster’s II New College Dictionary (1999). A person could, therefore, 

display a handgun by manifesting or giving evidence of its presence through 

gestures or bodily posture even if the gun is not in plain sight. If the Legislature 

 

4 Emphasis mine. 

5 Emphasis mine. 
11

had meant to limit the term “displays” in §42.01(a)(8) to an open exhibition, it 

could have easily said so. See Cornet, 359 S.W.3d at 222. As Cornet put it, “when 

the Legislature desires to convey a certain level of specificity within a statutory 

provision, it knows how to do it.” Id., citing Long v. State, 931 S.W.2d 285, 290 

(Tex. Crim. App. 1996) (“[Had] the legislature intended to apply a reasonable 

person standard, they easily could have specified one, or a clear synonym.”) and 

Hatch v. State, 958 S.W.2d 813, 816 (Tex. Crim. App. 1997)(“chapter 62 of the 

Government Code shows that the Legislature knew how to restrict statutes to civil 

cases. For example, the very next section of the Texas Government Code, Section 

62.202, is restricted to ‘a civil case.’”). 

 In 2013, the Legislature did explicitly restrict the meaning of the element 

“displays” in Penal Code, §46.035, which deals with offenses by persons licensed 

to carry handguns. P.C. §46.035(a). Subsection (a) was amended to read, “A 

license holder commits an offense if the license holder carries a handgun on or 

about the license holder’s person under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 

411, Government Code, and intentionally displays the handgun in plain view of 

another person in a public place.” In 2013, the Legislature also made amendments 

to P.C. §42.01, but the language in (a)(8) remained the same. It did not restrict the 

element of “displays” to those in plain view of another person, as it did in §46.035. 

This shows a collective intent on the part of the legislators who amended the 
12

statutes that the term “displays” in §42.01(a)(8) be interpreted broadly to better 

protect the public peace and tranquility. See Boykin v. State, 818 S.W.2d at 785. 

(“When we interpret statutes....we seek to effectuate the ‘collective’ intent or 

purpose of the legislator who enacted the legislation.”). Interpreting §42.01(a)(8) 

as requiring a display to be in plain view would impermissibly add to the statute. 

See Cornet v. State, 359 S.W.3d at 222. 

 The statutorily undefined term “displays” as used in §42.01(a)(8) should be 

interpreted broadly to effectuate legislative intent. This Court should hold that 

manifesting the presence of a gun and/or making a fraction of the gun visible can 

satisfy the element of display. Adopting the trial court’s restrictive definition that 

requires a gun to be pulled before the display element is satisfied would be to 

encourage unnecessarily risky behavior that could lead to tragedy before the State 

could secure a simple misdemeanor conviction under §42.01(a)(8). 

 In conclusion, Appellant satisfied the Confession and Avoidance Doctrine. 

Though Appellant’s own restrictive lay interpretation of the term display led him 

to testify that he had not displayed his weapon, he also gave testimony admitting to 

conduct that could meet both lay and legal definitions of display as the term is used 

in §42.01(a)(8). Therefore, he did not, strictly speaking, deny display “in the legal 

sense of the word.” See Cornet v. State, 359 S.W.3d at 228 and Villa v. State, 417 

S.W.3d 455, 458 (Tex. Crim. App. 2013) (defendant’s testimony regarding 
13

conduct amounting to “penetration” within the meaning of Texas law was 

sufficient to satisfy the Confession and Avoidance Doctrine even though he denied 

penetration as he understood it). Appellant testified to clearly manifesting the 

presence of his gun to the complainant by his actions, and agreed that it would be 

obvious just from his position that he had a gun on his hip. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 135-

136). Additionally, Appellant admitted that a small portion of the gun barrel and 

possibly a piece of holster would have been visible during the encounter. (R.R. 

Vol. 6 at 141). This Court should hold that a rational jury could infer that 

Appellant “essentially admitted” to all elements of the charged offense. See 

Cornet v. State, 359 S.W.3d at 226 & 228. 

C. 

The Right to Defensive Instructions 

 Once the confession and avoidance doctrine has been satisfied, a defendant 

has the right to jury instructions on every claimed defensive theory raised by the 

evidence. Granger v. State, 35 S.W.3d 36, 38 (Tex. Crim. App. 1999) and Bowen 

v. State, 162 S.W.3d 225, 229 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005). The granting of defensive 

instructions upon timely request guarantee the jury the opportunity to make a fully 

informed decision. Miller v. State, 815 S.W.3d 582, 585 (Tex. Crim. App. 1991). 

On appeal, the evidence will be viewed in the light most favorable to the 

defendant’s requested submissions. Dix & Schmolesky, 43 Tex. Prac. Series: 
14

Criminal Practice and Procedure, §43:30 at p. 905 (3d ed. 2011) and Bufkin v. 

State, 207 S.W.3d 779, 782 (Tex. Crim. App. 2006). The typical rule of appellate 

deference to trial court rulings does not apply. Id. 

 A defense is raised by the evidence if there is some evidence on each 

element of the defense that would support a rational inference that that element is 

true. Shaw v. State, 243 S.W.3d 647, 658 (Tex. Crim. App. 2007). It does not 

matter whether the evidence is weak or strong, unimpeached or contradicted, and 

regardless of what the trial court may or may not think about its credibility, which 

is for the jury to judge. Hamel v. State, 916 S.W.3d 491, 493 (Tex. Crim. App. 

1996) and VanBrackle v. State, 179 S.W.3d 708, 712 (Tex. App. –Austin 2005). 

“[An] instruction concerning a defensive theory must be given if it would result in 

an acquittal of the charged offense, if believed, without an evaluation of the 

credibility of the claimed defense by the trial judge.” Dix & Schmolesky, 43 Tex. 

Prac. Series at §43:30, p. 905, f.n. #5, citing Bufkin v. State, 207 S.W.3d at 782-

783). A defendant’s testimony is by itself sufficient to raise defensive issues 

requiring instructions in the jury charge. Hamel v. State, 916. S.W.3d at 493. 

D. 

Testimony Raising the Defenses of 

Necessity and Self-defense 
15

 Some examples of Appellant’s testimony raising the defenses of necessity 

and self-defense are as follows: 

 “And when I looked back up, he had leaned over in his car, and he was 

grabbing something... That made me worried right there. I had no idea what the 

guy was doing... [E]verything about him told me that something was wrong.” 

(R.R. Vol. 6 at 131). 

 “[He] started charging through. He didn’t care if I was in the way or 

anything else. I have a car that’s 6,000 pounds coming directly at me. There’s no 

room for me, the car and everything else. My wife – if he hits my car, he hits my 

car. But my wife is in my car.” (R.R. Vol. 6 at 131). 

 “I’m afraid that he’s going to run me over, hit my car, hit somebody else... I 

put my hand out to tell him to stop. He don’t stop. I’m backing up, trying to get 

out of there... I can’t step out because there’s cars going by us on the left.” (R.R. 

Vol. 6 at 132). 

 “The guy is driving at me with a car. He’s got 6,000 pounds. I’m 242 right 

now... let’s call it 250 horsepower against my broken body. That’s a battle I 

wouldn’t want to fight. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 137). [T]here was no room for me – there 

was not enough room for his car. I’m the only thing in the area. And he’s coming 

at you. I mean, enormous.” (R.R. Vol. 6 at 137). 
16

 “So I wanted to let him know... I have the ability to defend myself.” (R.R. 

Vol. 6 at 137). “I tightened my shirt up, was the first thing I did.” (R.R. Vol. 6 at 

135). “I was controlling my shirt. I had a hold of the edge, and I was pulling it 

back tight so when I draw it... I could get everything out of the way.” (R.R. Vol. 6 

at 141). “Then I... put my hand over my weapon.” (R.R. Vol. 6 at 132). 

 “[W]hen he seen I had a weapon, the front of his car went down, which told 

me, one, he’s off the gas and he’s putting on the brakes. The man put his hands 

up.” (R.R. Vol. 6 at 138). “I achieved what I wanted done. I did not want him to 

run me over... I applied the force that was deemed necessary to, one, keep him 

from hitting me, keep him from hitting my wife and car...” (R.R. Vol. 6 at 138). 

II. 

DISCUSSION SPECIFIC TO POINT OF ERROR NO. ONE - 

FAILURE TO INSTRUCT ON NECESSITY DEFENSE

A. 

Error 

 Appellant requested that the jury be instructed on the law of necessity under 

Penal Code §9.22. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 197). The necessity defense under P.C. §9.22 is 

a justification for engaging in conduct that otherwise would result in criminal 

liability. Dix & Schmolesky, 43 Tex. Prac. Series: Criminal Practice and 

Procedure, §43:27, p. 919 (3rd ed. 2011). There are three subsections setting out 
17

the elements of the defense. See P.C. §9.22(1), (2) & (3). Subsection (1) requires 

a defendant to first submit evidence of a specific imminent harm. Stefanoff v. 

State, 78 S.W.3d 496, 500 (Tex. App. –Austin 2002). Evidence of a generalized 

fear of harm will not suffice. Brazelton v. State, 947 S.W.2d 644, 648 (Tex. App. 

–Ft. Worth 1997). “Harm” means anything reasonably regarded as loss, 

disadvantage, or injury, including harm to another person in whose welfare the 

person affected is interested. P.C. §1.07(a)(25). “Imminent” means something 

that is immediate, something that is going to happen now. Stefanoff v. State, 78 

S.W.3d at 501. When Complainant’s vehicle came flying forward and was coming 

directly at Appellant, who had no room to move out of the way, Appellant was in 

imminent danger of being hit by the vehicle and suffering death or serious bodily 

injury. Also, Appellant’s wife was in imminent danger of being injured if 

Complainant hit their car. 

 Subsection (1) further requires that after bringing forth evidence of a specific 

imminent harm, a defendant must adduce facts that indicate a reasonable belief that 

violation of the provisions of a criminal statute was immediately necessary to 

avoid the harm. See P.C. §9.22(1). A reasonable belief means “a belief that would 

be held by an ordinary and prudent man in the same circumstances as the actor.” 

P.C. §1.07(a)(42). Reasonableness is judged from the defendant’s viewpoint at the 

time. Fitzgerald v. State, 782 S.W.2d 876, 885 (Tex. Crim. App. 1990). Whether 
18

a defendant’s beliefs are reasonable is a fact question for the jury to decide, not a 

preliminary question for the court to evaluate in determining whether a defense is 

raised. See Dix & Schmolesky, 43 Tex. Prac. Series at 43:30 at 905, f.n. #5[4].6

 Another fact question for the jury under P.C. §9.22 is whether the 

desirability and urgency of avoiding the imminent harm clearly outweighs, 

according to ordinary standards of reasonableness, the harm sought to be prevented 

by the law proscribing the conduct of the accused. P.C. §9.22(2) and Dix & 

Schmolesky, 43 Tex. Prac. Series at §43:37 at 919. The defense of necessity 

“exonerates a person who commits proscribed conduct in order to prevent an even 

greater harm.” Pennington v. State, 54 S.W.2d 852, 856 (Tex. App. –Ft. Worth 

2001). Under the circumstances, as described in Appellant’s testimony, it was both 

desirable and urgent to avoid the imminent harm of his being killed or seriously 

injured, and of his wife being injured if Complainant struck the small car in which 

she was a passenger. A rational juror could find that the desirability and urgency 

of avoiding that harm clearly outweighed, according to ordinary standards of 

reasonableness, the harm sought to be prevented by the law proscribing 

 

6 It is only when undisputed facts demonstrate a complete absence of evidence of an imminent 

harm, or immediate necessity to avoid that harm that a defendant’s belief may appropriately be 

deemed unreasonable as a matter of law. Brazelton v., 947 S.W.2d 644, 648-649 (Tex. App. –Ft. 

Worth 1997). See eg. Stefanoff v. State, 78 S.W.3d 496, 501 (Tex. App. –Austin 2002) 

(defendant’s considered decision to cultivate 15 marijuana plants for “medicinal” use because it 

could be necessary to avoid the symptoms of his illness failed to raise the necessity defense as a 

matter of law). 
19

Appellant’s commission of the Class B misdemeanor of disorderly conduct, 

particularly since, according to Appellant, he never brandished the gun at 

Complainant. See P.C. §42.01(a)(8) & (d). 7 

 Determining whether §9.22 (3) will operate to exclude the necessity defense 

even where the requirements in (1) & (2) have been met, is a question of law. Dix 

& Schmolesky, 43 Tex. Prac. Series at §43:37 p. 919. In deciding this issue a court 

must determine whether “a legislative purpose to exclude the justification claimed 

for the conduct does not otherwise plainly appear.” P.C.§9.22 (3). The plain 

language codifying the necessity defense evinces a legislative intent that the 

defense apply to all offenses unless the Legislature has specifically excluded it 

from them. Bowen v. State, 162 S.W.3d 226, 229 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005). To 

determine whether a legislative purpose exists to exclude the necessity defense as a 

justification to the criminal conduct in a particular case, courts focus on the 

statutory language of the offense charged. Id. Where no legislative purpose to 

exclude the defense plainly appears in the text of that statute -- here §42.01 -- the 

necessity defense will be available. Id. The text of §42.01 does not exclude the 

§9.22 defense raised in Appellant’s case. 

 

7 There are other statutes, under which Appellant is not charged, that seek to prevent other types 

of harm that can result from displaying a handgun in a particular fashion or under particular 

circumstances. See eg. P.C. §22.05 (deadly conduct). 
20

 Because the justification of Necessity was raised by the evidence, the trial 

court erred in refusing Appellant’s request that the jury be instructed on the 

defense. (See R.R. Vol. 6 at 197 & C.R. at 80-84). 

B. 

Harm 

 Article 36.14 of the Code of Criminal Procedure provides that the trial judge 

shall deliver a written charge to the jury, distinctly setting forth law applicable to 

the case. A timely requested defensive issue becomes law applicable to the case. 

Posey v. State, 966 S.W.2d 57, 62, f.n. #12 (Tex. Crim. App. 1998). Where a 

defendant objects to any error in the charge, reversal is required if he suffered 

“some harm.” Almanza v. State, 686 S.W.2d 157, 171 (Tex. Crim. App. 1984). 

The presence of any harm, regardless of degree, which results from preserved 

charging error, is sufficient to require a reversal of the conviction. Arline v. State, 

721 S.W.2d 348, 351 (Tex. Crim. App. 1986). While the erroneous absence of an 

instruction on a defense that is subject to the confession and avoidance doctrine is 

generally harmful, an Almanza analysis must still be conducted in each case. 

Cornet v. State, 417 S.W.3d 446, 451 (Tex. Crim. App. 2013). Under Almanza, 

appellate courts must consider the jury charge as a whole, the state of the evidence, 

the arguments of counsel, and any other relevant information revealed by the 

record in assessing harm. Almanza v. State, 686 S.W.2d at 171.
21

The Entire Jury Charge 

 The jury charge set out the elements of the single charged offense and 

instructed the jury to decide whether Appellant was guilty or not guilty. (C.R. at 

89-91). It contained no justification defense instructions and, therefore, provided 

no avenue through which the jury could render an acquittal.8

 See Vasquez v. State 

830 S.W.2d 948, 951 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992). Given that Appellant had 

“essentially admitted” to all elements of the offense, a guilty verdict was a forgone 

conclusion. See Pennington v. State, 545 S.W.3d 852, 859 (Tex. App. –Forth 

Worth 2001). The charge, as given, authorized a finding of guilt even if the jury 

believed Appellant’s evidence that he acted out of necessity. See Miller v. State, 

815 S.W.2d 582, 586, f.n. #4 (Tex. Crim. App. 1991). 

 Appellant was also denied the advantage he would have received had the 

jury been instructed on necessity in that an instruction on a defensive theory has 

the advantage of the trial court legitimating for the jury the defensive theories 

relied on by the accused. Dix & Schmolesky, 43 Tex. Prac. Series, Criminal 

Practice & Procedure (3d ed. 2011) at 908. Had it been properly instructed, the 

 

8 Even if the charge had included Appellant’s requested instruction on self-defense, the error in 

failure to instruct on necessity would not have been harmless in this case. Necessity and selfdefense are separate defenses. Bowen v. State, 162 S.W.3d 226, 229 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005). 

Under the record, the jury could have found Appellant’s conduct was justified by necessity and/ 

or self-defense or neither depending on which evidence it believed. See Bowen v. State, 187 

S.W.3d 744, 474 (Tex. App. –Ft. Worth 2006). 
22

fact-finder would have needed only to have a reasonable doubt as to whether 

Appellant’s actions were justified under P.C. §9.22. See P.C. §2.03(d). 

The State of the Evidence 

 This trial was a swearing contest. There were three eyewitnesses, including 

Appellant, to the encounter between Appellant and Complainant. They all differed 

on how Appellant handled his gun. Complainant testified that Appellant pulled the 

gun out of its holster. (R.R. Vol. 5 at 27-28). The driver of the vehicle behind 

Appellant testified he never took it out of the holster, but raised his shirt, made the 

gun visible, and put his hand over the gun’s handle. (R.R. Vol. 5 at 76). Appellant 

testified that he tightened his shirt, but did not lift it, that he put his hand over the 

gun, and that only a very small portion of the gun barrel (less that 1⁄2 inch) and a 

piece of holster would have been visible. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 135 & 141). There was 

conflicting testimony on whether Appellant walked around his car and checked for 

damage, and whether he yelled at Complainant. (R.R. Vol. 5 at 27-28 & 86 & Vol. 

6 at 124 & 128). Complainant denied Appellant’s assertion that he was ever 

driving directly at him. (R.R. Vol. 5 at 56). He even denied ever driving on the 

shoulder of the road. (R.R. Vol. 5 at 52). 

 The fact that the jury, in finding Appellant guilty under §42.01(a)(8), 

necessarily believed he had displayed his weapon when he testified he hadn’t, does 

not telegraph what weight and credibility it would have assigned to the defensive 
23

evidence had it been properly instructed. Appellant testified to conduct the jury 

was entitled to regard as display even if it did not comport with Appellant’s own 

understanding of the term. See Vernon v. State, 841 S.W.2d 407, 408-410 (Tex. 

Crim. App. 1992) & Cornet v. State, 359 S.W.3d 217, 227-228 (Tex. Crim. App. 

2012). Furthermore, it is immaterial that Appellant testified that the visibility of a 

small portion of the gun barrel and a piece of holster did not meet the criteria for 

display under the law. The jury was instructed that it was to receive the law only 

from the court. (C.R. at 90). Therefore, it could have accepted Appellant’s version 

of the facts without adopting his interpretation of the law. 

The Arguments of Counsel 

 This case is simpler than most. There were two competing theories about 

Appellant’s behavior – “road rage” vs. self-defense/necessity. Both counsels for 

the prosecution and the defense questioned jury panelists on their own theory and 

each side relentlessly advanced that theory throughout trial. (R.R. Vol. 4 at 5, 36-

39 & 74-78 & Vol. 5 & Vol. 6). But while the State was allowed to argue and rely 

on its “road rage” theory and its characterization of Appellant as a “vigilante” in 

closing argument, the absence from the charge of Appellant’s requested defensive 

instructions left him suddenly without a case despite the evidence he had 

submitted. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 203 & 212-213). See Barron v. State, 353 S.W.3d 879, 

884 (Tex. Crim. App. 2011)(defendant harmed when error in the charge 
24

emphasized the State’s evidence supporting its theory of the case). Defense 

counsel was thus reduced to arguing reasonable doubt. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 203). 9 

Given that Appellant had essentially admitted to all elements of the offense, that 

argument was doomed to fail. 

Other Relevant Information Revealed by the Record 

 Appellant’s case was built on the notion that he had the right to immediately 

defend himself against the complainant. Defense counsel discussed this right with 

the jury panel during voir dire. (R.R. Vol. 4 at 74-78). He never suggested at any 

point in the trial that Appellant’s actions were not entirely justified. Contrast 

Cornet v. State, 417 S.W.3d 446, 454-455 (Tex. Crim. App. 2013) (defense 

attorney who had requested instruction on medical care defense categorized 

defendant’s examination of child for signs of sexual abuse as a “mistake” and as 

“inappropriate behavior”). Counsel questioned witnesses on matters relevant to the 

necessity defense and Appellant gave detailed testimony on his encounter with the 

complainant in support thereof. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 105, et seq.). The record shows 

that counsel’s request for an instruction on the justification of necessity was not 

“an afterthought.” Contrast Cornet v. State, 417 S.W.3d at 455. Counsel filed a 

written request for such an instruction the first day of trial, as well as requesting it 

at the charge conference. (C.R. at 80-84 & Vol 6 at 197). When a defendant’s 

 

9 Defense counsel made clear that he did not wish to abandon the justification defenses, but had 

no choice. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 203). 
25

entire case is built on the necessity to defend himself, a trial court’s refusal to 

submit a necessity defense instruction to the jury causes harm to the accused. See 

Vasquez v. State, 830 S.W.2d 948, 951 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992). Because 

Appellant suffered “some harm” Point of Error No. One should be sustained. See 

Almanza v. State, 686 S.W.2d 157, 171 (Tex. Crim. App. 1984). 

V. 

DISCUSSION SPECIFIC TO POINT OF ERROR NO. TWO - 

FAILURE TO INSTRUCT ON SELF-DEFENSE 

A. 

Error 

 Appellant requested that an instruction on the law of self-defense be 

included in the jury charge. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 195-196). Under Penal Code, §9.31 a 

person is justified in using force against another when and to the degree the actor 

reasonably believes the force is immediately necessary to protect the actor against 

the other’s use or attempted use of unlawful force. P.C. 9.31(a). Reasonableness 

is, therefore, judged from the actor’s standpoint. It is not necessary for a jury to 

believe that the other person was actually using or attempting to use unlawful force 

against the defendant for the defendant’s right of self-defense to exist. Hamel v. 

State, 916 S.W.2d 491, 493 (Tex. Crim. App. 1996). A reasonable apprehension of 

danger – actual or apparent – “is all that is required before one is entitled to 
26

exercise the right of self-defense against his adversary.” Valentine v. State, 587 

S.W.2d 399, 401 (Tex. Crim. App. 1979). See also Walters v. State, 247 S.W.3d 

204, 213, f.n. #37 (Tex. Crim. App. 2007). 

 To be entitled to rely on self-defense under §9.31, Appellant must have used 

“force” during his encounter with Complainant. See P.C. §9.31. In Boget v. 

State, the Court considered the question of what it means to direct force “against” 

another. Boget v. State, 74 S.W.3d 23, 27 (Tex. Crim. App. 2002). Though 

Boget’s analysis focused on defining a term other than “force,” that analysis is 

nonetheless instructive in determining whether force was used in the instant case. 

Boget was charged with criminal mischief for breaking the windows on a truck. 

Boget v. State, 74 S.W.3d at 24. He claimed he had been defending himself 

against an attack by the driver, who he claimed hit him with her truck. Id. at . His 

request for a self-defense instruction was denied. Id. at 25. On appeal, the State 

argued that under §9.31, self-defense is available only when a defendant is charged 

with a crime against a person. Id. The Court of Criminal Appeals rejected this 

argument. Id. at 31. 

 As Boget stated that a court’s duty when construing a statute is to effectuate 

the intent of the Legislature. Boget v. State, 74 S.W.3d at 30. Though a court, 

where possible, is to look to the text of a statute in determining legislative intent, 

when the language is ambiguous, extratextural factors may be considered. Id. at 27 
27

and Boykin v. State, 818 S.W.2d 782, 785-786 (Tex. Crim. App. 1991). The Boget 

opinion pointed out that when the Penal Code was rewritten, the justification of 

self-defense was moved out of sections involving offenses such as assault and 

homicide, and placed in the Code’s general section of justification. Boget v. State, 

74 S.W.3d at 29. It found this fact to be the strongest argument against limiting 

self-defense to assaultive crimes only. Id. 

 Ultimately, Boget held that P.C. §9.31 should be interpreted in a way that 

encourages restraint in defensive situations. Id. at 30. Accord Alonzo v. State, 353 

S.W.3d 778, 783 (Tex. Crim. App. 2011). Though the law recognizes that the right 

of self-preservation entitles a person to defend himself by taking the life of his 

assailant if necessary, the general rule that a person should only use such force as 

necessary in defending himself was “[w]ithout question” a principle Texas 

legislators sought to embody when enacting §9.31. Boget v. State, 74 S.W.3d at 

30. Boget gives a hypothetical that demonstrates the equity of this approach. Id. at 

30-31. In it, a person is about to be run down by a speeding car. Id. at 30. If she 

shoots the driver she would be entitled to a self-defense instruction at a murder 

trial. Id. at 31. If she brandishes her pistol and shoots at the car’s tires and is later 

charged with criminal mischief, a denial of a self-defense charge because she did 

not use force against a person would be contrary to the purpose of the statute 
28

because it would punish the individual who used the least force possible in selfpreservation. Id. at 31. 

 Though §9.31 only applies when the defendant used “force” against another, 

force can take different forms. In keeping with the goal of encouraging individuals 

to use the least amount of force possible in defending themselves, courts should 

interpret “force” to include definitions of the word that are not limited to physical 

violence or restraint. Black’s Law Dictionary defines “force,” in part, as power or 

violence directed against a person. Black’s Law Dictionary at 519 (Seventh ed. 

2000)(abridged). It defines “power,” in part, as dominance, control or influence 

over another. Id. at 953. In the instant case, Appellant did not resort to physical 

violence, but used “force” by exerting dominance and gaining control over the 

complainant be demonstrating to him that he had a weapon and could use it in 

defending himself . (R.R. Vol. 6 at 132, 135 & 137). In response, Complainant 

submitted to this force by applying his brakes and putting his hands up. (R.R. Vol. 

6 at 138). No shots were fired, but this Court should hold that force was used 

against another within the meaning of §9.31. 

 Appellant’s testimony raised the issue of self-defense and he was entitled to 

have the jury instructed on it. It is universally recognized that when a person is 

about to be run down by a car operated by a driver who refuses to stop, (as 

appellant testified was the case) that person has a right to immediately defend 
29

himself in some manner. See Boget v. State, 74 S.W.3d 30-31 (Tex. Crim. App. 

2002). As noted hereinabove, according to Boget, even if he shoots and kills the 

driver such a person will be entitled to a self-defense instruction at a subsequent 

murder trial. Id. The question of whether, in the instant case, Appellant was 

reasonable in believing that force, and the degree of force he used, was 

immediately necessary to defend himself against the complainants use or attempted 

use of unlawful force, should have been submitted to the jury. See Rodriguez v. 

State, 544 S.W.2d 382, 384 (Tex. Crim. App. 1976) (“[W]hether appellant’s 

beliefs, fears and actions were reasonable as required by statute, were also fact 

issues for the jury, but the jury was also deprived of the opportunity to decide those 

issues...”) and VanBrackle v. State, 179 S.W.3d 708, 713 (Tex. App. –Austin 

2005) (whether a defendant’s beliefs reasonable is a fact question for the jury, not a 

preliminary question for the trial court to evaluate in determining whether a selfdefense instruction is warranted). The trial court erred in refusing Appellant’s 

request that the jury be instructed on self-defense under P.C. §9.31. 

B. 

Harm 

 Article 36.14 of the Code of Criminal Procedure provides that the trial judge 

shall deliver a written charge to the jury, distinctly setting forth law applicable to 

the case. A timely requested defensive issue becomes law applicable to the case. 
30

Posey v. State, 966 S.W.2d 57, 62, f.n. #12 (Tex. Crim. App. 1998). Where a 

defendant objects to any error in the charge, reversal is required if he suffered 

“some harm.” Almanza v. State, 686 S.W.2d 157, 171 (Tex. Crim. App. 1984). 

The presence of any harm, regardless of degree, which results from preserved 

charging error, is sufficient to require a reversal of the conviction. Arline v. State, 

721 S.W.2d 348, 351 (Tex. Crim. App. 1986). While the erroneous absence of an 

instruction on a defense that is subject to the confession and avoidance doctrine is 

generally harmful, an Almanza analysis must still be conducted in each case. 

Cornet v. State, 417 S.W.3d 446, 451 (Tex. Crim. App. 2013). Under Almanza, 

appellate courts must consider the jury charge as a whole, the state of the evidence, 

the arguments of counsel, and any other relevant information revealed by the 

record in assessing harm. Almanza v. State, 686 S.W.2d at 171.

The Entire Jury Charge 

 The jury charge set out the elements of the single charged offense and 

instructed the jury to decide whether Appellant was guilty or not guilty. (C.R. at 

89-91). It contained no justification defense instructions and, therefore, provided 

no avenue through which the jury could render an acquittal.10 See Vasquez v. State 

 

10 Even if the charge had included Appellant’s requested instruction on necessity, the error in 

failure to instruct on self-defense would not have been harmless in this case. Necessity and selfdefense are separate defenses. Bowen v. State, 162 S.W.3d 226, 229 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005). 

Under the record, the jury could have found Appellant’s conduct was justified by necessity and/ 

or self-defense or neither depending on which evidence it believed. See Bowen v. State, 187 

S.W.3d 744, 474 (Tex. App. –Ft. Worth 2006). 
31

830 S.W.2d 948, 951 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992). Given that Appellant had 

“essentially admitted” to all elements of the offense, a guilty verdict was a forgone 

conclusion. See Johnson v. State, 271 S.W.3d 359, 368 (Tex. App. –Beaumont 

2008). The charge, as given, authorized a finding of guilt even if the jury believed 

Appellant’s defensive evidence. See Miller v. State, 815 S.W.2d 582, 586, f.n. #4 

(Tex. Crim. App. 1991). 

 Appellant was also denied the advantage he would have received had the 

jury been instructed on self-defense in that an instruction on a defensive theory has 

the advantage of the trial court legitimating for the jury the defensive theories 

relied on by the accused. Dix & Schmolesky, 43 Tex. Prac. Series, Criminal 

Practice & Procedure (3d. ed. 2011) at p. 908. Had it been properly instructed, the 

fact-finder would have needed only to have a reasonable doubt as to whether 

Appellant’s actions were justified. See P.C. §2.03(d) & VanBrackle v. State, 179 

S.W.3d 708, 717 (Tex. App. –Austin 2005). 

The State of the Evidence 

 This trial was a swearing contest. There were three eyewitnesses, including 

Appellant, to the encounter between Appellant and Complainant. They all differed 

on how Appellant handled his gun. Complainant testified that Appellant took the 

gun out of its holster. (R.R. Vol. 5at 27-28). The driver of the vehicle behind 

Appellant testified he never took it out of the holster, but raised his shirt, made the 
32

gun visible, and put his hand over the gun’s handle. (R.R. Vol. 5 at 76-77 & 80). 

Appellant testified that he tightened his shirt, but did not lift it, that he put his hand 

over the gun, and that only a very small portion of the gun barrel (less that 1⁄2 inch) 

and a piece of holster would have been visible. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 135 & 141). There 

was conflicting testimony on whether Appellant walked around his car and 

checked for damage, and whether he yelled at Complainant. (R.R. Vol. 5 at 86, & 

Vol. 6 at 124-125). Complainant denied Appellant’s assertion that he was driving 

directly at him as he was attempting to leave the scene. (R.R. Vol. 5 at 56). The 

list goes on. 

 The record demonstrates that the jury could have found Appellant 

committed all elements of the offense no matter which witness, including 

Appellant, it believed. What the record does not show is how the jury would have 

viewed his defensive evidence since it was not allowed to consider it in rendering 

its verdict. Appellate courts have reversed convictions to allow a jury to decide 

whether it believes evidence offered in support of a claimed defense. The fact that 

the jury, in finding Appellant guilty under §42.01(a)(8), necessarily believed he 

had displayed his weapon when he testified he hadn’t, does not telegraph what 

weight and credibility it would have assigned to the defensive evidence had it been 

properly instructed. Appellant testified to conduct the jury was entitled to regard 

as display even if it did not comport with Appellant’s own understanding of the 
33

term, which required that he take the gun out of the holster or exhibit it in plain 

view. See Vernon v. State, 841 S.W.2d 407, 408-410 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992) & 

Cornet v. State, 359 S.W.3d 217, 227-228 (Tex. Crim. App. 2012). Furthermore, it 

is immaterial that Appellant testified that the visibility of a small portion of the gun 

barrel and a piece of holster did not meet the criteria for display under the law. 

The jury was instructed that it was to receive the law only from the court. (C.R. at 

90). Therefore, it could have accepted Appellant’s version of the facts without 

adopting his interpretation of the law. 

The Arguments of Counsel 

 This case is simpler than most. There were two competing theories about 

Appellant’s behavior – “road rage” vs. self-defense/necessity. Both counsels for 

the prosecution and the defense questioned jury panelists on those issues and each 

relentlessly advanced their theory throughout trial. (R.R. Vol. 4 at 5, 7 & 74-78). 

But while the State was allowed to argue and rely on its “road rage” theory and its 

characterization of Appellant as a “vigilante” in closing argument, the absence 

from the charge of Appellant’s requested defensive instructions left him suddenly 

without a case despite the evidence he had submitted. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 203 & 212-

213). See Barron v. State, 353 S.W.3d 879, 884 (Tex. Crim. App. 2011)(defendant 

harmed when error in the charge emphasized the State’s evidence supporting its 

theory of the case). Defense counsel was thus reduced to arguing reasonable 
34

doubt. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 203). 11 Given that Appellant had essentially admitted to all 

elements of the offense, that argument was doomed to fail. 

Other Relevant Information Revealed by the Record 

 Appellant’s case was built on the notion that he had the right to immediately 

defend himself against the complainant. Defense counsel discussed this right with 

the jury panel during voir dire. (R.R. Vol. 4 at 74-78). He never suggested at any 

point in the trial that Appellant’s actions were not entirely justified. Contrast 

Cornet v. State, 417 S.W.3d 446, 454-455 (Tex. Crim. App. 2013) (defense 

attorney who had requested instruction on medical care defense categorized 

defendant’s examination of child for signs of sexual abuse as a “mistake” and as 

“inappropriate behavior”). Counsel questioned witnesses on matters relevant to the 

necessity defense and Appellant gave detailed testimony on his encounter with the 

complainant in support thereof. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 105, et seq.). The record shows 

that counsel’s request for an instruction on the justification of necessity was not 

“an afterthought.” He filed a written request for a self-defense instruction the first 

day of trial, as well as requesting it at the charge conference. (C.R. at 80-84 & Vol 

6 at 197). Contrast Cornet v. State, 417 S.W.3d at 455. When a defendant’s entire 

case is built on the necessity to defend himself, a trial court’s refusal to submit a 

self-defense instruction to the jury causes “some harm” to the accused. Johnson v. 

 

11 Defense counsel made clear that he did not wish to abandon the justification defenses, but had 

no choice. (R.R. Vol. 6 at 203). 
35

State, 271 S.W.3d 359, 369 (Tex. App. –Beaumont 2008) & Guilbeau v. State, 193 

S.W.3d 156, 161 (Tex. App. –Houston [1st Dist.] 2006). Because Appellant 

suffered “some harm” Point of Error No. Two should be sustained. See Almanza 

v. State, 686 S.W.2d 157, 171 (Tex. Crim. App 1984). 

PRAYER FOR RELIEF 

WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, Appellant requests that this 

Court reverse Appellant’s conviction and order a new trial. 

 Respectfully submitted, 

 /s/ Connie J. Kelley 

Connie J. Kelley 

Attorney for Appellant 

 1108 Lavaca #110-221 

 Austin, Texas 78701 

 (512) 445-4504 

 (512) 478-2318 (fax) 

 warrentucker@grandecom.net 

 State Bar Number 11199600 

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE 

This is to certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing was served on 

Susan D. Reed, Bexar County District Attorney at Paul Elizondo Tower, 101 W. 

Nueva, 5th Floor, San Antonio, TX 78205 by regular mail on this 30th day of 

January, 2015. 

 /s/ Connie J. Kelley 

 Connie J. Kelley 
36

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE 

 This is to certify that the foregoing document is in 14 point font, with the 

exception of footnotes, which are in 12 point font. The word count of the 

foregoing document is 8,032 words, which is in compliance with T.R.A.P. Rule 

9.4. 

 /s/ Connie J. Kelley 

 Connie J. Kelley