When is a person not criminally responsible for an offense according to Texas Penal Code?

A person is not criminally responsible for an offense when they lack intent to commit the crime. In Texas Penal Code, criminal responsibility is closely tied to the concept of intent. If someone does not have the requisite mental state or intent required to commit a specific offense, they cannot be held criminally responsible for that action. This is rooted in the principle that individuals should only be held accountable for actions they consciously choose to undertake with awareness and intention.

In contrast, being coerced into committing a crime may present a defense but does not relieve all responsibility. The independent actions of another individual do not absolve a person from their own potential culpability. Similarly, lack of awareness of the law typically does not exempt someone from legal responsibility, as ignorance of the law is generally not accepted as a valid defense. Thus, the core understanding in criminal law is that the mental state surrounding the intent to commit a crime is essential in determining culpability.