If someone is attacking you, yes trying to shoot them in the kneecaps is still considered deadly force.
If you can actually succeed in this, you’re a far better marksman than I am (again, assuming this person is in process of attacking you thus they are moving, you are moving, fur is flying, your heart is pumping, adrenaline is flowing, etc.).
Why am I bringing you this public service message? Let’s just say the topic came up today.
Stuff From Hsoi 
Discussing the stupid proposed NYC legislation? Shoot the wound is such a moronic concept.
“He died”
“But I only meant to wound him, I was following shoot to wound!”
How about we just have more training and try not to shoot anyone who doesn’t need shooting? Just a thought.
-Rob
Believe it or not, nope.
But yes, shoot to wound is just rife with well… ignorance. I mean, back in my ignorant days I could fathom saying “shoot to wound”. But now that I’ve rid myself of some ignorance I see how terrible a concept “shoot to wound” is.