Can you shoot someone who's breaking into your vehicle?

Answer 1

CON No, you cannot shoot someone. Just call the police and they will take care of it. PRO (written by a retired court magistrate) In many US states, you may defend yourself using deadly force in your home, car, and even on the streets, as most courts would be inclined to rule in the victim's (i.e., the car owner's) favor (a growing number of communities are enacting laws which expressly give citizens the right to do so), but there are a few caveats: # You must be properly certified and/or licensed to use the weapon, whether you are a martial artist or wielding a gun (knives are other non-ballistic weapons are often a "gray" area as far as the law is concerned). # You must have a permit to carry that weapon, which must be properly registered (obviously, this would not be the case with felon parolees, as they are not allowed to carry guns). # You may not use most deadly force on an unarmed individual (e.g., when someone walks up to you, is unarmed, and merely says, "give me your car", without making any threatening moves). # You may not use any weapon when there is an alternative way out. In this case, if you were in the car, then just drive away; if your way is blocked by the thief/assailant, and you are forced to hit him/her, and you call the police as soon as possible afterward, many courts would accept that as reasonable defense. If you are out of your car, then you should not confront the thief (refer to the "con" answer, above). # You may not use deadly force until you have given the would-be thief a chance to run away, and with the above provisos. # If you use deadly force, even in a legal and proper manner (as strange as that may sound), you might still be arrested and charged with (attempted?) homicide, but, again, the courts would tend to side with the victim's (i.e., the car owner's) favor, and you would probably not spend any significant jail time. And, given our litigious society, if not outright gall, don't be surprised if the would-be thief hauls you into civil court for physical and emotional stress! (again, this would probably be dismissed, but I've seen judges and juries give astonishingly bizarre verdicts in favor of the criminal, so be prepared to face the consequences of your actions!)

Answer 2

There is a general rule in law that you may use deadly force to prevent a felony. You may NOT use deadly force after the felony has been commited. All laws are subject to interpetation,the view of society at that time,and a myrad of other factors. If the person breaking into your car did so after killing the local priest chances are your Ok. But if it was the local priest your in trouble.

Answer 3

In the U.S. the general answer is no. In some places, such as Texas, there are certain circumstances under which you are legally entitled to shoot someone that is stealing something, but in most of the U.S. you can only shoot another person if the person poses an imminent threat to your life or the life of an innocent third party.

Answer 4

NO...you cannot shoot someone just for robbing you. The only exception and this isn't really an exception but if you have a reasonable fear that they will cause you serious bodily harm or death then you can respond to that threat with deadly force. This will depend on the state you live in as there is also a duty to retreat in some jurisdictions. Simple rule is unless they are trying to kill you, then you cant try to kill them.

Answer 5

Laws concerning the use of force to defend your home are called "castle laws," as in "A man's home is his castle." They vary from state to state. In most cases, a person can use deadly force to protect themselves or their family from harm if the home invader has entered the home unlawfully and the defender has reason to believe the invader intends to cause harm.

Ultimately, the acid test of this standard is whether the defender can convince a jury that they they acted reasonably, and that it was necessary to use deadly force in that situation.

Answer 6

Not in the UK, that would be at the very least, attempted murder

Added: Not in the US either. You may only use deadly force in defense of your life or the life of another, NOT in defense of mere property (or so the law says).

Answer 7

If you are in the car, usually yes--because of the uncertainty as to whether or not the person is going to just steal the car or hurt/kill you or your passengers.

If you are NOT inside the car, it is very risky and may land you in prison for murder, or attempted murder.

Added: See the last sentence to the above answer.

The law frowns on people shooting perpetrators over crimes involving only "property." On the other hand you ARE allowed to defend your own physical self

against a crime of violence which is classified as "crime against person."

Answer 8

Ethics are a matter of opinions similar to that of morals. Ethics vary from person to person. The more important aspect in this situation is that the force used is equal to that of the criminal. If it's an unarmed robbery, also known as strong armed robbery, you may only apply physical force. If the robber is armed or at any time places you in severe jeopardy of loss of life or limb, you're within your rights to use deadly force. Using more force than necessary may result in criminal charges against you and open the door to civil liability.

Addendum:Living in a state with no self-defense law (that is, no defense from prosecution in the event a victim fights back), it is important to recognize that if you kill another (commit homicide) even in defense of life and limb, you can still be criminally charged.

If you are attacked, you must first attempt escape. In the event you cannot escape, you have the right to use the force necessary to secure escape or subdue your attacker. If at any time you use a higher level of force than your attacker, you are prosecutable.

It is important to realize that not every state has "stand your ground" or "make my day" laws. From recent events, it is safe to say that even those that do are not safe for those who fight back.

Answer 9

Not in britain because our Govenment is messed up. We are also civilized so we let them past welcoming them into our homes