Shooting a thief in my house/yard

#1 06-10-2007, 12:42 PM

I know this has been talked about before but with the recent break in in my yard I want to clarify what rights I have as far as shooting the perpetrator. Let's assume for this case that I have my gun, residency and permit.

What I understand is that If they are in the process of breaking inside of my house I can shoot them without fear of legal problems but how does it work if I shoot and injure them while they are in my yard?

Also, what if I shoot them in my yard with rocksalt with my shotgun and only minorly injure them? Will there be legal ramifications

I'm looking for mostly serious replies - ie burying somebody is not an option - thanks.

Texas Bill · #2 06-10-2007, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chip00

I know this has been talked about before but with the recent break in in my yard I want to clarify what rights I have as far as shooting the perpetrator. Let's assume for this case that I have my gun, residency and permit.

What I understand is that If they are in the process of breaking inside of my house I can shoot them without fear of legal problems but how does it work if I shoot and injure them while they are in my yard?

Also, what if I shoot them in my yard with rocksalt with my shotgun and only minorly injure them? Will there be legal ramifications

I'm looking for mostly serious replies - ie burying somebody is not an option - thanks.

Chip00;

Don't know about "in the yaard" here, but in theUSA, if you shoot someone in your yard, be sure to drag them into your house before you call the cops. That way they are guilty of "breaking andentering" and you're "scot free" of charges. I think the same rule would apply here though not sure.

Texas Bill

Ladybird · #3 06-10-2007, 01:31 PM

Chip,

I asked this info a few years back from a senior officer here. He told me make sure I shoot them ON MY property, if they are outside drag them in and this would cover me. The aftermath might be if the family decide to sue you, as happens here,,, or take revenge

Ringo · #4 06-10-2007, 01:42 PM

From what my D.R. lawyer told me:

If someone has broken into your home or in the act of breaking in, you have the right to protect your home and self. BUT.. his next words..
CALL HIM FIRST. I have all his phone numbers and two associates numbers. Let them contact the police and wait for the lawyer and "his team" to arrive and "contain and control" the situation before I talk to anyone and try keep any unexpected police or others from entering, letting them know that your lawyer is on his way and giving them his name and number.

Problem.. If the intruder is not dead, you have to consider aid and/or medical treatment.

My lawyer also said the same goes for uninvited persons entering your walled/gated property. That is that the gate was not left open or opened for them.

Other legal expert advise would be welcomed by me also.

I have had many police and inspectors demanding that I open the gate and let them enter to inspect construction, permits and "for my safety. I give them my lawyers name and phone number... and keep the gate closed. Nothing they can do.... but leave. They seldom call my lawyer.

Ringo

AnnaC · #5 06-10-2007, 02:16 PM

The real question here is " what would Jesus say if you took a life for a tank of gas" ?

Ringo · #6 06-10-2007, 02:18 PM

I was thinking the same thing AnnaC.
Ringo

GringoCArlos · #7 06-10-2007, 02:29 PM

So instead of saying "silly me" for not locking up your gas cylinder, (and NOOO, I`ve never seen a gas cylinder that wasn`t locked up with a good chain and a big padlock , but then again, I've only seen DOMINICANS gas cylinders, and not gringo's) - you want to shoot the next person who comes into your yard uninvited. (as long as you don't get in trouble)

Have you ever heard of "insurance"? It's just STUFF, bud. You can replace it. You can insure it. The insurance companies in the DR are not LIKE the ones in the US, and they have NEVER fought me on a claim, or on paying a claim. The insurance companies get it here, that **** happens, and they pay.

laurapasinifan · #8 06-10-2007, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GringoCArlos

The insurance companies get it here, that **** happens, and they pay.

and then YOU pay.......

hey folks its just a QUESTION he asked....like getting the facts before hand...to make sound decisions in the heat of the moment.

Carlos..if a guy is in the process of grabbing your wrsit to pull your watch off....do you just wait till he is done and call the insurance company???

getting a gun, and asking questions, does not a death make!

bob

mountainfrog · #9 06-10-2007, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ringo

...CALL HIM FIRST. I have all his phone numbers and two associates numbers.

In many situations this would not be of help (at 4 a.m., immediate decisions required).
Unfortunately thieves are normally armed with guns nowadays (as are police...

) and to defend yourself and the family one might have to take ugly decisions...
Not easy, that.

m'frog

Ricardo900 · #10 06-10-2007, 02:42 PM

Good for you CHip, protection of your family comes first, these criminals may start off with your propane tank, but they can easily put home invasion on their resume, God forbid. Get Armed, just in case. Good luck.

Ricardo
"If you are found here tonight, you will be found here in the morning."