If I catch a person trying to steal my car, or sitting in the driver seat trying to pry the stereo out, am I legally allowed to attack him with lethal force? I know we cannot as civilian citizens legally apprehend a person, since that is considered kidnapping, but I also know that if I am simply obligated to dial 911 and threaten him with a phone call, he'll just run and escape after vandalizing my property. What is the law in your state?
2006-12-03 17:21:57 · 5 answers · asked by perfectlybaked 7 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
No, you cannot use lethal force unless you are in an eminent danger of being mortally wounded by the perpetrator. However, you can pull a deadly weapon on him, just don't shoot him in the back.
2006-12-03 17:31:21 · answer #1 · answered by Chuck Dhue 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you see the person witha weapon and you are threatened of course you can defend with letal force. But if you can't prove that, there is the chance you could get indicted by a Grand Jury for 2nd degree murder or a lesser offense..It is best to let Law enforcement handle it. You can replace property, but you can't replace you if you get shot or stabbed. It is only property, you can't take it with you when you die anyhow
2006-12-03 17:32:19 · answer #2 · answered by back2skewl 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The only state in the union that you are allowed to use lethal force to protect property is in the state of Texas.
2006-12-03 17:29:39 · answer #3 · answered by feanor 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
in defense of property, you must first try vocal ejection, then physical ejection (which seems pretty frickin stupid to me b/c you don't know if the thief is armed or crazy). you cannot use lethal force unless lethal force is threatened against you.
2006-12-03 17:30:32 · answer #4 · answered by Karen H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is a car radio worth killing someone for??? You need to get your priorities straight.
2006-12-03 17:30:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋