In the state of Virginia, if someone breaks into your house, can you shoot them, or do they specifically need to be physically attacking you before you can legally kill them? Also, if you arrive home and see a burglar exiting your house with your TV in their hands, can you run them over to keep them from getting away?
2007-03-06 05:56:08 · 7 answers · asked by vampirekwc 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
The laws of "self defense" are pretty universal! If you have a fear of serious bodily harm or death, you may meet that force against you with deadly force.
HOWEVER, just as law enforcement must, the citizen also must use the MINIMUM amount of force necessary to accomplish his safety.
You use the analogy of one stealing your television. The television is not a life threatening issue directed towards you therefore you can't kill the perpetrator. You can certainly tackle the person and await the assistance of the police.
Likewise, an intruder enters your home at which time you threaten to shoot the intruder. He sees you brandishing a firearm and turns to run out the door. You shoot him in the back as he's escaping....my suggestion is get a good lawyer!
Best wishes!
2007-03-06 06:03:23 · answer #1 · answered by KC V ™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry I don't know about Virginia laws...but where I am from I had a sheriff tell me..."if you shoot them outside, drag their body in the house"...Honest that's what he told me. He was a friend so I'm not sure if he was serious or no. (Of course with forensics the way they are today they would know you lied). I would assume if anyone broke into your home you would be in fear of your life..I'd shoot them or at least AT them, call the police, explain and keep my fingers crossed. As for someone stealing your tv...I would let them go...you never know if they have a weapon or not. Check your local laws in the library etc.
2007-03-06 06:10:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pretty much you better be able to prove they were attacking you-
I dont like it anymore than you do but the way things are if some crackhead breaks into your house and is robbing you blind right in front of your eyes you pretty much cant touch them unless they touch you first.
2007-03-06 06:09:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-02-17 11:30:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you fear for your own safety or that of another and can articulate that in court you can shoot away.
2007-03-06 06:39:34 · answer #5 · answered by Keith 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can buy a police tazer to stop your perpetrator at http://www.tbotech.com/advancedtaser.htm
2007-03-06 07:25:02 · answer #6 · answered by Deaf Redneck 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How should I know?? I live in Florida!
2007-03-06 06:03:30 · answer #7 · answered by sonder 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋