2007-11-16 13:28:08 · 8 answers · asked by keeb12 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
You have the right to defend yourself with lethal force if you reasonably feel that your life is being threatened. Of course your definition of 'reasonable' has to be validated by police, a prosecutor, a grand jury, a judge and ultimately a jury if charges are brought against you. Use of lethal force in your own home (often referred to as the 'castle doctrine') to defend yourself has always been treated with more understanding in the justice system. Some states also require you to take the option of retreat if it is reasonably available to you. My suggestion is the research uses of lethal force in self defense situations in Virginia to get a idea of that states stance towards the subject.
2007-11-16 13:52:10 · answer #1 · answered by ocdaedalus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It seems like this one should be a no-brainer under English common law, but apparently it's more complicated than that. From what I could find, Virginia's "Make My Day" law is only proposed at this point. The versions vary somewhat from state to state but it allows you to shoot someone who breaks into your home and not get in legal trouble. It is named after Clint Eastwood's signature phrase in 1983's Sudden Impact.
A couple calls to police or courts could tell you for sure but they might ask why you want to know.
2007-11-16 21:38:35 · answer #2 · answered by Brian G 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If there has been a seires of be's in your neighborhoods the law enforcement already knows, but check with them . I know in Texas it is legal, no questions asked. In PA where I live, if someone is breaking into your house most of their body has to fall in your house, because if it dont and they die it would be your fault.
2007-11-16 21:37:53 · answer #3 · answered by ballmonkeyhockey 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two things to remember if you shoot in self defense
1. NEVER move the attacker, even if he does die outside, despite what decades of "experts" have advised. Leave the body alone!!!!!
2. Never shoot to kill or to wound, shoot to stop the threat. That way when the attacker is killed or wounded, it is their own fault for presenting the threat. (Two shots to center of mass and one to the head stops threats very effectively.)
2007-11-16 22:04:13 · answer #4 · answered by Gray Wanderer 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure about the law of self defense in Virginia.
But NO jury will convict you for shooting a person who broke into your home.
2007-11-16 21:42:15 · answer #5 · answered by hq3 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Call your local DA's office. In my opinion, breaking into someones house is just signing your own death warrant.
2007-11-16 21:34:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you perceive the intruder to be a threat you can use sufficient force to defend yourself.
2007-11-16 21:35:50 · answer #7 · answered by gunplumber_462 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
try it and tell me what happens
2007-11-16 21:35:59 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋