imported post
Ok, so when I took my concealed carry class, they explained this weird intruder law to me. Basically what they explained is that if someone is currently attempting to break into your house, you can shoot, but once they've successfully entered, you can't shoot unless they're threatening you, making it like any other self defense situation except that you needn't retreat. This theory was further explained with a video, showing that if a burglar has broken the glass next to your door and is trying to unlock the door, you can shoot him. However, if he has already gotten through the door and is standing in your living room, you can't touch him unless he's actively threatening you or someone else. I understood this as being really really stupid. But now I've seen this sign, that was referenced in another thread:
This reeallly implies that if you so much as walk past that sign you're liable to get shot and killed. I was under the impression that we didn't have this option in this state. Can someone clear this up? Here's the general statute referenced in the sign:
Ok, so when I took my concealed carry class, they explained this weird intruder law to me. Basically what they explained is that if someone is currently attempting to break into your house, you can shoot, but once they've successfully entered, you can't shoot unless they're threatening you, making it like any other self defense situation except that you needn't retreat. This theory was further explained with a video, showing that if a burglar has broken the glass next to your door and is trying to unlock the door, you can shoot him. However, if he has already gotten through the door and is standing in your living room, you can't touch him unless he's actively threatening you or someone else. I understood this as being really really stupid. But now I've seen this sign, that was referenced in another thread:
This reeallly implies that if you so much as walk past that sign you're liable to get shot and killed. I was under the impression that we didn't have this option in this state. Can someone clear this up? Here's the general statute referenced in the sign:
§ 14-51.1. Use of deadly physical force against an intruder.
[align=justify](a) A lawful occupant within a home or other place of residence is justified in using any degree of force that the occupant reasonably believes is necessary, including deadly force, against an intruder to prevent a forcible entry into the home or residence or to terminate the intruder's unlawful entry (i) if the occupant reasonably apprehends that the intruder may kill or inflict serious bodily harm to the occupant or others in the home or residence, or (ii) if the occupant reasonably believes that the intruder intends to commit a felony in the home or residence.[/align]
[align=justify](b) A lawful occupant within a home or other place of residence does not have a duty to retreat from an intruder in the circumstances described in this section.[/align]
[align=justify](c) This section is not intended to repeal, expand, or limit any other defense that may exist under the common law.(1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 673, s. 1.)[/align]