If I catch someone attempting to steal my vehicle or property within, am I allowed to shoot them?

Dog Lover

No... you can only use deadly force to protect the life of you are someone else that is in immanent danger of serious bodily injury or death.

Killing someone over a property crime will get you arrested for at the minimum, Manslaughter.

Kevy

no, you cannot use deadly force for someone breaking into your car. you will be charged with attempted murder or murder.

Tina

You can only use deadly force if your life or family is being threatened. Not your Lexus. ;)

If that were the case I'd have a cemetary in my backyard. ;)

Marine till Death

Deadly force is only authorized if you feel you are in IMMEDIATE danger of severe physical injury or death. Someone stealing your car does not qualify. No, much as you would like to, you can't cap 'em.

police wife

Only if that person is threatning you. For example you catch them in the act and they pull a knife or gun on you.

thegubmint

Nope. The only time you can use a firearm legally is in defense of yourself or another person if there is a reasonable belief of death or serious bodily harm. Crimes against property are not cause for deadly force.

However, if you happen to be in the car and someone attempts to carjack you, fire away.

ynot_chas

No you cannot But you can hold him or her at gun point til the police arrive...

Oh and just for fun til him he makes one wrong move and he will die of lead poison.

evilprince

Get cameras at your house so its pointing towards your drive way if you want to safe.
When you go to the mall or something try to park so that your car will be visible to their securty cameras.

As the others said you cant really do anything unless you are actually in the car while its happening.

Sir Hard & Thick

If you plan on doing that you need to get a throw a way weapon that is not registered, so after you shoot him you can plant this weapon on him, and make sure he is dead, you only want one live witness and one story, YOURS!! this is what a police officer told us after my uncle shot a burglar that was in our house, caring off our stuff. My uncle only shot him in the leg, and later he turned around and sued, my aunt and uncle lost everything including their house! criminals have all the rights on their side, the only way a law abiding citizen can defend themselves is by turning themselves in to a criminal! and hoping they get away with it.

Maverick

did you fear for your life or that of another person ?

XoAngieXo

no only if they come in your house

KC V â„¢

Having visited New Jersey and New York in the past...the first thing I learned within hours of hitting the streets was that crime is prevalent.

Now...understanding that you live in New Jersey...you would think it prudent not to leave items in the car where thieves could be tempted!

It's humorous to see how you state the "police do absolutely nothing" as if it's their fault that you failed to take preventative steps to avoid the problem at hand.

Now...what's even more concerning is that you want to kill somebody over material belongings!

Something is wrong with the way we think if this is how we deal with our problems.

As far as the statement about the "Castle Doctrine"...it refers to a legal concept derived from English Common Law as it is presently applied in sections of the United States. It designates one's home (or any place legally occupied, such as one's car or place of work) as a place in which one enjoys protections from both prying and violent attack. In the United States, laws informally referred to as 'castle laws' can sometimes impose an obligation to retreat before using force to defend oneself. The Castle Doctrine provides for an exception to this duty. Provided one is attacked in their own home, vehicle, or place of business, in jurisdictions where 'castle laws' are in force, one may stand their ground against an assailant without fear of prosecution. The main point...instead of a "strategic retreat" when in fear of an attack you may resort to deadly force. Stopping a thief stealing from your car is NOT an attack upon you therefore does not fall under the "Castle Doctrine."

Maybe you should petition your city counsel to raise taxes in order to hire more police officers. There's always the option of hiring private security to guard your car! But with the large population you have in Newark being over a quarter million...I'm sure the police are busy answering higher priority calls than one involving ones inability to secure their property out of sight!

Quasimodo

Stealing a car isn't justification for the application of deadly force there oh vigilante one.
With a question like that it's frightening to think you even have access to a firearm.
Its guys like you who give responsible and intelligent gun owners a bad name.

av8ion

absolutely! just don't get caught, i'm pretty sure it's illegal :)

Guyeuth

Everyone has questions Quasimodo....every state has different laws. In Texas you can shoot them, heck they even let you shoot them for breaking into someone elses car. I'm in Ohio, we have the castle doctrine so I could only shoot them if I was in my car while it happened. I'd call the police department and ask them about the laws in your state. I'm guessing in NJ you can't, you could get an alarm system, motion lights to help detour thieves.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: