Legal Question in Criminal Law in District of Columbia

I live with my wife and 2 kids. Under what circumstances and conditions, either my wife or I can fire a gun at a home intruder? Whether the intruder is armed or unarmed?


Asked on 10/02/09, 11:09 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

If the intruder were armed and clearly breaking into your home (preferably under the cover of darkness) you could likely fire on him without concern for adverse legal repercussions. However, if the malefactor were unarmed and apparently breaking into your place, it could be more problematical for you (legally speaking) if your were to fire on him, depending upon the particular facts and circumstances involved in the situation and, it would probably not be as easy for you to claim self defense as in the first instance.

Whichever the case, however, best to call the cops ASAP.

Read more
Answered on 10/07/09, 3:54 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in District of Columbia