Is It Illegal To Shoot A Thief During A Robbery/Theft?

In America is it illegal if say someone has a conceal and carry and they catch someone in the act of stealing their truck in a parking lot- can they legally shoot them?

*edit: title of thread is messed up* Mod fix?

 

I can, in no way imagine shooting a car thief to be legal anywhere. Now, if you plant a pistol on him and whack yourself in the head and claim it to be a carjacking, that may be a different story.

 

I just saw I car theft thread earlier and wondered, can you legally shoot them? (not that I ever would) What are the qualifications to shoot someone on your own land or in your house?

 

My buddie(CC permit) who was fighting for his life shot a guy and still got jail time but out on bail.

Only in CA though.

 

car theft? idk about that. i know( at least in TN) if it was a car jacking than yes. if you have CWP and are legally carrying you can.

 

The Laws very from state to state. Some states have a castle doctrine that covers their land as well as the house and car, others are just the house.

 

Depends entirely on the laws within your state or any state you're visiting. This is a very serious matter (potential death penalty), so I strongly suggest researching those laws very carefully before the need arrives. If that's not possible, visit several police agencies within your area and ask - always wise to get advice from several reliable sources, not the internet, friends, or one individual's opinion.

 

I'm pretty sure just pointing the gun at the guy would do the trick.

 

Typically in most states it is not justifiable homicide to shoot somebody over property. For example, if you walk out your house and they are stealing you taco, at least in Louisiana you can NOT shoot them. However, if you are in the vehicle, in Louisiana, it counts the same as your house. Aka castle doctrine, meaning no responsibility to retreat. Actually Louisiana has a specific Shoot the Cajacker law. But each state is different so check into your local laws. Main thing to remember is unless your life is threatened then you better not shoot.

 

Most states have brandishing laws and in addition I wouldn't recommend pointing a gun at anything you're not ready to pull the trigger on. In addition to my first post, unless a life ( not just yours) is in danger then don't shoot.

 

Can I use him as a backstop for a warning shoot.

 

this is exactly how it is here in TN. can’t shot anyone trying to steal something out side but as soon as they come in the door or if i’m in the truck it’s justifiable.

 

here in Texas you can protect your property, there is a castle doctrine here

 

Prime example of what can happen during excitement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDfNV9bJoSg&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

Seen that video before, I wonder if she lost her job. Anyway, you'd have to justify that your or someone's life or physical well being were in immediate danger. In Florida we have the Stand Your Ground law.