Quote:
Originally Posted by HardDrive
??? You live in NJ. If you have followed the law, you likely will NOT be arrested in OH. Same goes for supposedly liberal WA state where I previously lived.
A man was attacked in downtown Seattle, knocked to the ground and being beaten by a drugged up nut job. He took out his handgun and shot the guy dead, right in front of the main downtown department store. Police took the report and sent him on his way.
NJ isn't reflective of the rest of America. Thank god.
|
Yoiu are right - thankfully, NJ isn't reflective of the rest of America -- and here in NJ - when it comes to firearrm laws, you are essentially guilty until proven innocent. So much for the constitution and all that democrating stuff here....
That said, one needs to be careful about how they deal with defending themselves in a home burglary, no matter what state they live in. "There is a lawyer attached to every bullet" the saying goes. There are many, many cases where a perp was shot in a home invasion, and the home owner was charged with a crime. Example: if you leave a defensive position, and shoot a perp, a lib lawyer defending the scumbag could claim that you were "hunting down" his client. They may state, "Sure, my client was stealing your TV, but did the punishment fit the crime? The punishment for theft is not death or taking a bullet..." and so on...
That's why it is best to have a plan in case your home is invaded. I've state this before, but my plan is this:
1. Grab my handgun, take up defensive position.
2. If possible, grab cell phone, call 911. State address first, and state it a second time. Then state, "Someoine is in my house, I am fearing for my life. I have a weapon." Keep phoneline open so everything can be recorded.
3. State in a loud voice, "WHO ARE YOU? GET OUT! THE POLICE ARE COMING! I HAVE A GUN!" Note: this is more for your defense in a court case, and not to scare off the perp. This indicates that you gave the intruder fair warning.
4. If your defensive position is compromised. defend yourself.
5. After you have secured the perp, call police, or get back to cell phone. State the following, "There was an intruder in my house. I feared for my life. I defended myself." Describe what you are wearing. Example: "I am wearing a red silk pajama with Sponge Bob fuzzy slippers."
6. When police arrive, if feasible, toss keys to police, if you can confirm over the phone they have arrived. If that is not possible, advise them to break down the door, and describe where you and the perp are in your home.
7. When the police are enter, place firearm down, and raise hands to ear level.
8. At this point, you will probably be read your miranda rights.
9. After they have read you your rights, you can state again, "This person broke into my house. I feared for my life and defended myself. I am not feeling well and I have chest pains. I need to go to the hospital."
Note the phrase: "I feared for my life and I defended myself." Better choice of words than "He broke in and was stealing my stuff so I shot him.'
My plan may or may not apply in all situations, but at least I have a plan, which is better than 'winging it.'
BTW: I received this training and instruction from a police officer.
-Z-man