PA Laws

**security1978** · January 15th, 2008, 10:58 PM

What does pa law say? can you shoot a intruder legaly in your home or not i know you cannot use lethal force but can you wound them or hold them till police arrive

**awkx** · January 15th, 2008, 11:21 PM

See this thread: http://www.pafoa.org/forum/question-...dly-force.html

The relevant statute: http://members.aol.com/StatutesP8/18PA505.html

The use of deadly force is not justifiable under this section unless the actor believes that such force is necessary to protect himself against death, serious bodily injury, kidnapping or sexual intercourse compelled by force or threat; nor is it justifiable if...

So basically you can use deadly force iff you reasonably fear death or serious bodily injury. In your home there is no duty to retreat. Shooting a gun at somebody is considered deadly force: do not "shoot to wound" if shooting to kill is not justified.

Oh yeah, and this is a biggie: Try your best to be familiar with the law and how it plays out in court. Minor things in what you do and say can have a major influence in the aftermath of a self-defense incident.

**rwilson452** · January 16th, 2008, 12:45 AM

If you should have the unfortunate happen and shoot someone in your home. your best bet is to call 911 tell them shots fired, man down. then hang up and put a zipper on your lip until you have legal consul. You have two legal fights ahead the criminal and the civil when the asshats next of kin come after you. anything you say to the police can be used against you in either case. Oh yes if you didn't loose your lunch before you called it's ok to do it after you call. If you made it to the john don't flush.