When I can use deadly force when an intruder comes into my home?
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When I can use deadly force when an intruder comes into my home?
I live in PA.
Asked on December 12, 2011 under Criminal Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Good question. The degree of force including the use of deadly force that can be legitimately used by a homeowner to defend himself or herself from an intruder into the home depends upon the circumstances of each individual case.
For example, if several 8 year old children entered into your home during the day without anything dangerous in their possession and made no threats as to you, the use of deadly force in such a situation by you would not be warranted.
However, if several armed people broke into your home with firearms and threatened you, that would be an entirely different situation where deadly force to protect yourself or family members could very well be justified.
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