NEVER Do THIS If You Have A Gun For Home Defense...

Published on August 18, 2023
Duration: 9:22

This video, featuring criminal defense attorney Tom Grieve, strongly advises against returning fire when bullets enter your home from an external source. It emphasizes that while the instinct might be to defend, shooting back without clear target identification and isolation can lead to severe legal consequences, including homicide charges. The primary recommendation is to prioritize escape, find cover, and contact law enforcement.

Quick Summary

Returning fire when bullets enter your home is a dangerous mistake with severe legal consequences. Prioritize escape, find ballistic cover, and call the police. Without clear target identification and isolation, you risk homicide charges, even if you are in fear for your life.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Neighbor Shoots, Bullet Enters Home
  2. 00:10Guest Introduction: Tom Grieve, Criminal Defense Attorney
  3. 00:30The Core Question: Can You Shoot Back?
  4. 00:51Legal Standard: Reasonable Fear of Imminent Death/Harm
  5. 01:23Cons of Returning Fire: Target ID & Isolation Issues
  6. 02:04Risk of Prison: The Reckless Nature of Shooting Back
  7. 02:39Playing Out the Scenario: Shooting the Assailant
  8. 03:09Was the Shooter Acting in Self-Defense?
  9. 04:03Tactical Elements: ID, Isolation, Acquisition
  10. 04:21Consequences of Hitting the Wrong Person
  11. 04:39Potential Felony Charges
  12. 05:05Attorney's Advice: DO NOT Return Fire
  13. 06:11Tactical Alternative: Escape and Evasion
  14. 06:38The Importance of an Escape Plan
  15. 07:01Get Off the X, Get Low, Find Cover
  16. 07:14Cover vs. Concealment Explained
  17. 07:53Call the Police
  18. 08:01Domestic Situation vs. General Threat
  19. 08:21Escaping in Apartment Complexes
  20. 09:08Next Video: Police Stop with Concealed Carry

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary danger of returning fire when bullets enter your home?

The primary danger is legal. Without clear target identification and isolation, you risk shooting an innocent person or the wrong individual, leading to severe charges like homicide. It's also tactically unsound due to unknown factors beyond the wall.

What should you do if bullets start coming through your walls during a home invasion or external shooting?

Your immediate priority is to get off the 'X' (the line of fire) and find cover that can stop bullets. Develop an escape plan, move quickly, and call the police. Do not return fire without absolute certainty of your target and the situation.

What is the difference between cover and concealment in a self-defense scenario?

Cover provides ballistic protection, meaning it can stop bullets. Examples include thick concrete walls or engine blocks. Concealment, like a door or a thin partition, only hides you from view but will not stop gunfire.

Can you legally shoot back if someone is shooting at your house?

Legally, you must meet the standard of reasonable fear of imminent death or great bodily harm. However, shooting back through walls without positive target identification is extremely risky legally and tactically, often leading to severe criminal charges.

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