The following is a video transcript.
Let’s pretend that you’ve heard a noise outside your window, and you see somebody near your car right before they break into the driver’s side window. Let’s talk about what you can do in Colorado to protect your property when you see somebody breaking into your car—or they’re just on your property.
Use of Force vs. Deadly Force
In Colorado, this scenario would likely fall under our statutes governing the use of force in defense of premises and also property, and that can be found under the Colorado Revised Statutes. In such a case, one may use the degree of physical force reasonably necessary to stop the trespass or prevent a theft or criminal tampering with property, but may use deadly physical force only in self-defense, as covered by the self-defense statute; that is, when necessary to defend against death, serious bodily injury, or a serious crime against the person.
If you have any questions about this or anything else, feel free to call U.S. LawShield and ask to speak to your Independent Program Attorney. I’m always happy to speak with U.S. LawShield members.
I have worked in the law enforcement arena and military arena for the past 30 years. I have been sent to 4 different war zones and have used weapons in both military and law enforcement activities. I used to instruct civilian concealed carry classes but no longer do because of liability fears. In the classes I was teaching too many student seemed concerned with the question of when can I shoot someone rather than when should I consider having to shoot someone.
I have told people from all walks of life to list one piece of property which they would pay for with a human life. No one has been able to list one yet. It is easy to sit and say how easy it is to pull a trigger on a ” bad guy” but I think very few are prepared mentally for the aftermath of that action.
Don’t misunderstand what I am trying to say, there are times when one has a need to defend themselves and others with deadly force. In those situations decisive action must be taken without hesitation. But I can not come to agree with the thought process of shooting someone because they stole my property. The act of using deadly force must be based upon absolute need and not be driven by the emotions of anger but rather true fear.
I could never justify taking a life because someone made me angry. This is what in my belief has made me a little better than those I have encountered in my professional capacities and been required to address.
Just my personal thought.
Thanks for the insights and I appreciate your honorable service. I feel safer that we still have self defense rights.