Can you shoot someone on your property who is stealing from you?
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Can you shoot someone on your property who is stealing from you?
If someone is on my property and I catch them stealing am I allowed to shoot the thief. Also, is there
some sort of sign I can post on my property letting people know that?
Asked on May 20, 2019 under Criminal Law, South Carolina
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 4 years ago | Contributor
South Carolina law states that you don't have to retreat or run from an intruder and you can use lethal force if you or another person are threatened with death or serious injury, or to stop a violent crime (e.g. assault, rape). You cannot use lethal force purely to stop a theft, if life or limb are not in danger.
Here is a link to a short, SC government provided summary: http://www.sled.sc.gov/ProtectionOfPeople.aspx?MenuID=CWP
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