Should this be a crime?

[cassharper]

I thought it wasn't considered stealing a car if the keys were in it.

A state cop once told my buddy that if they were ever getting robbed to make sure you shoot them inside the house, and if they make it out a window pull them back in. It's legal to shoot someone that's broken into your house but if they put a foot out the door it's illegal.

That's called tampering with a crime scene, which I hear is illegal.

Research your own states Castle Law (castle doctrine, right of habitation law, etc). They are regulated at the state level and there isn't a set national law. in texas, if someone is on your property (note I did not say in house) you have protection under a "stand-your-ground" clause which allows you to use deadly force under the even you suspect a felonious act to occur (not just them intending to inflict bodily harm upon you, any felony committed against you).

Michigan's isn't so clear, but case law has shown that judges will protect people's rights under Castle Doctrine as long as they show discretion and responsible interpretation.

God I love misinformation...

 

[shoefreak03]

what if the guy who was being robbed didn't have a car. Maybe his keys were in the house where the robbers were. Wouldn't he need a car to get to the nearest payphone timely to report to the police that he is being rob???

That is how I would play it to the cops.

 

[Knowdafish]

The thieves deserved it for their stupidity! They left the keys in the ignition with it running! I think the cops agreed as they didn't press charges for stealing the thieves car!

 

[Nic]

im just gonna walk away from this...

 

[NilePufferFanatic]

What if he opperated the van without proof of insurance? Since he used it without permission he should have to compensate the theives for the gas he used. Really though, he saved their lives and kept his own safe by his decisions and kept his posessions as well.

I used to live in Oregon, and if you draw a gun on someone that isn't threatening your life they can shoot you legally. So criminals pack guns and when the homeowner displays his weapon the criminal shoots the owner and gets covered by self-defence law.

 

[ShadowStryder]

Good thing it wasn't my home, they would have gotten out....




But on a stretcher in a Plastic Bag!

Biggest thing is to make sure they don't live if you shoot cause if they
do they will get a lawyer and sue you. Then they will get everything
anyways.

 

[deanna broderick]

He should have just taken the keys and left the van

 

[violin33]

just shoot them and turn the car off.

 

[cassharper]

After reading this thread this is what I have to say:

Yeah we get. You're big, manly; you have a big, manly gun; and you're not afraid to shoot the big manly bullets in a big manly fashion at the small girly thieves if they break into your big manly lair.

geez

 

[patatmblife]

Should the police be able to charge YOU with theft for taking the robbers car?

I can't believe more than 80% say NO.

Look, if you live in a deserted place which requires you to take the robber's car to flee to safety then you can argue that in court.

But if you stole his car because you are pissed off then no it's not OK. Think of it this way, you see your room mate steal your leftover hamburger in the fridge, so you decide to take his wallet and his $200 buck in it. Is that justified?

OK, that was a bit of an exageration but the law needs to be strict to prevent people from taking the law into their own hands and decide what is fair. That is what courts are for. The last thing you want is for someone to stab you for pushing him around.

So, if in the case of the robber, I say get the hell outta there and just take down his License plate, or better yet just take his keys outta his car and run for your own safety.