Los Angeles, CA asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Arizona

Q: Whlt are my rights as a property owner after displaying a no trespassing sign if I catch someone on my property damaging

Don't answer the way they want you too answer truthfully

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1 Lawyer Answer
Mike Branum
Mike Branum
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Saint George, UT
  • Licensed in Arizona

A: Capture video evidence and call 911. After you have contacted 911, you may, if safe to do so, request the parties stop damaging your property and leave. While Arizona law does allow citizens to use physical force in a reasonable manner to stop theft or damage to personal property, it is an extremely risky proposition and I would imagine attorneys would almost universally advise against it. Should you injure someone in attempting to exert "reasonable" force, you could face criminal charges and a civil lawsuit from the injured party.

It is best to leave the application of force to law enforcement.

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