Bowling Green, KY asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for Kentucky

Q: If I saw someone breaking into my car, would I be legally liable for shooting them with a non-lethal paintball gun?

Hello, my neighborhood has had an issue with car theft. The previous tenant in my home had his car stolen, the perpetrator was caught on camera, and the police never pursued the offense. This has happened several more times in my neighborhood since I've lived here, and the police never do anything about it. If I were to see a perpetrator breaking into my car, would I be legally liable for shooting them with a non-lethal paintball gun?

1 Lawyer Answer
Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Louisville, KY
  • Licensed in Kentucky

A: Most likely not as long as it is non deadly force.

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