[Andy L]

The way I understand it, in MO, if you are in fear of your life or someone elses life.

If its in your own home, there is even less qualification. If someone is in your home unwanted and refuses to leave, its going to be hard to prove that you were not protecting yourself and/or family.

I was also told by one of the attnys I work for what to say and do. Since there is always a chance I may have to actually shoot someday, god forbid.

He said to make sure the shot counts, one story is better than two. He said to call the police immediately and have the gun laying on the ground in front of you with your hands visible when they arrive. You should only say, I was in fear of my life (or someone elses), I shot for the mass to stop the threat, I didnt intend to kill him and I want my attorney. Dont say anything else. Not Im tired, want a drink, nothing. Until your attorney arrives and you can get in a private place.

Now, Im not giving legal advice, but that is what I would do should it ever happen. That came from the best defense atty around here and one of the best in the state, from what Im told. I know the prosecutors and cops hate the SOB, so he must be pretty damned good.....

Andy

Petey,
I didnt read your post too well. I dont know if I would shoot if I werent intending to kill. The way I understand it, you can count on a lawsuit when you shoot someone. Some long lost relative that is out of crack money, if nothing else, will find some ACLU lawyer or something to take the case and you will be sued. And maiming or wounding does two things. It leaves another account of the incident and it raises the question of how bad the threat actually was that brought you to shoot.

I know that if someone is in my home that is trying to harm me or my family, the only way they would be wounded is if I miss.

Oh and one more thing, in MO, you can shoot to protect lives, but not property. If someone is stealing your car and there is no immediate threat to you, you cant shoot. And, if you have stopped the threat, such as someone just beat the snot out of you and your laying on the ground, but they are backing away, you cant shoot. Legally. The threat is over.