Question on use of handgun (non us citizen)

[beppo 8]

Not too sure if this is the correct forum or not to ask this question.

Today, 2 men with baseball bats came into our house uninvited threatening to beat my 2 step kids (ages 13 & 16)

They have now been arrested.

This is the first time we have experienced this type of crime and my wife and step kids are deeply shaken by it and I'm sure will be for some time.

We don't own a handgun but are now seriously considering it. My wife(US Citizen) could, if wanted to get one tomorrow if needed. I know I can't get one cause I'm not a citizen. Does anyone know what the law is If I had to use it for self defense? My wife will not pull the trigger if It came down to it, but if someone came into my house like that, I certainly wouldn't think twice. My family's safety comes first.

Just to let you know, we reside in South Carolina as I'm not sure if every State has different laws.

Thanks

[Andy-n-Maricar 6]

As a resident alien holding a valid green card you are allowed to purchase and possess firearms according to federal law. If you have no experience with handguns I would suggest another firearm to protect yourself, such as a 12 or 20 gauge shotgun.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

I would talk to someone at the local gun store or police station.

Take a course in gun safety too. Remember to always treat every gun as if it were loaded.

[beppo 8]

As a resident alien holding a valid green card you are allowed to purchase and possess firearms according to federal law. If you have no experience with handguns I would suggest another firearm to protect yourself, such as a 12 or 20 gauge shotgun.

At the moment, I am not holding a valid green card. I came over on a K1 visa and sent off the AOS documents in March.

That is the part that bothers me. I know I can't go and purchase a handgun. My wife could go and get one but what would happen If It came to it and I pulled the trigger to defend my family in my own house?

Thanks again.

[SMR 368]

At the moment, I am not holding a valid green card. I came over on a K1 visa and sent off the AOS documents in March.

That is the part that bothers me. I know I can't go and purchase a handgun. My wife could go and get one but what would happen If It came to it and I pulled the trigger to defend my family in my own house?

Thanks again.

It's Wikipedia, so there's no guarantee that it's up to date. Castle Doctrine is a law in some states (including South Carolina), that in your own home you are allowed to use deadly force against an intruder. There are some provisos and they vary from state to state. But basically the key is that if you are in your own home and you are acting against intruders who have the intent to commit a crime against you or your family, you can use deadly force. I don't think there is a problem with you using your wife's gun but I don't really know.

It's good advice to go to a police station or gun shop and get some advice about the laws in your state. Police do sometimes make things up though, so cross check. They also have their own motivations and while there are lots of types of police officers, many of them don't want to have you using a firearm to defend your home, even if it is legal to do so.

[Robert&Liliya 31]

I am sorry you and your family have seen firsthand some of the Ugliness here in the US. I am glad they have been arrested and I hope that you and your family never have to endure this type issue again. In a lot of Southern States that have the castle doctrine the police are all for you protecting your home. It saves them time as the body is the coroners problem. Texas goes further than most on protecting your property as they consider your car as part of your castle. You can also protect other people from bodily harm with deadly force in certain cases as well. I would for sure look into all the laws for your state. I would see nothing wrong with you using deadly force to protect your family. You are here legally and are doing exactly what a husband and father should do for his family. Protect them. A gun course is a great way to go and take the wife and kids if they will go. Shooting can be a very relaxing hobby. (Odd but true. Standing there running through some rounds can be very relaxing) It is also good to get everyone familiar with the weapon and to make sure they know about safety. I take my 13 your old son to the range and teach him safety and respect for the weapon as well as how it works. I will do the same for my soon to be wife (if the USCIS is good to me) and daughter (when she is old enough). Having a weapon in the home is a big step and everyone should know about it and what it can do. I talked to one gun instructor who took his son out to the range and put a catsup bottle as the target. He shot the bottle and told his son to fix it. His son had his hands covered in catsup told his father I cant fix it. His father replied Remember this. Every time you fire a gun you can never fix it.

Edited May 17, 2011 by Robert&Liliya

[thongd4me 69]

Not too sure if this is the correct forum or not to ask this question.

Today, 2 men with baseball bats came into our house uninvited threatening to beat my 2 step kids (ages 13 & 16)

They have now been arrested.

This is the first time we have experienced this type of crime and my wife and step kids are deeply shaken by it and I'm sure will be for some time.

We don't own a handgun but are now seriously considering it. My wife(US Citizen) could, if wanted to get one tomorrow if needed. I know I can't get one cause I'm not a citizen. Does anyone know what the law is If I had to use it for self defense? My wife will not pull the trigger if It came down to it, but if someone came into my house like that, I certainly wouldn't think twice. My family's safety comes first.

Just to let you know, we reside in South Carolina as I'm not sure if every State has different laws.

Thanks

I know this is a private matter which you have opted to make part of public.

Have either or both of you thought of the motives for this intrusion?

Could it be that someone known to your wife is involved, as they were

threatening the family. This naturally is what the police have probably asked.

If it was an isolated incident with robbery as the motive, I pray that will be the last.

Best of luck in this unenviable situation.

[Ironman140 45]

I talked to one gun instructor who took his son out to the range and put a catsup bottle as the target. He shot the bottle and told his son to fix it. His son had his hands covered in catsup told his father “I can’t fix it”. His father replied “Remember this. Every time you fire a gun you can never fix it.”

Very well said, will have to remember that one

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

Let's see:

1) You had no gun. Nobody got hurt. Offenders arrested. You are free.

2) Had you had gun, offenders shot. You in jail.

Me thinks, buying a second door lock maybe the best way of action.

Or, even better, moving away from a cold city that is America's crime capitol since El Capone.

Edited May 17, 2011 by Just Bob

[Ban Hammer 13,692]

Let's see:

1) You had no gun. Nobody got hurt. Offenders arrested. You are free.

2) Had you had gun, offenders shot. You in jail.

Me thinks, buying a second door lock maybe the best way of action.

Or, even better, moving away from a cold city that is America's crime capitol since El Capone.

no suggestion to get a big dog?

[beppo 8]

no suggestion to get a big dog?

From what I can gather and have been told by the police this was a one off. I live in a very good neighbour hood and this sort of crime has not happened before. Now, I'm still in the thoughts of getting a firearm, so It's something me and wife think carefully.

Before yesterdays event happened, I would have said there was NO chance of having a gun in the house. As my house was invaded by 2 arsehole thugs at daylight hours (500pm) it has now got me thinking.

As for the dog, It runs away if you say "BOO"

Edited May 17, 2011 by beppo

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

From what I can gather and have been told by the police this was a one off. I live in a very good neighbour hood and this sort of crime has not happened before. Now, I'm still in the thoughts of getting a firearm, so It's something me and wife think carefully.

Before yesterdays event happened, I would have said there was NO chance of having a gun in the house. As my house was invaded by 2 arsehole thugs at daylight hours (500pm) it has now got me thinking.

As for the dog, It runs away if you say "BOO"

Did they break in or was the door unlocked? I've had people try doors on occasion.

[beppo 8]

Did they break in or was the door unlocked? I've had people try doors on occasion.

Both doors was unlocked. They opened the first storm door then opened the second foot forced.

[Ironman140 45]

I would have shot the A- holes. But just remember if the body falls back over the threshold drag it back inside.

Before the Garda./ police Show up ;-)

Saves on lawyer fees

[Robert&Liliya 31]

http://commentsfromleftfield.com/2007/09/texas-musician-killed

This man was No-Billed for shooting this man. The drag them over the threshold thought is not needed in most states with the castle doctrine. No-Billed means he was justified in doing what he did to protect his family and his property.

http://www.tdcaa.com/node/1523

This man was also No-Billed for shooting 2 thieves that broke into his neighbor’s house.

If you are going to do things like this you should know that part of the hazards of your chosen profession is to meet the business end of a weapon. (My chosen profession can give me a wicked paper cut-I deal with it)