It depends on where you live, I think Fl. just changed that law. Here in Md. you must retreat.

 

HAHAHA........now THAT would be funny as hell!!! I never thought of that happening but that would be quite the news story, wouldn't it!!

 

Just curious.

Do French bikers help the thieves load their bikes into the van ?

In Texas you can shoot the thief and are protected from lawsuits.

 

Sure, you know we're known for surrendering quickly, don't you?

And how exactly are you protected from lawsuits in Texas? Anyone can sue you, even in Texas, especially if there's homicide and you'll have to pay a lawyer to defend yourself. This costs mucho $$$, much more than a bike, which, once again, is most likely insured against theft.
But hey, it's your call, not mine.

 

. Defending yourself isn't as defined as one thinks. Case in point - An acquaintance of mine returned home one evening to find a guy inside his house. A struggle insued and the intruder was choked to death via a headlock (esophagus crushed). After the investigation a law suit was filed by the deceased family. It was later revealed the intruder was mentally disabled from childbirth and in his confusion and circumstances of that evening, entered the wrong house within the neighborhood. The guy had no criminal background or history of violence, no concealed weapon, and no forced entry into the house.
Criminal charges weren't filed against the homeowner, however, he paid thousands in defense fees, and unfortunately, the incident will disturb him for his entire life. He had to sell his home and move.
Discharging a firearm - you better be damn careful on all circumstances, then pray there's no legal ramifications. Your freedom and/or any assets you may have accumulated over your lifespan may be subjected to forfeiture.

 

Google Texas Castle Laws and Castle Doctrine.

 

I FL yes you can if you are holding your ground. Remember - only shoot to kill and don't pull your gun unless you plan on killing and can live with that decision.



I did want to add that if I saw it loaded up no you can not shoot but if someone was trying to pull me off my bike (same as reach in your car) yes you can defend yourself - hold your ground theory. You can't go around shooting people in the back as they are running away cause you are no longer in fear for you life - taking your junk when it's parked is not putting you at risk. You can shoot to stop any forcable felony here in Flori-duh. Taking a life is not a lot of fun - no glamor in seeing a person bleed out and die no matter how bad they pissed you off. Sucks more if you just wound em. Yes I pack legal and often.

 

Sure you can shoot him,,,,, just be ready to pay for it with time spent in prison and money in defense fees. Seriously now, I think this is a question that need to be asked of a lawyer and judge more then a group of motorcycle enthusiasts, no disrespect to anyone who has posted an answer or will post.

 

Stealing a bike in New England states, Lawyer on Speed dial, he's looks to be within 9 yards and may be armed, don't look like the type who will leave a witness! What should I do?


Stealing a bike in Ky., Bang, Bang,Bang! Halt drop that bike!

 

I did and it's not clear that a motorcycle is considered a "Castle", unlike a house or a car. The notion of intrusion in the case of a motorcycle parked on the street is very unclear.
Anyway, I wouldn't kill someone because he stole my bike. I'd write down the plate #, description of the vehicle and the perpetrator(s), possibly follow them discretely and call the cops with all the information.
My insurance will take care of compensating me, and I have gap insurance to cover whatever loss I have.