March 2024 eNewsletter Issue no. 91
The "Castle Doctrine” in California. 
When Is It Ok To Shoot?
Imagine a situation where you are sitting in your living room one evening and you hear what appears to be someone (or more than one person) trying to break into your home. You’re not sure who they are or why they’re there. Or maybe you do know who they are and why they are there. In either event, what do you do? If you protect yourself, for example, by grabbing your gun and shooting the prospective intruders, will you face prosecution? In this short video, partner Stefano Molea plays and reacts to a video clip of a similar situation in real time. What should you do? What charges could you be facing if you do fire through the door as this resident appears to have done?
 
After viewing the clip, Stefano comes to the conclusion that without more, a prosecutor would have a difficult time convincing a jury that the homeowner did not feel threatened, and thus was not entitled to take advantage of what is known as the "Castle Doctrine." In California, as well as a number of other states, this principle permits homeowners to use force - including deadly force - to protect themselves while in their own homes, without the duty to retreat.
April is Second Chance Month. Please Consider Joining Us in Making a Donation!
Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, no matter what their criminal history is or was. April is Second Chance Month, and we remain as committed as ever to helping those who want to better themselves and society. Far too many justice-involved individuals come home after serving lengthy periods of incarceration with a commitment to change, but lack the job training, recovery, and reentry services they so desperately need to effectuate that change.
 
Our Firm has always been sympathetic to the plight of those eager to make the most of their Second Chance, but who may just need a little guidance getting there. That is why we will be making donations, in time and money, to the two community organizations below in April and ask you to consider doing the same. Please click on the links below to learn more of each great organization and the difference your donation can make:
For the past 31 years, Second Chance’s mission has been to break the cycle of incarceration in the San Diego community through safe, sober living, early intervention programs for youth, and intensive, highly successful job readiness training and employment placement services for youth and adults.
Youth Empowerment’s goal is to transform communities and increase public safety through community mentorship, building resilience, advocacy, and system transformation for high-needs individuals and families.
San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: 619-295-3555
Contact Us 24/7
This newsletter is for meant for informational and marketing purposes only, and should not be relied on as legal advice. Viewing and/or use of the newsletter, including sending email or submission of forms, does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship. Any endorsement, testimonial or other statement contained in or referred to in this newsletter is not a guarantee, a warranty or a prediction of a particular result in your case. Our attorneys are active members of the State Bar of California and are admitted to practice law in any and all California state courts and in the Southern District of California federal courts.