VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – In Virginia, a person isn’t justified for killing someone in your home unless you believe you are in danger of getting attacked or serious bodily injury.
“A lot of people who own guns believe they can just shoot anybody who walks into their house without cause,” said Dwain Rodman, the Virginia state representative for U.S. Law Shield.
Rodman said in Virginia, there isn’t a law on the books similar to Florida or Texas’ Castle Doctrine, which allows people in their homes to protect themselves, other people and their property by force.
‘You have to have a reason, that it was basically you fearing for your life that caused you to use that weapon,” said Rodman.
The similar is held by U.S. Law Shield, to defend gun owners in the event they need to defend themselves. Along with tips of what not to do. For example, having a gun in the car, in plain view and looking at it while talking to someone else is considered brandishing and is punishable by law.
Rodman said U.S. Law Shield wants to educate gun owners. “In a court, a judge is not going to take your word as I don’t know.”
There are multiple seminars in Virginia and across the country to help gun owners learn their rights and how to handle calling the police and attorneys should they find themselves in that situation.
“They take the gun safety courses now and after they leave and get their concealed weapons class, they just think they can go out to shoot,” said Rodman.
