Reply #84: Thanks ...

[spin]

I had forgotten about that post. I did make a reply in post 104.

You can legally use a firearm to stop an attack if you honestly feel that ...

your life or heath is threatened.

You can not legally use your concealed weapon to stop an attacker once the attack is over as your health or life is no longer threatened. In fact if you chase the attacker with a handgun, he may be able to shoot you and claim self defense.

This may depend on the state in which you live.

Disclaimer: I am not an attorney nor do I play one on TV.

If I am in a similar situation and a individual demands my money but looks like that is all he wants and he has no intention of seriously hurting me or killing me -- I will just give him my wallet. I can always replace my money, credit cards and my driver's license. I can not replace my life or my health.

However if I honestly feel that the person will attempt to hurt or kill me even if I pass over my wallet, I will use my concealed revolver to defend myself.

Once the situation is over and the mugger is running off either with my wallet or because he decided to run when he saw my handgun, I would not shoot him. He is no longer a threat.

Many posters in the thread said that shooting a person running away after the incident was over was wrong, but as you point out some did feel that the shooter should not face charges. One did mention that he felt the Bic pen on his desk was more valuable than the life of someone who was robbing him. Perhaps in the state where he lives, shooting an individual running away after a robbery or mugging is legal. Even if it was legal in Florida where I live, I would not do it.

I have absolutely no desire to shoot anyone. I will if I fear for my life or my health. I realize that I will have to live with that decision for the rest of my life and it will probably cause psychological problems. I currently sleep well at night and have no desires to suffer frequent nightmares.