You are here:

Home
Civil Liberties and Human Rights & Criminal Law

Your Rights to defend your property.

This is perceived as one of the most unclear areas of law we have, 'what can and can't you do if a criminal enters your home?'

With most, emotion will take over with the basic human response of fight or flight, with the law receiving little consideration during the offence.

We do have laws that leave room for different understanding, the law states that you can use 'reasonable force'.

First thing

- Call the police and if you can keep yourself and your family safe, do so.

The law does allow you to defend yourself if you feel you are in danger you do not need to wait until you are attacked, and in terms of reasonable force you can do whatever you feel is necessary, if you pick up a knife and your action kills the intruder you will still have acted within the law so long as your actions were reasonable self defence.

If the intruder decides to flee the scene and you then chase them, you must be careful, one for your own safety and two that you are still within the law, as you are now not acting in self defence.

As you will expect the police will investigate any assault and unless you have acted over the top the case will be dealt with sympathetically.

related news

Agricultural Law.

Aviation Law Solicitors.

This is a highly specialised area of the Law and covers both aircraft and their facilities as well as many other areas detailed here.

Charity Law Solicitors.

As a charity it is important to understand your legal obligations and rights, a Charity Law solicitor swill be able to help with this, find Charity Law Solicitors from Solicitors.com

Civil Liberties and Human Rights | Solicitors.com

Solicitors.com - if you are looking to take action under the Human Rights Act, understand your rights and how a solicitor can assist you.

Construction and Civil Engineering Law | Solicitors.com

Consumer Law, Consumer problems.

We have produced a few guides to help you but would recommend that you speak to a solicitor as all situations are different.

Education solicitors | Solicitors.com

Travel & Tourism Law Solicitors.

Holiday Claims.

Mental Health Solicitors.

News and Information on Mental Heath legal issues.

Property Abroad.

If you are looking to buy a property abroad you will need expert legal advice, this section details services provided, and offers guidance on how to find a solicitor for your needs.

recent articles

Double Jeopardy Law

What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..

link

Motoring Offences | Drink Driving.

Motoring Offences - Drink Driving.
If you have been stopped for drink driving it is important that you obtain legal advice as soon as possible and, to assist y..

The law on Cannabis.

Anyone found in possession of cannabis could be liable to a fine or a prison sentence, cannabis is classed as a B category drug in the UK and is illegal...

Guide to a Prenuptial agreements.

A prenuptial agreement (prenup) is an agreement set up by a couple prior to marriage, the prenup will detail how finances work whilst married and in the event t..

What is a Section 60 notice?

Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..

link

Children and the law - Committing a crime

Children and the law - Committing a crime.
A child under 10 will not be charged with a criminal offence but they can face consequences for their actions.
The..

Points on your Driving License

Points on your Driving License - What happens when you receive points on your Driving Licence, How long do they stay, how many points until you are banned from..

Stalking and Harassment.

Recent report uncovers failings by the police and prosecution service...

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' l..

link

Education Law Solicitors

Education Law Solicitors. Education solicitors will provide legal advice on all aspects relating to children with Special Educational Needs, problems with schoo..

Neighbour Disputes | Nuisance Neighbours

Unfortunately, not everyone is respectful in life, most of the time we just move on and keep our opinion to ourselves, but when that comes to where we live you..

Criminal Law

Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law

Conveyancing Solicitors.

Step by step guide to help you understand the process of Conveyancing and moving.

Criminal Solicitors.

We have put together a few guidance notes for your help with Criminal law matters, if you require a solicitors please use the search facility or ask a question.

Commercial law.

If you are looking for a commercial solicitor understand your options by contacting one of the 100s of commercial law firms on solicitors.com

Clinical or Medical Negligence Solicitors

If you are considering making a claim for Medical Negligence understand your rights and the process, find a medial compensation solicitor via solicitors.com.

Personal Injury Claims.

If you have suffered an injury and are looking to make an accident claim for compensation, understand how a personal injury Solicitors can help make you injury claim for you.

Debt Collection Solicitors.

The amount of money owing may dictate the route you take to reclaim your money, we recommend that you discuss your situation with a solicitor, or you can call the CAB on 08454 04 05 06.

Dental Negligence Solicitors

To undertake a dental negligence claim you must have sustained an injury or damage, as a result of the dental treatment understand the options available to you.

Employment Law Solicitors.

Employment Law Solicitors for Employeees.

Family Law Solicitors.

Family Law Solicitors can help you resolve the problems which may arise in the break-up of relationships, including financial issues and matters concerning any children.

Motoring Offences Solicitors.

Will be able to assist on all areas of Motoring Law for Example Drink Driving, Dangerous Driving, Careless Driving, Totting Up, Speeding, Driving Without Insurance motor offences.

Will & Probate

Find a solicitor that can assist with wills, probate and estate planning in your area.

Tenant Solicitors

Tenant solicitors will be able to help with any housing related problems.