
Originally Posted by
foxtrot
This is a common issue in most every state.
Lots of fail in this thread, btw.
Make my day, e.g. lawful use of deadly physical force providing for the affirmative defense against civil and criminal liability, requires a knowing and unlawful entry among it's other burdens. Let me explain that people have been successfully prosecuted in this state with that defense invalidated because of these kinds of complex situations.
In any circumstance where you have not filed a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED action) and obtained a writ, e.g. eviction, even if the subject breaks back into your home at a later date, you will be unable to apply the "make my day law" because their entry is not, under the law, technically illegal even if they use force to enter, regardless if squatter or your ex.
That is going to be the same through the majority of the country which utilizes variations of this affirmative defense. If you kick (not evict) an ex out, they break back in, you can't apply "make my day". Kick squatters out (not evict), they break back in, you can't apply "make my day". This is also why we cannot apply "make my day" within a business during business hours, even if people come in to rob the place. (Because even if their intent is evil, their entry is not illegal). Only when the business is closed to the public is their entry illegal. * This doesn't foreclose on your ability to argue self-defense, which is only an affirmative defense against criminal prosecution. (The benefit of "Make my day" is a blanket immunity to civil as well)
That said, I have a LOT of personal experience with complicated situations such as this. A secret to "that's a civil issue" is it's also conversely a civil issue for them, one that requires a court order, and they are not in a winning position. So if someone takes your (titled and insured vehicle that is in your name) such as a family member, you will find LEO will declare it a "civil issue" and ask you to spend 10 grand to recover it via court order. Well, just take it back... wait until they go into a store or something. Blam, it's a civil issue for the other side now.
If you need to kick someone out such as squatters? Wait until they are gone, take one of those mobile connex units, unload all their shit into it and rekey the house in an organized effort. Maybe file a TPO if you can find a basis for it. (Don't use the default form, write out a petition in a word doc or whatever with the court header). Make sure you continuously occupy the house. If LEO come on e.g. a standby, vehemently deny that the people ever had residence (even if everyone knows you are lying) and explain to the LEO that it's a civil issue... for them. Refuse to provide entry unless they have a court order in hand. Oh, but you're aware they have shit in a connex located over (there, e.g. some storage facility).
*Standard disclaimer. This post does not constitute legal advice, you need to hire an attorney to obtain legal advice