Do you know what to do if someone breaks into your house? In this informative video, U.S. Concealed Carry Association Director of Content Kevin Michalowski sits down with criminal defense attorney Tom Grieve to discuss the do’s and do-not’s when dealing with a home invasion. These thoughtful answers will help you round out your home-defense plan and potentially avoid problems arising after an encounter with a burglar.

Three topics proposed by a recent YouTube comment: Never leave your safe room; Never let a burglar know where you are; and Never talk to the police without first consulting your attorney.

  • Kevin is against proclaiming absolutes. “Every home-defense situation is different.”
  • Where does a “safe room” fall into your home-defense plans?
  • Think about your hierarchy of values when dealing with a burglary or home invasion.
  • Should you let a home invader know you’re there?
  • If you’re in a safe spot, don’t start clearing rooms looking for an intruder in a darkened house. Stay put and call the police.
  • Some people misconceptualize what “winning” entails in a home-defense scenario.
  • Using a firearm should be your last resort to protect human life.
  • For Tom, “winning” a self-defense incident means driving an attacker away with the least force and harm possible.
  • Most home invaders flee when faced with an armed, prepared homeowner.
  • Should you talk to your attorney before giving any kind of statement to the police following a home invasion?
  • Firing your weapon in self-defense changes the entire ball game.
  • You may want to provide a two-part statement to police: An initial description of the suspects followed by a more in-depth statement a few days later after consulting an attorney.