Colombia self-defense laws

vicshere says on May 10, 2008, 19:28:

as far as I know you shoot the M/F between the eyes if he is inside your house especially with a gun

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Gator says on May 10, 2008, 20:01:

You have the right of self defense under the Colombian Constitution.

1. If you shoot the intruder the burden of proof is on you to prove it was in self defence.
2. You have better hope the weapon was licensed and you had a permit, either to possess or to
carry.
3. Being a gringo will not help
4. If you are placed into a state where you feel your life is threatened then you can use deadly
force.

BTW, you shoot and kill someone with a gun and do not have a license there is a mandatory jail sentence of six months even if it is self defense. The legislative authority which regulates the possession of firearms by civilians is Industria Militar (INDUMIL). INDUMIL is also the legislative authority that regulates the sale of firearms and firearm supplies to civilians. Licencing Requirements:

You must meet the following requirements to be granted a licence to possess firearms:

Applicants must be over 18 years of age with full citizenship or have Colombian cedula; A form provided by Industria Militar must be duly completed; Duly authenticated photocopies of the applicant's identity card and police record must be presented; Proof of the need to possess weapons for the applicant's safety and protection must be provided; and medical certification of mental and physical fitness to use weapons must be presented; persons known to be suffering from chronic alcoholism, dependence on narcotic drugs or psychotropic drugs may not receive a permit and you must complete an approved firearms training course (certificado maneso de armas.)

I have no idea if the above requirements are still in force or accurate. I do not have a carry permit because I do not carry on my person-just keep in the house/apartment or, occasionally, in the car. I personally never want to have to say. "El cárcel es magnífico. Mucho mejor que me apartamento." (Nice jail you got. Much better than my apartment.) Are Colombian jails bad? For a good idea I suggest you rent and watch closely the 1978 movie "Midnight Express."

Under Decree No. 3664 of 1984, article 1 provides for an imprisonment period of between one year and four years and confiscation of the weapon in cases of illegal carrying...

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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CatGirl says on May 10, 2008, 21:58:

Gator: 3. Being a gringo will not help

jajaja - this is cute!

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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Robert Jorge says on May 10, 2008, 23:20:

So basically, the Colombian laws are the same as most US State's carry laws - and maybe slightly more lax.

I would love to know the laws about defense products like pepper gas / mace, Tazers, etc in Colombia. I guess a good ol' fashioned machete is OK. As long as it's kept in one of those leather belt holsters that are handmade with tassles and fringe.

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

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bogotabrian says on May 11, 2008, 08:02:

I think having a license makes sense but it sounds like a lot of paperwork. Having lived here for a year I am accustomed to it though. I am not sure I could shoot someone anyway. As far as the machete idea, well, I do have tile floors so the clean-up wouldn't be....

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CatGirl says on May 11, 2008, 09:50:

RJ: Unless I am reading incorrectly, Gators comment...

"Proof of the need to possess weapons for the applicant's safety and protection must be provided"

This is more lax in the US - you don;t need proof of the need to possess weapons, you need to have the gun registered. In order to become registered you have to take a written test (and pass) on the gun laws and safety in addition to being cleared via background check. I think it takes 90 days for this clearance now? or maybe 30? If you have problems, it comes up and you cannot purchase the gun.
In cases of more "red flagged" guns - there are other additional clearances. Hopefully you are not in need of this type of artillery. Although, i know some guys that just gotta own artillery, jaja

Also RJ
un mas thing - to "store" your gun in the US, not only does it need to be registered, but the gun needs to be locked and completely seperate from the bullets. One reason for this is to create a cooling off period (during impulsive times) - takes more time to unlock the gun and load it.They now have locks you can put on the triggers, in addition to having the gun locked in a case will help.

Also last time I was informed via law enforcement. If you transport a gun - has to be Completely seperate. Gun locked up really good in the trunk and the bullets Not in the trunk.

Not sure if this is the same in Colombia.

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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vicshere says on May 11, 2008, 09:52:

in Colombia bullets in gun and safety off and finger on trigger

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CatGirl says on May 11, 2008, 09:54:

Oooh! but do know - that if you are a registered gun owner ;)). Since you must be registered. Another way for you to be tracked ;))

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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CatGirl says on May 11, 2008, 09:56:

Vic - really? So it's OK to have your gun loaded and in chamber - no lock in the house? Any problems with kids in the house?

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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vicshere says on May 11, 2008, 10:02:

NOPE the gun is out of reach of the 2 year old and my 14 year old daughter knows how to use it...I have taken her and wife out to the range...they have basic skills and respect for the gun...which is more than a lot of people

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CatGirl says on May 11, 2008, 10:06:

So if this is OK by law, Colombia's home safety laws are similar to the US approx ...what? 15 years ago?

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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vicshere says on May 11, 2008, 10:17:

BUT its a lot harder to get a legal gun than the US.....way more paper work

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Bluesdude says on May 11, 2008, 12:07:

But can you get a gun permit with a Cedula extranjeria?

A guru once said, "the mind is like a drunken monkey." If that's true, then my mind is an orangutan on a binge

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vicshere says on May 11, 2008, 12:07:

OF COURSE

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Boatygringo says on May 11, 2008, 12:35:

How about shotguns, do they have to be registered?

Boatygringo

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vicshere says on May 11, 2008, 12:48:

yes all legal weapons need to registers....but you don't need a carry permit to have it in your house...again if you use an illegal gun and kill someone it straight to jail for 6 months no questions

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Bill Turley (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on May 11, 2008, 13:39:

Bill Turley (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on May 11, 2008, 13:40:

vicshere says on May 11, 2008, 13:50:

bill but you have to re load him every couple of hours ... mine just sits waiting for a SOB

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lampltr says on May 11, 2008, 18:17:

Cat, can tell you do not live in the N.E. part of the US jeje. Guns move from hand to hand very easily without all that documentation. Buying from a store perhaps, but still the good ole boy region there and they cannot stand government intrusion into personal affairs. Now you know why there is no gangs up there. Bill has the right idea, but two is much better than one!

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Medellin Traveler says on May 11, 2008, 18:18:

I've noticed that once you inform Colombian officials that you are an American, they definitely treat you differently. This has happend to me, as well as a few friends, in the past. Has anyone had the same experience?

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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CatGirl says on May 11, 2008, 18:21:

Lamptlr: jajaja. interesting comment! You missed my post about "Don't mess with anyone from Idaho" Kitty's travels ch che. I just returned from a trip there. I am well aware of their pioneering lifestlyes. But many actually use their guns to shoot dinner or starve ;))

True about that area- if you don't got a gun rack in the back window of yer truck and a hound dog - you aint cool.

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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lampltr says on May 14, 2008, 18:31:

jaja, you are cute Cat!!

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