I was shot at yesterday

[flycat]

Having a high powered rifle or whatever he had shot, if you had it and started shooting blanks (aka firecracker rounds without a bullet in there) at random intervals, he might start wondering when he is going to get hit, so he might settle down. And he would not have any evidence whatsoever on you, since you are not shooting bullets, but blank rounds simply for sound effects.

 

[angelburst29]

Quote from: Horseofadifferentcolor
As far as lawyers go....ughhh....from my experience I have only met ones who like rich criminals. The law decides who is right or wrong by the highest bidder.

I found his home address from tax records and I am going to write a letter.....


I would seriously suggest a Lawyer/Attorney get involved in your situation. Not only for your safety and the safety of those around you but to also document events by solid evidence. By going to an Attorney, you create a paper trail of time, date, place and event. According to your statements, this isn't the first time this event has happened. Nor are you the only one affected, consider your family and those in close proximity, neighbor's included? So far, no one has been maimed or killed. What about next time?

As for contacting the Game Warden, other than something to Document, it's a shot in the dark and will led to time wasted on your part. You also - just tipped your hand - legally. The wealthy Property owner will now take counter measures to forefit your claim. If you went "legal" there was a good chance to "catch them in the act by investigator's." On the other hand, the Landowner may consider the visit by the Game Warden as a social call and carry on as if nothing happened, continuing with his nefarious deeds.

"I found his home address from tax records and I am going to write a letter....." FORGETABOUTIT!!!
Seriously, a dumb move, reason you need a Lawyer! Why would you want to approach him and "give him evidence" that could be construted, twisted and manipulated into looking like "harassment" on your part?

When you're in a crises situation, it's very hard to look on the outside-in, to see if the actions taken are beneficial or distorted. Having high caliber bullets wiz by you, isn't to be taken lightly. It's a serious situation that needs to be addressed in a Legal format. It's the reason we have Law's, for the moment, anyways.

Please, consider hiring a Lawyer/Attorney and start gathering hard evidence with the help of a Metal Detector and the suggestions I offered, so the evidence is documented correctly to hold up in Court, if necessary. You may be shocked by the amount of evidence found on the Property? But you won't know the Truth or the extent of the evidence - until you apply yourself.

 

[angelburst29]

Quote from: Flycat
"..... if you had it and started shooting blanks (aka firecracker rounds without a bullet in there) at random intervals, he might start wondering when he is going to get hit, so he might settle down."


Flycat, two wrongs don't make a "right."

 

[GAIA]

Quote from: Flycat
"..... if you had it and started shooting blanks (aka firecracker rounds without a bullet in there) at random intervals, he might start wondering when he is going to get hit, so he might settle down."


Flycat, two wrongs don't make a "right."

I agree, plus it might even provoke him instead of settling him down ;)

 

[mocachapeau]

You described this person as a "wealthy landowner". How wealthy, and how well-known, or influential in the community? Is it possible that the police don't seem interested because of who he is? All the more reason to follow angelburst's suggestions on quietly gathering any evidence without tipping your hand, and on keeping that evidence in a safe place.

 

[Horseofadifferentcolor]

You described this person as a "wealthy landowner". How wealthy, and how well-known, or influential in the community? Is it possible that the police don't seem interested because of who he is? All the more reason to follow angelburst's suggestions on quietly gathering any evidence without tipping your hand, and on keeping that evidence in a safe place.

I don't know how wealthy and I googled his name and did not really come up with anything that said much. I am going by assumption that he drives a very exspensive car and one neibor said that he works for himself in the oil industry and often has high powered large guns that he pulls out of his trunk to shoot. The neibor that told us this had done some road work for him. He showed up and took out this gun and fired into the side of a public road. Bullets bouncing everywhere and turned to ask if he would like to try it out. He said this guy was very reckless and has no cares.

My dad worked in oil industry and was not a wealthy man so that doesn't mean much. This a second property for this guy and only comes out everyonce in a while to shoot. After reading all day on rights and what not it looks grim. Even if I find the bullets on 18 acres(needle in haystack) the case will still be hard and I might not win. Their are alot of horror stories on the net about this very same thing.

I do not think that the cops are trying to protect him. One of the cops that showed up I remember talking to a few months ago as I pulled up beside him as he sat in a corner of road. I was asking what we could do about the drunks that come through sometimes at night that are trying to avoid cops in town. We have a private easement. You know what he had to say? "mam we can't see through trees". Jeez
I dont know I just feel tired. Its been a strange day with crazy lightning that actually struck three people knocking the shoes and socks off. Nothing at all to do with me really but has put me in very odd mood.

 

[Jono]

If it's financially possible you for you, you may want to consider reinforcing some of the walls in your house.

Collecting the bullet fragments and evidence may be like finding a needle in a hay stack, but it will be worth it if worst comes to the worst.

 

[miguel angel]

Nothing at all to do with me really but has put me in very odd mood.

Hi Horseofadifferentcolor. May I suggest you practicing (in case you are not doing it already) Éiriú Eolas? It could improve your mood and help you to think about the situation you are living in a clearer way, fwiw. Kind regards :)

 

[angelburst29]

Quote from: Horseofadifferentcolor
This a second property for this guy and only comes out everyonce in a while to shoot. After reading all day on rights and what not it looks grim. Even if I find the bullets on 18 acres(needle in haystack) the case will still be hard and I might not win. Their are alot of horror stories on the net about this very same thing.

I don't know I just feel tired. Its been a strange day with crazy lightning that actually struck three people knocking the shoes and socks off. Nothing at all to do with me really but has put me in very odd mood.


I feel, you have been given an opportunity, to address an on-going serious situation, that thus far, hasn't maimed or killed anyone. This latest incident, high powered bullets wizzing past your head was a "wake-up-call" to self - to take protective action on your part, not only to protect yourself but those around you. It isn't - only about you! Safety begins with self and extents outwardly - to those around you.

Many are called - few ...... answer.

Noted in your words, the incident shook you to the core and with good reason. The bullet was so close, your body reacted before the mind kicked in, to acknowledge what had just transpired. To an extent, the experience has left you feeling tired, confused, unsettled and keeping you off balance from the shock.

I sense, you're going through subliminal motions in addressing the situation but are afraid to approach it - head on - by setting in motion, a way and means of protecting yourself and others by gathering evidence and getting Legal Council?

Your statement, "I might not win." is self defeating. Yet, hard evidence is on your side if you would only take the simple steps suggested to obtain the results towards your own advantagement. You can't win unless you play your part in solving the problem.

Granted, 18 acres is no small task and yet, your not alone. Ask others to help you while you walk the property with the Metal Detector, gathering and logging evidence. It becomes a shared experience which can physically and emotionally, help them as well, for you're all in the same boat together.

18 acres is also to your advantage. Think what a Judge would think to a 5 gallon pail filled with bullet fragments documented and tabulated with a proof-sheet of photo's to boot? Ace in the hole! Yet, your under the assumption "you can't win."

Another angle you may not be aware of, it's not uncommon to find buried treasure in land that hasn't been used for commercial purposes such as subdivisions and commercial ventures. Many great treasures have been found in land that has been plowed, planted and harvested over the years. Think what unadulterated property may hold, especially in Texas, where many walked on foot or horseback to their destinations.

See about getting a Metal Detector, a good supply of D Batteries and a tape measure to begin an adventure that might be two-fold to your advantage. And - Happy Hunting!

 

[Gwenllian]

Anybody who can recommend you a serious lawyer? Otherwise, just start interviewing lots of them, until you think you have found the right one.
Maybe compile a list of questions that you would like answered and see how they respond and how seriously they take you.
I wish I had done that... I know it is hard to find a good one, but they are probably still out there.

I feel, you have been given an opportunity, to address an on-going serious situation, that thus far, hasn't maimed or killed anyone. This latest incident, high powered bullets wizzing past your head was a "wake-up-call" to self - to take protective action on your part, not only to protect yourself but those around you. It isn't - only about you! Safety begins with self and extents outwardly - to those around you.

Many are called - few ...... answer.

Noted in your words, the incident shook you to the core and with good reason. The bullet was so close, your body reacted before the mind kicked in, to acknowledge what had just transpired. To an extent, the experience has left you feeling tired, confused, unsettled and keeping you off balance from the shock.

I sense, you're going through subliminal motions in addressing the situation but are afraid to approach it - head on - by setting in motion, a way and means of protecting yourself and others by gathering evidence and getting Legal Council?

Your statement, "I might not win." is self defeating. Yet, hard evidence is on your side if you would only take the simple steps suggested to obtain the results towards your own advantagement. You can't win unless you play your part in solving the problem.

I understand why this shook you up. It could have ended so differently. EE is a good suggestion.
I also agree with angelburst. This is a good lesson, in the sense that you get to learn to stand up for yourself. Even if you don't win, you will have learnt how to defend yourself and maybe you will find other creative solutions.

Take care, Horseofadifferentcolor. I hope you are feeling better today. This "crazy lightning" might also have impacted you and the shooter. Who knows?

 

[Horseofadifferentcolor]

Anybody who can recommend you a serious lawyer? Otherwise, just start interviewing lots of them, until you think you have found the right one.
Maybe compile a list of questions that you would like answered and see how they respond and how seriously they take you.
I wish I had done that... I know it is hard to find a good one, but they are probably still out there.

I feel, you have been given an opportunity, to address an on-going serious situation, that thus far, hasn't maimed or killed anyone. This latest incident, high powered bullets wizzing past your head was a "wake-up-call" to self - to take protective action on your part, not only to protect yourself but those around you. It isn't - only about you! Safety begins with self and extents outwardly - to those around you.

Many are called - few ...... answer.

Noted in your words, the incident shook you to the core and with good reason. The bullet was so close, your body reacted before the mind kicked in, to acknowledge what had just transpired. To an extent, the experience has left you feeling tired, confused, unsettled and keeping you off balance from the shock.

I sense, you're going through subliminal motions in addressing the situation but are afraid to approach it - head on - by setting in motion, a way and means of protecting yourself and others by gathering evidence and getting Legal Council?

Your statement, "I might not win." is self defeating. Yet, hard evidence is on your side if you would only take the simple steps suggested to obtain the results towards your own advantagement. You can't win unless you play your part in solving the problem.

I understand why this shook you up. It could have ended so differently. EE is a good suggestion.
I also agree with angelburst. This is a good lesson, in the sense that you get to learn to stand up for yourself. Even if you don't win, you will have learnt how to defend yourself and maybe you will find other creative solutions.

Take care, Horseofadifferentcolor. I hope you are feeling better today. This "crazy lightning" might also have impacted you and the shooter. Who knows?

Thankyou Everyone, I know I have a huge task in front of me, but I am feeling way more clear in the head. I am not as emotional just still angry. The confusion and being scared is gone, just super angry that I have to deal with it on my own.I know this sounds sooo petty compared to what others in war zones are going through. My dangers are on a much smaller scale.
I will get a metal detector, I just have to wait a few weeks for some sales to go through for some extra cash. My husband does not want to deal with this any more than our land mates do. I will call up all of them today and try again to get us to band together on this. Mabey one of them can be more helpful with the lawyer.I know whats the price of life, right?
I have had very tramatic experiences in the past with being wronged and have been unable to find a helpful lawyer, from biz partners running out leaving huge amounts of debt($75,000) taking half of the assets, rape, and a family member fradulent medical care with cancer. All the reasons listed are things that have left me with large scars. We are still recovering money wise from some of this. Months of pain, hours and hours of phone calls and paperwork, and trying to do the right thing left us broke(lived on gift cards for a few months) We pay are bills just fine and are able to feed ourself and our farm animals now but the luxery of finding a good lawyer to work pro-bono or cheap seems out of reach. I know how negative this sounds but it is the wall I see in front of me. No one is on the other side with a rope.

E.E. saved me from getting a panic attack monday. I got to shaking, could not breath, my heart felt like exploding even though I kept telling myself to be calm.I think all my past experiences of feeling wronged and helpless all combined into this one moment for me. Like it was all the same. I then remembered E.E. It did not stop the shaking right away but it did calm me down ALOT! I would really love to see an E.E. workshop in central Texas!

I don't know if the lightening had anything to do with my situation but it was very uncanny.
Here is the link for those poor guys that got struck a town away.Actually knocked off shoes and socks!Although It probably just my imagination but Texas just feels pretty electric the past few months. Like surges.

http://www.kvue.com/news/local/3-construction-workers-hit-by-lightning-205283301.html

 

[Gwenllian]

Thankyou Everyone, I know I have a huge task in front of me, but I am feeling way more clear in the head. I am not as emotional just still angry. The confusion and being scared is gone, just super angry that I have to deal with it on my own.I know this sounds sooo petty compared to what others in war zones are going through. My dangers are on a much smaller scale.
I will get a metal detector, I just have to wait a few weeks for some sales to go through for some extra cash. My husband does not want to deal with this any more than our land mates do. I will call up all of them today and try again to get us to band together on this. Mabey one of them can be more helpful with the lawyer.I know whats the price of life, right?
I have had very tramatic experiences in the past with being wronged and have been unable to find a helpful lawyer, from biz partners running out leaving huge amounts of debt($75,000) taking half of the assets, rape, and a family member fradulent medical care with cancer. All the reasons listed are things that have left me with large scars. We are still recovering money wise from some of this. Months of pain, hours and hours of phone calls and paperwork, and trying to do the right thing left us broke(lived on gift cards for a few months) We pay are bills just fine and are able to feed ourself and our farm animals now but the luxery of finding a good lawyer to work pro-bono or cheap seems out of reach. I know how negative this sounds but it is the wall I see in front of me. No one is on the other side with a rope.

If you can find neighbours with whom you can work together or just get together for support, that is a good idea, if they are cooperative and supportive.
Any chance that you could contact some students of law, if you can't find a lawyer that works pro bono? Maybe you could contact some universities and ask whether there are some students that would be interested in helping you with your case. The topic of gun ownership/gun control is hot ATM, so take advantage of it. ;)
Over here we have like shops (that is what they are called) where people can go to and where they are helped by students. And it is free.
Do you have like a citizen's bureau where you can get free legal advice?

E.E. saved me from getting a panic attack monday. I got to shaking, could not breath, my heart felt like exploding even though I kept telling myself to be calm.I think all my past experiences of feeling wronged and helpless all combined into this one moment for me. Like it was all the same. I then remembered E.E. It did not stop the shaking right away but it did calm me down ALOT! I would really love to see an E.E. workshop in central Texas!

Shaking and trembling is good! Your body is processing what has happened to you, which will prevent you from developing any trauma, or that is what I understood from Peter Levine's 'In an Unspoken Voice'. Have you read the book? There is a thread about him here on the forum.

I don't know if the lightening had anything to do with my situation but it was very uncanny.
Here is the link for those poor guys that got struck a town away.Actually knocked off shoes and socks!Although It probably just my imagination but Texas just feels pretty electric the past few months. Like surges.

http://www.kvue.com/news/local/3-construction-workers-hit-by-lightning-205283301.html

Lots of stuff is happening in Texas, yes. Take care of yourself, others around you may feel this electricity, too, as you put it and do crazy stuff, as you have just experienced.

Added: About that wall that you mentioned, you will have to start climbing it and then eventually you will see the rope on the other side. Maybe you see that wall, because that is the trauma of previous experiences talking? All the more reason to read Peter's book, OSIT. And to do EE on a very regular basis. The diet also helps a lot. :) A lot of homework! ;)

 

[angelburst29]

Quote from: Horseofadifferentcolor

All the reasons listed are things that have left me with large scars. We are still recovering money wise from some of this. Months of pain, hours and hours of phone calls and paperwork, and trying to do the right thing left us broke(lived on gift cards for a few months) We pay are bills just fine and are able to feed ourself and our farm animals now but the luxury of finding a good lawyer to work pro-bono or cheap seems out of reach. I know how negative this sounds but it is the wall I see in front of me. No one is on the other side with a rope.


I can feel the pain and frustration in your words, much like being between a rock and a hard place. I wish I lived in Texas and could help but having more information on your over-all situation, I'd like to add a few more suggestions.

You mentioned contacting the neighbors, there may be a slight chance, one has a Metal Detector? If not, the only option is when you're financially able to afford one. In the event, a neighbor has one, see if you could work something out - where both properties are scanned and evidence is gathered properly. it would be easier to get other neighbors interested in investing their time, in doing the same, if they know evidence has been gathered.

If you find you have to go "solo" and collect evidence yourself, it's best to have a partner to help.

As to finding a good Lawyer to work Pro-bono, you have the option of visiting the Sheriff's Office in person, AFTER you have gathered evidence and relating your situation and your need to find a qualified Lawyer to handle the Case - on your terms. This is where the photo's come into play and a small sampling of the evidence in the baggies. Leave the remainder of the baggies/evidence in a secure safe place. You only need a sampling, which the Sheriff may ask to do ballistics on to get caliber(s). In the event that happens, you are to receive a form with a number on it, identifying it as evidence and signed by the Sheriff with date and time. It works from there.

 

[Horseofadifferentcolor]

Thanks, Mariama for the link on Peter Levine's book. It made me feel a lot better about why I could not "control" myself and my shaking. I really hated that feeling.

Also thank you angelburst 29 for your advice.

We got a medal detector coming in the mail. Every single one of the people living next to us have gone back to sleep but promise they will call next time. I pointed out that next time one bullet is all it takes to not be able to make that phone call. This is nuts. I am also looking to get some game cameras to record it if it happens again.

Until I have bullets and video or someone is shot the authorities can not and will not do a thing. No lawyer will take on I saw, I heard, no but, well... no but, well he was shooting........ It does not matter that the police were here squatting on the ground with bullet proof vests on, on file the first time. The warden says he will have to be prosecuted and then have to come out for forensics. We walked the property line between his and another land owners and their is no way he could have shot into our place without trespassing on to next land. Two hills are in the way. Unless bullets do flips in the sky? They also have to witness that this is the man shooting from there and prove he owns the gun of the bullets found.

So, I still am climbing that rope but just wanted to thank everyone for the words of encouragement. :)

 

[angelburst29]

Quote from: Horseofadifferentcolor
They also have to witness that this is the man shooting from there and prove he owns the gun of the bullets found.

Hi Horseofadifferentcolor, it's not always necessary to witness him shooting from his property, although it would be in your favor and the best case scenario. Alot of variables involved, such as, if your properties border one another or if there's a third party property, in-between? The type of rifle(s) involved and their estimated range/speed which is why the suggestion was given to collect evidence. If you have bullets wiz by you and he's tresspassing on your or a third party property in the process, he just compounded his problems - which gives you even more ammo (pun intended) to legally go after him. His actions are not by accident.

Depending on the circumstances, at some point, his rifle(s) will have to be tested. There's several ways that can manifest, one being, depending on your evidence collected, cataloged and photographed, along with ballistic testing, the Sheriff can approach and petition a Court Judge for a Search Warrent. (At no expense - to you.)

Alot depends on the amount of evidence you can collect and the percentage of evidence found around your homestead and dwellings or near Livestock. Open fields is one thing (still counts) but near living quarters - takes on a more serious outlook within the Court system. It places you right in harm's way, through no fault of your own.

For example, say you collect 200 bullet fragments and 90 are near and within 500 ft. of the Homestead, other buildings and grazing area for Livestock, the 90 would be considered a "high number' of incidence. The other 110 would be considered "within range" due to being on your property. Any one of those bullets could have hit a Living target, intended or not.

It's within your Rights and best interest, to collect evidence now, on your own time and terms. Worse case scenario, someone gets hurt or you find an animal down/dead and having to scramble to piece things together for a shred of evidence. In most cases, it's collected half-hazardly and not enough for full compensation by the Courts. Time is on your side, use it wisely to stop him in his tracts. You may still be compensated, to some degree, depending on the evidence and if and when he's cited.