It varies. In some states, one cannot use lethal force, even in their own home, unless they can demonstrate that their back was literally against the wall. In other states, one has considerable latitude in shooting intruders IF they are completely inside the home. When i was in high school in Texas, our house was robbed. The investigating officer told us that a robber had to be in the house to be shot. If not, he suggested killing the robber and dragging the body in the house to make it legal. A very helpful chap. In other states, I believe that one can use lethal force to defend property outside of the house. Happy hunting....