For those who say the OP would have been charged - that is highly dependent on where he lives.
In Florida or Georgia, once the alleged pizza guy crossed any part if his body forcibly over the threshold, Castle Doctrine would apply, as Burglary and Forcible Entry are both covered under that law in both states.
In both Orlando and Atlanta, this scenario would raise hackles and warning bells.
In other states, it could depend on police and prosecutor bias.
The OP has repeatedly (from post 1) stated he erred in opening the door. He has not struck me as being bloodthirsty or Mitty-esque.
Some of the responses he has received have been kind of chicken little, though, or MMQB.
FWIW, if I had been naive enough to open the door, and had the guy tried to force his way in, he would probably be sporting bruises and dog bites, assuming I had no gun handy. Where I live, he would be the one in trouble. My dogs and I would be fine, at least as far as the law goes.
In Florida or Georgia, once the alleged pizza guy crossed any part if his body forcibly over the threshold, Castle Doctrine would apply, as Burglary and Forcible Entry are both covered under that law in both states.
In both Orlando and Atlanta, this scenario would raise hackles and warning bells.
In other states, it could depend on police and prosecutor bias.
The OP has repeatedly (from post 1) stated he erred in opening the door. He has not struck me as being bloodthirsty or Mitty-esque.
Some of the responses he has received have been kind of chicken little, though, or MMQB.
FWIW, if I had been naive enough to open the door, and had the guy tried to force his way in, he would probably be sporting bruises and dog bites, assuming I had no gun handy. Where I live, he would be the one in trouble. My dogs and I would be fine, at least as far as the law goes.