Use of Force to Defend Property

You may use force to defend an occupied structure or other property in these situations.

Occupied Structures

• Using force or threatening to use force against an assailant is justified when you reasonably believe that force is necessary to prevent or stop the assailant from unlawfully entering or attacking an occupied structure.
• If you are justified in using force to protect an occupied structure as described above, using force that is likely to cause death or serious bodily harm (deadly force) is justified only if:
• An assailant has entered or is attempting to enter the structure and you believe it is necessary to prevent an assault on yourself or others inside the occupied structure or...
• You reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent the commission of a forcible felony in the structure.

Other Property

• Using force or threatening to use force against an assailant is justified when you reasonably believe that force is necessary to prevent or stop the assailant from trespassing or from tortuously or criminally interfering with:
• Real property other than an occupied structure or...
• Personal property that is legally possessed by you or an immediate member of your family or household or...
• Personal property that is legally possessed by a person whose property you have a legal duty to protect.
• Using force likely to cause death or serious bodily harm (deadly force) is justified only if you reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.