Stand Your Ground in Arkansas
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Arkansas allows force without retreat duty in your home, vehicle, or workplace, with limited expansion to other locations.
How Arkansas treats Stand Your Ground
Arkansas recognizes a stand-your-ground right primarily in your dwelling, vehicle, or workplace where you have a legal right to be. You may use force, including deadly force, without retreat if you reasonably believe it necessary to prevent death, serious bodily injury, or a felony. Arkansas law also permits defense of another person in certain circumstances. The statute creates a presumption that your use of force was reasonable if you were lawfully present in the location.
The general definition of Stand Your Ground
A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.
Stand your ground laws permit a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves against a threat without first trying to escape or avoid the danger. These laws eliminate the traditional legal duty to retreat before using force. They apply in places where a person has a legal right to be, such as their home, workplace, or public spaces. Stand your ground laws are controversial because they expand when people can legally use deadly force, and they vary significantly by state.
Read the full Stand Your Ground entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Arkansas.