Stand Your Ground in Indiana
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Indiana recognizes stand-your-ground rights; you may use force without retreating if lawfully present.
How Indiana treats Stand Your Ground
Indiana Code § 35-41-3-2 allows you to use reasonable force, including deadly force, without duty to retreat when you reasonably believe it necessary to prevent harm. This applies anywhere you have a legal right to be, including your home, vehicle, and public spaces. You need not attempt to escape before defending yourself. The law covers defense against both unlawful force and imminent harm.
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 Indiana.