Stand Your Ground in Maryland
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Maryland requires retreat when safely possible; stand-your-ground does not apply statewide.
How Maryland treats Stand Your Ground
Maryland does not recognize a stand-your-ground law and instead imposes a duty to retreat when you can do so safely and without risk of harm. You may use force only if retreat is not possible or would increase your danger. Maryland law permits self-defense but requires you to attempt to avoid conflict through retreat before resorting to force, making it fundamentally different from stand-your-ground jurisdictions.
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 Maryland.