Stand Your Ground in Nevada
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Nevada allows force without retreat in any location where you have a legal right to be present.
How Nevada treats Stand Your Ground
Nevada law permits you to use force, including deadly force, without retreating if you are in a place where you have a legal right to be. This protection extends to your home, vehicle, and any public or private location. Nevada also provides civil immunity from lawsuits for those who use force in justified self-defense. The law applies when you reasonably believe force is necessary to protect yourself from 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 Nevada.