Stand Your Ground in New Hampshire
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
New Hampshire allows force without retreat duty anywhere you have a legal right to be.
How New Hampshire treats Stand Your Ground
New Hampshire permits you to use force, including deadly force, without a duty to retreat when you are in any place where you have a legal right to be. This includes your home, vehicle, and public spaces. You may use force if you reasonably believe it is necessary to protect yourself or another person from imminent harm. New Hampshire law does not require you to attempt escape before defending yourself.
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 New Hampshire.