Stand Your Ground in Virginia
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Virginia has no stand-your-ground law; you must retreat if safely possible before using force.
How Virginia treats Stand Your Ground
Virginia maintains a duty to retreat when you can do so safely, meaning you cannot claim self-defense if you had a reasonable opportunity to escape. However, you have no duty to retreat in your own home, vehicle, or workplace. Virginia allows the use of force—including deadly force—when you reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death, serious bodily injury, or certain felonies, but only after exhausting retreat options outside these protected spaces.
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 Virginia.