Stand Your Ground in Washington
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Washington has no stand-your-ground law; retreat is required when safe, except in your home.
How Washington treats Stand Your Ground
Washington imposes a duty to retreat when you can do so safely before using force in self-defense. The exception is your own home, where you may stand your ground. Washington allows use of force—including deadly force—when reasonably necessary to prevent harm, but the retreat requirement significantly limits when you can legally use force outside your residence. Courts examine whether a reasonable person would have believed retreat was safe and possible.
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 Washington.