California Self-Defense and No Duty to Retreat

Summary

While not a statutory 'Stand Your Ground' state, California jury instructions establish that a person being attacked has the right to stand their ground and pursue an assailant until the danger has passed.

Rights & Rules

01.
You can use force that is reasonable and necessary to defend against an immediate threat.
02.
You are allowed to stand your ground and even pursue an attacker if it is necessary for safety.
03.
You can defend others from injury using the same standards applicable to yourself.

Penalties

01.
Voluntary Manslaughter conviction if 'imperfect self-defense' is found (honest but unreasonable belief).
02.
Assault with a deadly weapon charges if the force used was excessive compared to the threat.
03.
Parole or probation violations if a weapon was used by a prohibited person.

Verified Citations

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