Index

New York Justification in Self-Defense

Summary

New York requires a duty to retreat in many circumstances before using deadly physical force, unless the person is in their own home or is preventing certain violent crimes.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    You can use physical force to defend yourself from what you believe to be the use of illegal force by another.
  • 02.
    You must retreat if you know you can do so with complete safety, except when in your own home.
  • 03.
    You may use deadly force to stop a kidnapping, rape, or robbery.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Unjustified use of deadly force can result in a Class A-I felony conviction for Murder.
  • 02.
    Excessive force can lead to Manslaughter or Assault convictions with varying prison terms.

Verified Citations

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