Index
New York Justification: Use of Physical Force
Summary
New York law allows the use of physical force for defense but imposes a duty to retreat in public if the person knows they can avoid the use of deadly force with complete safety.
Rights & Rules
- 01.You can use physical force to defend yourself from what you believe is the illegal use of force by another person.
- 02.You do not have to retreat if you are in your own home and were not the initial aggressor.
- 03.You may use deadly force if you reasonably believe the other person is using or about to use deadly physical force.
Penalties
- 01.Manslaughter charges if the duty to retreat was ignored despite a safe exit being available.
- 02.Criminal possession of a weapon charges if the tool used for defense was not legally owned.
- 03.Possible prison sentences ranging from 5 to 25 years for unjustified use of force.
Verified Citations
Justification; use of physical force in defense of a person
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