District of Columbia Self-Defense Laws

Despite ongoing debates about gun laws, most Americans believe that citizens should have the right to defend themselves. Every state has self-defense laws that allow people to use force to defend themselves in the face of a physical threat. The specific circumstances in which the law allows self-defense vary from state to state.

The primary distinguishing factor among self-defense laws is whether they impose a duty to retreat before using force. States that do not have this requirement maintain "stand your ground laws." Other states follow the castle doctrine, where there's a duty to retreat unless you're defending yourself in your home, place of business, or sometimes even your car.

This article explains how the self-defense laws in Washington, D.C., work. It also provides links to the specific statutes. Read on to learn more about self-defense in the District of Columbia.

Understanding Self-Defense Laws in D.C.

According to the jury instructions used by the D.C. courts, a person can use force to defend themselves if they actually and reasonably believe they're in danger of serious bodily harm or death. However, the law requires that individuals take reasonable steps to avoid taking someone's life.

If the person claiming self-defense was the aggressor, the self-defense laws don't apply. This is especially true if the case involves the use of deadly force.

Washington D.C. Self-Defense Laws: An Overview

Statutes are a good place to learn about laws, but statutory language can be difficult to decipher. The following chart provides an overview of the D.C. self-defense laws and links to relevant sections of the D.C. Code.

Disclaimer: State laws are subject to change through new legislation, higher court rulings, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information, consult a criminal defense attorney in D.C., Virginia, or Maryland to verify your state laws.

District of Columbia Self-Defense Laws: Related Resources

The articles below provide additional sources for research:

• District of Columbia Gun Control Laws
• District of Columbia Voluntary Manslaughter Laws
• States With Stand Your Ground Laws
• Self-Defense, Defense of Others, and Intentional Torts

Questions About District of Columbia Self-Defense Laws? Talk to an Attorney

If you’re facing criminal charges for murder or assault, consider meeting with a local criminal defense attorney. The penalties for these crimes are severe and will impact every aspect of your life.

Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to claim self-defense. Ideally, the court will agree that your case involved a self-defense situation. If not, your attorney can work to present evidence showing you were in imminent danger of bodily harm or that your attacker threatened you with a handgun.

Certain circumstances warrant the use of force. Under D.C. law, you can use reasonable force to defend yourself. You may need an attorney to prove that the amount of force you used was, in fact, reasonable.