New York Self Defense Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed January 17, 2018
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
The concept of self defense is a widely accepted legal doctrine that acknowledges that one has the right to use force to protect oneself from harm. The right extends to the protection of others and in some cases property. This behavior is appropriate even when the action under all other circumstances would be considered a crime. Embracing this general principle is fairly standard; every state in the nation has a version of self defense laws. However, there are variations regarding the scope and the extent of acceptable force used and the circumstances under which it may apply. For example, some states have "stand your ground" laws which provide individuals with more leniency when it comes to using deadly force.
New York Self Defense: The Castle Doctrine
New York is not a stand your ground state, but the state does follow a similar doctrine called the "castle doctrine," which allows individuals to use deadly force to defend their homes against intruders. The key distinction between stand your ground and the castle doctrine is that the castle doctrine designates this justification for people in their homes. The rationale is that your home is "your castle" or safe refuge, and that you should not have to run away from your home when defending it against invaders.
Duty to Retreat
What the stand your ground and castle doctrine have in common is that there is no duty to retreat. According to the duty to retreat principles, when an individual is under immediate threat of harm, they are required to retreat from the threat as much as possible. Only then, can the individual use force for self defense purposes; the use of deadly force is considered a last resort.
New York Self Defense Laws at a Glance
The chart below provides a summary of state laws related to New York self defense laws, including links to important code sections.
Statutes |
|
Use of physical force |
Justification is a defense in the following instances:
|
Use of physical force in defense of a person |
A person may use physical force if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to defend himself/ herself or a third party when there is a reasonable belief of imminent use of unlawful physical force |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
New York Self Defense Laws: Related Resources
- States that Have Stand Your Ground Laws
- New York Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws
- New York Criminal Laws
Get Help from a Criminal Lawyer
New York self defense laws can be confusing, making it difficult to understand when physical force is appropriate. If you're concerned about how these laws affect your situation, you should find out more information. Get started by locating a New York criminal defense attorney near you today.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer
- Defense attorneys can help protect your rights
- A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many New York attorneys offer free consultations.
Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life

Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.