When is deadly force justified in Arizona?
Arizona law lets you use deadly force only when a reasonable person would believe it’s immediately necessary to stop another’s use or attempted use of unlawful deadly force:
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Self-defense: ARS §13-405 (deadly force) & §13-404 (physical force).
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Defense of others: ARS §13-406 (same standard applied to protecting someone else).
Home & property situations
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Defense of premises: You may use force to prevent/terminate a criminal trespass (§13-407). Deadly force still must meet the deadly-force standard (or fall under crime-prevention, below).
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Crime prevention (“castle-style” protection): Deadly force can be justified to stop certain serious crimes (e.g., home invasion, sexual assault) under §13-411, if a reasonable person would believe it’s immediately necessary.
When force is not justified
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Words alone: Verbal insults/provocation aren’t enough.
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Resisting arrest: Even if you think the officer is using too much force (address it in court).
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Initial aggressor: If you provoked the fight, you must withdraw and clearly communicate that before claiming self-defense.
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Innocent bystanders: Justification won’t cover reckless injury to a third person.
“Stand Your Ground” in Arizona
Arizona imposes no duty to retreat if you’re lawfully present and not committing a crime (often called “Stand Your Ground,” though AZ doesn’t use that label). If retreat is safe and obvious, jurors may still consider it when judging reasonableness.
Common real-world examples
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Home intruder at night: If you reasonably believe the intruder poses an immediate deadly-force threat, deadly force can be justified—even if the intruder turns out to be unarmed.
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Parking-lot confrontation: Deadly force is justified only if the other person uses or attempts to use deadly force; property disputes alone don’t qualify.
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Third-party defense: Same rules—your belief must be reasonable and immediate.
What to do after a defensive shooting
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Call 911: Report the emergency, request medical help.
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Say little: Identify yourself, location, need for aid. Do not give a detailed statement.
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Ask for a lawyer: “I’m invoking my right to remain silent and I want my attorney.”
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Preserve evidence: Don’t move casing/shells or alter the scene; keep potential witnesses nearby.
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Avoid statements to insurers, bystanders, or social media.
How Ted Law defends self-defense cases
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Justification build-out: Scene reconstruction, lighting/sightlines, 911 audio, surveillance, gunshot-residue & trajectory, medical records, prior acts of the aggressor (where admissible).
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Reasonableness narrative: Your perceptions, timing, distances, and threat cues (weapons, disparity of force, multiple attackers).
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Constitutional challenges: Unlawful searches, Miranda issues, coerced statements.
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Charge reduction/alternatives: Where full justification is disputed, pursue lesser-included offenses or non-dangerous designations.
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This page is general information, not legal advice. Your facts matter—call to discuss your specific situation.