Armed robber using the gun to robbery the money with safe background.

What Is Justifiable Homicide by Firearm in the U.S.?

Facing charges and wondering, “what is justifiable homicide?” While homicide by firearm is typically justified in the United States if a person feels threatened with great bodily harm, Minnesota has an additional “duty to retreat” law.

Armed robber using the gun to robbery the money with safe background.

What Is Justifiable Homicide?

Justifiable homicide by use of a firearm is legal in most states under the Castle Doctrine, which states that “a man’s home is his castle.” Under this doctrine, an individual has the right to self-defense if he or she feels threatened by great bodily harm, or is attempting to prevent a felony. In Minnesota, this doctrine applies to all individuals, but there is a “duty to retreat” law which states that a person must stop shooting once the threat is eliminated. If shooting continues, the shooter may be charged with murder under the duty to retreat laws. Self-defense becomes murder at a very specific point.

If Someone Breaks Into Your House, Can You Shoot Them?

In Minnesota, a person is allowed by law to shoot or even kill an intruder who breaks into his or her home and threatens the person with great bodily harm or death. However, the person must stop shooting when the threat is eliminated, even if the intruder is lying on the floor wounded and still alive. In some other states, self-defense laws go even further than Minnesota’s self-defense laws. These states have “stand your ground” laws, rather than “duty to retreat” laws. Generally, “stand your ground” laws allow people to respond to threats or force without fear of criminal prosecution. In “stand your ground” states, a person has no obligation to retreat once the threat of harm is eliminated.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), 25 states currently have “stand your ground” laws. Most of these states are southern states, but specifics on the laws may vary from state to state and states may enforce the laws differently. Florida has the strongest “stand your ground” laws in the country. Florida’s law has drawn considerable attention over the years, most notably in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old killed by George Zimmerman in Sanford, Florida in 2012. Although Zimmerman was charged with Martin’s death, he was eventually acquitted under Florida’s “stand your ground” laws for self-defense.

In 2012, the Minnesota legislature passed a bill that would make Minnesota a “stand your ground” state, expanding justifiable homicide by the use of firearms beyond a person’s home to his or her cars, boats, motor homes, even tents. Then Governor, Mark Dayton, vetoed the bill. That same year, a Minnesota man, Byron Smith, shot and killed two teenagers who broke into his home on Thanksgiving Day. The man told police that he was in fear for his life, even though he wasn’t sure they had a weapon. Police stated that the man seemed to brag about the finishing shot that killed both teenage boys, one 17-year-old and one 18-year-old. Smith admitted to police that he fired more shots than he needed to. The 64-year-old man was charged with murder, a felony offense, because he ignored Minnesota’s “duty to retreat” laws.

How Common Is Self-Defense with Firearms?

According to the Pew Research Center, 48 percent of gun owners say they own a gun for protection. Depending on the people asked, some say they have used their guns in self-defense, while others say they have never used their guns. Recent data from Harvard University shows that the majority of gun owners rarely use their guns for self-defense. Between 2007 and 2011, data shows that only 0.9 percent of gun owners defended themselves from harm with their guns.

Researchers state that the exact number of gun owners who use their guns for self-defense is difficult to prove because most people who commit crimes and get shot in the process don’t go to the hospital for treatment. Criminals wounded by a gun used in self-defense have no incentive to go to a hospital emergency room, because medical professionals are obligated to report gunshot wounds to the police. There are no hospital records of injuries and no records of gunshot victims because most instances of self-defense gun use never get reported to the police.

Although Minnesota and other states have “duty to retreat” and “stand your ground” laws that relate to gun use in self-defense, there are legalities that may play a role in these gunshot cases. For instance, if a person uses a gun for self-defense outside of his or her home, illegal possession of a firearm may impact the outcome of the shooting. Most states require permits to legally carry a gun. If a person does not have a carry permit and shoots someone, even if in self-defense, he or she could face aggravated assault charges. Understanding specific state laws related to justifiable homicide or the different degrees of murder can protect a person from being charged with a crime. Gun owners in all states should know and understand state laws related to self-defense.

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

How a DWI Affects CDL Holders in Minnesota

Commercial motor vehicle drivers arrested or charged with driving while impaired (DWI) may need to know how a DWI affects CDL holders in Minnesota. You will lose your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for at least a year if you are convicted of DWI for the first time, and forever after a second conviction. The consequences go beyond the immediate legal implications of a DWI conviction. A CDL suspension or revocation will lead to job loss, difficulty finding employment, and serious financial challenges.

How a DWI Affects Rideshare Drivers in Minnesota

Knowing how a DWI affects rideshare drivers in Minnesota allows you to take the right steps to protect your license and livelihood. A DWI conviction will lead to suspension or cancellation of your driver’s license. Once you lose your license, you will be ineligible for a work permit required to work for rideshare companies as a driver. You may also face jail time, fines, or ignition interlock device (IID) installation, depending on the seriousness and number of related offenses on your record.

Can Police Search Your Phone Without a Warrant in Minnesota?

People under criminal investigation or whose phones have been seized by law enforcement officers may ask, “Can police search your phone without a warrant in Minnesota?” It’s illegal for police to search your phone without a warrant. However, there are exceptions to the warrant requirement. These exceptions include when you consent to the search, someone’s life is in danger, or there is an immediate risk of evidence destruction.