Can You Legally Shoot Trespassers in Arizona?

Trespassing: Entering someone's property without permission.

If someone violates the sanctity of your private property, when is it legal to defend your family and yourself?

When is it Legal to Defend Your Property?

It's important to know Arizona law and what you're legally allowed to do to defend your property if someone trespasses. It could save you time and trouble if you're ever put into this position.

Arizona's gun laws are more open than in other states; however, using a firearm comes with its own set of responsibilities. It's important to ensure you have a good understanding of the consequences should you ever have to defend your decision to use lethal force.

Concealed and Open Carry in Arizona

First, it's always good to get training on how to use your firearm in order to understand how and when to use it.

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If you're legally permitted to buy a gun, training is the first step toward using it safely. Some of the requirements are age, of course, but you also have to pass a background check in order to purchase one. The background check covers mental and criminal history, plus you have to be a legal Arizona and United States resident.

While Arizona law doesn't require a permit to open carry, you are required to be at least eighteen years old, and to carry a concealed weapon, you must be at least 21 years old.

You'll need to respect location restrictions when carrying a gun. For example, you're not allowed to bring a gun into places like schools, and government buildings are off-limits. Plus, if there's a posted sign, you're not allowed to carry your weapon there, either.

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So, Is It Legal to Use Deadly Force Against a Trespasser?

Arizona's self-defense laws include a “stand your ground” law. Essentially, individuals are legally allowed to protect themselves and their property against threats. There are subtle caveats you should know about if you're ever faced with this situation.

First, you're not allowed to shoot anyone just because they come onto your property uninvited. The use of lethal force against someone merely for trespassing may not be legally justifiable.

ChelleLaw.com says, "The law permits the use of force only when there is a reasonable belief of imminent physical harm or a serious threat to one’s life or property.

 

This law in Arizona has many layers, and it's essential to understand them before you resort to any form of self-defense.

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The Arizona Castle Law

Have you heard of the “Castle Doctrine”? According to ChelleLaw.com, Arizona follows this law, which allows "individuals to use force, including deadly force, to protect themselves, their family, and their property from an intruder.”

However, the use of force must be reasonable and proportional to the threat faced. The Castle Doctrine can be found in Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-405."

Training is Key to Understanding the Law

So, no. You're not allowed to shoot someone simply because they trespass on your property. But there are situations where you're legally allowed to defend your life and your property.

If you're planning to purchase a firearm, or if you already own one, consider taking a training course, like a concealed carry (CCW) course. Not only do these courses help educate students on the law, but they also highlight the repercussions of using deadly force.

And even though Arizona doesn't require you to have a permit to conceal carry, our state laws change constantly.

Also, other states have reciprocity agreements with Arizona permit holders, so if you're planning to take your firearm out of state, it's good to know where you can legally bring it.

For more information on gun laws in Arizona, visit the Arizona Department of Public Safety.