Castle Doctrine and Duty to Retreat

🏠 Castle Doctrine (MN Statute 609.065)

Under Minnesota law, you are legally allowed to defend yourself or others inside your home from a felony-level threat — without a duty to retreat.

If an intruder is unlawfully entering or has unlawfully entered your dwelling, and you reasonably believe they intend to commit a felony or cause great bodily harm or death, you may use deadly force to stop the threat.

🚶 Duty to Retreat (Outside the Home)

Minnesota is not a “Stand Your Ground” state. This means that, outside of your home, if you can safely avoid using deadly force — such as by retreating — you may be legally expected to do so.

• Retreat is not required inside your own home
• Retreat may be required in public or workplace settings if it can be done safely
• Juries will evaluate whether retreat was a safe, reasonable option before force was used

⚖️ Summary:

• At home: You have no duty to retreat when facing a felony threat
• In public: You may have a duty to avoid using deadly force if retreat is safely possible

These rules apply to both criminal charges and civil liability. Every use of force will be evaluated based on whether it was justified and necessary under the specific facts and circumstances.