Self-Defense Laws in Connecticut

Connecticut has a duty to retreat. A person is not justified in using deadly physical force if he or she knows that the necessity of using it can be avoided with complete safety by retreating, except that the actor is not required to retreat if he or she is in his or her dwelling or place of work and was not the initial aggressor, or is a peace officer or a private person assisting a peace officer at the officer's direction. Deadly force is also not justified if the person knows it can be avoided by surrendering property to a person claiming a right to it, or by complying with a demand to abstain from an act the person is not obligated to perform.

No duty to retreat applies in one's dwelling or place of work if the person was not the initial aggressor (§ 53a-19(b)). A person in possession or control of premises (or licensed or privileged to be there) may use reasonable physical force to prevent or end a criminal trespass, but may use deadly physical force only (1) in defense of a person as provided in § 53a-19, (2) when reasonably believed necessary to prevent the trespasser's attempt to commit arson or any crime of violence, or (3) to the extent reasonably believed necessary to prevent or terminate an unlawful entry by force into his dwelling or place of work, and for the sole purpose of such prevention or termination. Deadly force may not be used merely to defend property against larceny or criminal mischief (§ 53a-21).