Self-Defense Laws in Georgia

Georgia has a stand-your-ground law. A person who uses threats or force in defense of self or others (§ 16-3-21), of a habitation (§ 16-3-23) or of other property (§ 16-3-24) 'has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and use force as provided in said Code sections, including deadly force.' A person who uses force justified under these sections is immune from criminal prosecution, unless, in using deadly force, the person used a weapon that it was unlawful for him or her to carry or possess.

A person may threaten or use force to prevent or end another's unlawful entry into or attack on a habitation (defined as 'any dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business' in § 16-3-24.1). Deadly force is justified only if: (1) the entry is 'made or attempted in a violent and tumultuous manner' and the person reasonably believes it is to assault someone inside and force is needed to prevent it; (2) the force is used against someone 'who is not a member of the family or household' who 'unlawfully and forcibly enters' the residence and the person knew or had reason to believe an unlawful and forcible entry occurred; or (3) the person reasonably believes the entry is to commit a felony inside and force is needed to prevent it. There is no duty to retreat (§ 16-3-23.1), justified force brings immunity from criminal prosecution (§ 16-3-24.2), and a person justified in using such force cannot be held liable in a civil lawsuit arising from it (§ 51-11-9).