When Can I Use Deadly Force in Washington State?

Published on September 18, 2021
Duration: 8:16

William Kirk of Washington Gun Law explains the legal framework for using deadly force in Washington State. He emphasizes that force must be necessary, reasonable, and proportional. Deadly force is defined as intentional application of force likely to cause death or serious physical injury. Homicide is justifiable if committed in lawful defense against an attempted felony or great personal injury, with imminent danger of its accomplishment, or in resistance of a felony attempt within one's dwelling.

Quick Summary

In Washington State, deadly force is legally justifiable when resisting an attempted felony or an imminent threat of death or great personal injury to oneself or others. Force must be necessary, reasonable, and proportional to the threat, as defined by RCW 9.81.010 and clarified by case law like State v. Walden.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction to Washington Gun Law TV
  2. 00:09Question: When Can I Use Deadly Force?
  3. 01:00Refresher: General Self-Defense Laws
  4. 01:43Defining Deadly Force in Washington
  5. 01:51RCW 9.81.010: Definition of Deadly Force
  6. 02:32RCW 9.81.050: Justifiable Homicide
  7. 03:25Justifiable Homicide: Attempted Felony
  8. 03:51Justifiable Homicide: Felony Resistance in Dwelling
  9. 04:50Case Law: State v. Walden
  10. 05:07State v. Walden: Threat of Death or Great Personal Injury
  11. 05:23Revisiting Self-Defense Principles
  12. 05:34Proportionality of Deadly Force
  13. 06:01Right to Act vs. Should Act
  14. 06:13Consequences of Using Deadly Force
  15. 07:11Summary of When Deadly Force is Permissible
  16. 07:38Contact Washington Gun Law
  17. 08:03Conclusion and Stay Safe

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal definition of deadly force in Washington State?

In Washington State, deadly force is defined as the intentional application of force through the use of firearms or any other means reasonably likely to cause death or serious physical injury, according to RCW 9.81.010.

Under what circumstances is homicide considered justifiable in Washington State?

Homicide is justifiable in Washington State if committed in lawful defense against an attempted felony or great personal injury, with imminent danger of its accomplishment, or in resistance of a felony attempt within one's dwelling or place of abode, as per RCW 9.81.050.

What are the key principles of self-defense force in Washington?

Any force used in self-defense in Washington must be necessary, meaning no other alternatives exist. It must also be reasonable, both objectively and subjectively, and proportional to the force being repelled.

Does case law provide further clarification on using deadly force in Washington?

Yes, case law like State v. Walden clarifies that deadly force in self-defense is permissible only if the individual reasonably believes they are threatened with death or great personal injury.

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