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Originally Posted by cj2112
No. In SOME states you are allowed to use deadly force to defend property. In MOST states, you are not allowed to use deadly force to defend property, you are only allowed to use deadly force to defend people. In many states, even if somebody kicks your front door in, it is illegal to use deadly force.
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It varies from state to state, but justification for lethal force is usually along the lines of "to prevent death or serious bodily harm" or "to prevent or interrupt the commission of a felony." In most states, a reasonable belief that the trespasser posed a real threat to you or to others is enough, but in the end it depends on where the DA or prosecutor stands on gun ownership and self defense and how well each side does in jury selection. Being innocent doesn't save you from legal fees unless you're in Washington state, where being acquitted of charges related to self defense comes with the state reimbursing you.