July 4, 2025 | Criminal Defense
Indiana law gives people in Indianapolis the right to protect themselves in certain situations. However, this right has limits, and using force (even to defend yourself) can still result in criminal charges if the law is misunderstood or misapplied.
Learning about how self-defense works in Indianapolis is crucial if you ever find yourself in a dangerous or threatening situation. It could also make the difference if you’re facing charges for an act you believed was justified.
What Is Self-Defense Under Indiana Law?
In Indiana, self-defense means using reasonable force to protect yourself, your property, or another person from a threat.
According to state law, you have the right to act if you reasonably believe force is necessary to stop:
- Unlawful force or threat of force against you or someone else
- A forcible felony
- An unlawful entry or attack on your home or vehicle
You’re not necessarily required to wait to be attacked. If you believe you’re in danger of serious bodily harm and that belief is considered reasonable, you may be able to use force to defend yourself, depending on the facts of the situation.
Does Indiana Have a Stand Your Ground Law?
Yes. Indiana has a “stand your ground” law. This means that if you are in a place where you have a legal right to be, you do not have a duty to retreat before using force (even deadly force in some circumstances) in self-defense.
For example, if someone threatens you in a public place, you do not have to run away first. If your belief that you were in danger was reasonable, and the level of force you used was appropriate, the law may protect your actions.
When Can You Use Deadly Force in Indianapolis?
Deadly force is only allowed in limited circumstances.
Indiana law says you can use deadly force to stop:
- Someone from killing or seriously harming you or another person
- A person committing a forcible felony
- Someone unlawfully and forcefully entering your home or vehicle
However, the key is reasonableness. If your response is too extreme for the situation, you could still be charged with a crime. For example, using deadly force in response to a minor threat may not be legally protected.
What if You’re Arrested After Acting in Self-Defense?
It’s not unusual for someone to be arrested even if they acted in self-defense. Police may not know all the facts at the time, and they might charge you while they investigate further. If this happens, don’t panic, but don’t try to talk your way out of it either.
Instead, do the following:
- Stay calm and avoid resisting arrest
- Ask to speak with an attorney before answering questions
- Avoid discussing the incident with anyone but your lawyer
- Gather any evidence or witnesses that could help support your version of events
A skilled criminal defense attorney can present your case clearly and argue for your legal right to self-defense.
Contact the Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyers at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers for Help Today
Self-defense cases are complex, and the law doesn’t protect every use of force. If you’ve been arrested or charged after an incident involving self-defense, it’s important to get legal help right away.
A criminal defense lawyer at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers can review your case and work to help you secure the most favorable outcome possible. You may have strong legal defenses available to you, but you need someone who knows how to use them.
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers give us a call today at (317) 759-2599 or visit us at our Indianapolis law office.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers – Indianapolis
101 W Ohio St #2000,
Indianapolis, In 46204
(317) 759-2599
