Connecticut Castle Doctrine Laws
The "Castle Doctrine" is the right people have to protect themselves inside their homes by using reasonable and/or deadly force. Connecticut does NOT observe a “Stand-Your-Ground" law which refers to outside of the home (in public); all citizens have a "duty to retreat" if it can be done safely.
So-called "stand-your-ground" laws have been in the news in recent years, particularly since the death of Trayvon Martin, In some states, these laws are cited by defendants who have injured or killed someone whom they said was threatening their them or someone else.
These laws vary among states, so it's essential to know what is allowed under Connecticut law, our state has no stand-your-ground law. In fact, Connecticut is one of the states that has what is known as a "duty to retreat." That means that if you can safely get out of a situation without harming or killing someone, you are required to do so. Although the state legislature has tried to expand the state's Castle Doctrine and enact stand-your-ground laws, so far lawmakers have not succeeded.
If you are facing criminal charges for using force against someone whom you felt was endangering yourself or others, it is essential to seek legal guidance. Every case is different, so it is important to show that you feared for your safety or that of others when you took action. An experienced Connecticut criminal defense attorney can work to help you do that.
Source: Connecticut General Assembly, "The Castle Doctrine and Stand-Your-Ground Law," Mark Randall and Hendrik DeBoer, accessed Jan. 21, 2016