In Illinois, people are legally allowed to defend themselves from intruders in their homes. While this idea, known as the Castle Doctrine, may seem straightforward, it becomes complicated when the person protecting his home ends up using a deadly weapon against someone he considers a threat. Is the Castle Doctrine enough to keep you out of jail after you open fire on another person? Is it a strong enough defense to avoid a criminal conviction for using deadly force? To learn more, speak with an accomplished Chicago, IL criminal defense lawyer.
What is The Castle Doctrine?
Based on the idea that a person’s home is their “castle” and you do not need to retreat if you are attacked in your own space, the Castle Doctrine states that you have the right to use force if someone enters your home unlawfully or tries to harm you or your family. This force can even be deadly if the situation calls for it. You are under no obligation to flee from the threat. Instead you are rather authorized to confront it.