Use of deadly physical force against an intruder.

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(1) The general assembly hereby recognizes that the citizens of Colorado have a right to expect absolute safety within their own homes.

  1. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 18-1-704, any occupant of a dwelling isjustified in using any degree of physical force, including deadly physical force, against another person when that other person has made an unlawful entry into the dwelling, and when the occupant has a reasonable belief that such other person has committed a crime in the dwelling in addition to the uninvited entry, or is committing or intends to commit a crime against a person or property in addition to the uninvited entry, and when the occupant reasonably believes that such other person might use any physical force, no matter how slight, against any occupant.

  2. Any occupant of a dwelling using physical force, including deadly physical force, inaccordance with the provisions of subsection (2) of this section shall be immune from criminal prosecution for the use of such force.

  3. Any occupant of a dwelling using physical force, including deadly physical force, inaccordance with the provisions of subsection (2) of this section shall be immune from any civil liability for injuries or death resulting from the use of such force.

  4. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "dwelling" does notinclude any place of habitation in a detention facility, as defined in section 18-8-211 (4).

Source: L. 85: Entire section added, p. 662, § 1, effective June 6. L. 2016: (5) added, (HB 16-1190), ch. 87, p. 245, § 1, effective August 10.

Cross references: For limitations on civil suits against persons using physical force in defense of a person or to prevent the commission of a felony, see § 13-80-119.


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