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5 things to know about the Castle Doctrine

Trotwood police say it’s not likely a homeowner will face charges for a deadly shooting during a home invasion.

There was a time here in Ohio when you had to run away from an intruder before using deadly force.

The law changed in 2008, allowing you to defend yourself first if someone illegally breaks into your home, or even your car.

On Monday, a Trotwood woman unloaded her Glock handgun after three armed robbers kicked in the door of her home. One of those bullets struck and later killed Azikiwe Presley.

Former police officer and political science and public administration professor David Rich said it’s up to prosecutors to prove those homeowners’ lives were not in danger.

“Any time you break into someone’s home, invade someone’s property, you are in immediate, eminent threat of lethal force being used on you,” Rich said.

Here are 5 things to know about the Castle Doctrine:

  • Allows the use of lethal force to defend against intruders in homes or vehicles rather than requiring a victim to first retreat if possible.
  • Stems from English common law.
  • Most states have it in some form.
  • Differs from Stand Your Ground Laws, which Ohio does not have, and involve self-defense outside the home.
  • Ohio's law also bars criminals from recovering damages for injuries inflicted by victims.

Sources: Ohio State Bar Association and University of Dayton Law Professor Emeritus Tom Hagel

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