Protecting a Home
Ala. Code § 13A-3-25 — force against a trespasser, and deadly force for a break in or an arson
A person in lawful possession or control of premises, or licensed or privileged to be there, may use physical force to the extent reasonably believed necessary to prevent or end what is reasonably believed to be a criminal trespass.
Who handles this in Alabama: legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the Alabama directory.
Deadly physical force in defense of premises is allowed only in defense of a person, or when reasonably believed necessary to prevent a first or second degree arson by the trespasser.
A forced entry. Deadly force is presumed justified against someone unlawfully and forcefully entering, or who has entered, a dwelling, business or occupied vehicle, when the defender knows or has reason to believe it is happening. The presumption does not apply against a lawful resident or owner of the place with no protection order against them, against a police officer on duty, or for a defender engaged in unlawful activity.
Sources for this section (2)
- Ala. Code § 13A-3-25 — Use of Force in Defense of Premises
- Ala. Code § 13A-3-23 — Use of Force in Defense of a Person
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Alabama attorney.