Self Defense
Section 30-2-7 — justifiable in the necessary defense of life, family or property
Homicide is justifiable when committed in any of three cases.
Who handles this in New Mexico: Enlace Comunitario; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the New Mexico directory.
- In the necessary defense of one's life, family or property, or in necessarily defending against any unlawful action directed against oneself, one's spouse or family.
- In the lawful defense of oneself or another, when there is reasonable ground to believe a design exists to commit a felony or do some great personal injury, and imminent danger that the design will be carried out.
- When necessarily committed in trying, by lawful means, to apprehend a person for a felony committed in one's presence, or in lawfully suppressing a riot or keeping the peace.
Whether a particular act was necessary or lawful is decided on the facts of the case, a question for a licensed New Mexico attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- NMSA 1978, § 30-2-7 — Justifiable homicide by citizen
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of November 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New Mexico attorney.