Washington does not have a specific stand your ground statute, but the state’s Supreme Court has clearly held that there is no duty to retreat before using force in self-defense, as long as you are in a place where you have a legal right to be. This means that if you reasonably believe you are in imminent danger of harm, you may use force—including deadly force if necessary—without first attempting to escape or withdraw from the situation.
To be protected under this principle, you must not be the initial aggressor, and your belief in the need to use force must be reasonable and based on an immediate threat. The force you use must also be proportional to the threat you face; excessive or unnecessary force is not justified and can result in criminal charges. If you are unlawfully present—such as trespassing—you cannot claim the protection of Washington’s stand your ground doctrine.
Washington also follows the Castle Doctrine, which means there is no duty to retreat when defending yourself in your home. The law allows for the use of force to defend others and, in certain situations, to protect property, but always within the bounds of what is reasonable and necessary under the circumstances.
Washington’s stand your ground law, as established by court decisions, allows individuals to defend themselves without retreating, provided they are lawfully present and respond with reasonable force to an immediate threat.
Sources
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stand-your-ground_law
[2] https://giffords.org/lawcenter/state-laws/stand-your-ground-in-washington/
[3] https://www.ncsl.org/civil-and-criminal-justice/self-defense-and-stand-your-ground
[4] https://mcaleerlaw.net/understanding-washington-states-stand-your-ground-law/
[5] https://www.tromboldlaw.com/blog/is-washington-a-stand-your-ground-state/
