Shooting Through a Door Is Not Self-Defense
Shooting Through a Door Is Not Self-Defense — Here’s What Colorado Law Actually Says
If you can’t clearly identify a threat, you can’t justify deadly force. This post explains the Whitestown, IN incident and clarifies how Colorado law works: no general “Stand Your Ground,” no duty to retreat, and a tightly limited “Make My Day” statute.
Why this matters
In a recent incident reported out of Whitestown, Indiana, a homeowner fired through a closed front door and killed a house cleaner who had arrived at the wrong address. Police later stated the victims never gained entry.
Firing through a closed door is reckless: you can’t see, identify, or articulate an imminent deadly threat.
Colorado — The Actual Rules (Plain English)
1) Colorado does not have a general “Stand Your Ground” statute
There’s no blanket immunity for using deadly force outside the home. You still have to justify necessity and reasonableness.
2) Colorado also does not impose a duty to retreat
You are not legally required to run away when facing unlawful force. But if you use deadly force, you must show it was immediately necessary to stop an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury.
3) Reasonableness controls
Deadly force must be necessary, proportional, and based on a reasonable belief of an imminent deadly threat.
4) “Make My Day” is narrow and only inside your dwelling
- Applies inside your dwelling after an unlawful entry.
- You reasonably believe the intruder intends to commit a crime inside and may use physical force.
- Provides criminal/civil immunity if those conditions are met.
Important: Porches, yards, driveways, and shooting through a closed door from inside do not automatically qualify.
Translate It: Common Scenarios
| Scenario | What Colorado Law Expects |
|---|---|
| Stranger knocks / wrong address | Not justification for deadly force. |
| Shooting through a closed door | Reckless. You cannot identify a threat; expect criminal liability. |
| Forced entry, person inside crosses threshold | May trigger Make My Day immunity if elements are met. |
| Person on porch/driveway jiggling handle | No Make My Day; standard self-defense rules and articulation required. |
| Outside your home | No Stand-Your-Ground immunity; no duty to retreat; reasonableness governs. |
Key Takeaways
- You own every bullet you fire.
- If you can’t see the threat, you can’t justify the shot.
- Inside the home ≠ automatic immunity. Elements must be met.
- Training and legal understanding are part of responsible gun ownership.
Quick FAQ
Does Colorado have Stand Your Ground?
No general Stand-Your-Ground statute. Use of force must still be reasonable and necessary under the circumstances.
Do I have to retreat?
No. Colorado does not impose a duty to retreat. But the absence of a duty doesn’t make an unreasonable shooting lawful.
When does “Make My Day” apply?
Only inside your dwelling, after unlawful entry, with a reasonable belief the intruder intends a crime and may use force.
Is shooting through a closed door ever okay?
Practically speaking, no. You can’t positively identify a threat or articulate imminent danger through an opaque barrier.
Responsible armed citizens know the law and get training.
Enroll in a class •
719-821-3958 • Pueblo, CO
Educational content, not legal advice. Laws change and facts matter—consult an attorney for specific situations.
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