If you’ve been charged with a violent crime in Missouri—like assault, manslaughter, or even homicide — one of the most powerful legal tools you might have is the right to self-defense.

But Missouri’s laws aren’t just about “standing your ground” or “defending yourself.” They have specific rules, limits, and conditions.

At KC Defense Counsel, our experienced Kansas City self defense attorneys help clients throughout Kansas City and Missouri understand and assert their self-defense rights. Here’s what you need to know if you’re facing charges and believe your actions were justified.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED SELF-DEFENSE IN MISSOURI?

Missouri law allows individuals to use physical force, including deadly force, when they reasonably believe it’s necessary to protect themselves or others from harm.

According to Missouri Revised Statutes § 563.031, you can use force to defend against:

Unlawful force
Imminent harm
A threat of death, serious injury, or a forcible felony

WHEN CAN YOU USE SELF-DEFENSE?

You may legally use force if:

You reasonably believe it’s necessary to protect yourself or someone else
The threat is immediate and unlawful
You didn’t provoke the other person into attacking
You are not engaged in criminal activity yourself at the time

WHAT ABOUT DEADLY FORCE?

Missouri law allows the use of deadly force only when You reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent:

Death
Serious physical injury
Or the commission of a forcible felony (like robbery, burglary, rape, or arson)

Deadly force is not allowed to simply stop a non-violent crime, trespassing, or verbal threats.

MISSOURI’S “STAND YOUR GROUND” LAW

Missouri is a Stand Your Ground state. That means:

You do not have to retreat, even if you could safely walk away.
You may stand your ground and use force—even deadly force—if you are somewhere you have a legal right to be (your home, your car, a public space, etc.).

This gives you strong protection, but only if all other conditions for self-defense are met.

WHAT IS THE “CASTLE DOCTRINE” IN MISSOURI?

The Castle Doctrine is a specific self-defense rule that applies to:

Your home
Your vehicle
Other property you lawfully occupy

If someone unlawfully enters or attempts to enter your home or vehicle, Missouri law presumes you acted in self-defense, making it harder for prosecutors to challenge your actions.

WHEN SELF-DEFENSE DOES NOT APPLY

You cannot claim self-defense if:

You were the initial aggressor
You were engaged in illegal activity at the time (e.g., drug deals, illegal weapons possession)
The force used was clearly excessive
The threat was not immediate or real

Even in self-defense claims, the court will evaluate your mindset, your actions, and the level of force used.

WHY YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED MISSOURI CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER ON YOUR SIDE

Self-defense cases are legally complex and heavily scrutinized by prosecutors.

At KC Defense Counsel, we:

Review all evidence, witness statements, and video
Gather expert opinions when needed
Challenge biased or one-sided police reports
Build a full timeline showing what you knew and believed at the time
Argue for complete dismissal or reduced charges based on your right to defend yourself

CALL KC DEFENSE COUNSEL AND LET US HELP DEFEND YOU

Missouri law gives you the right to protect yourself but only under very specific conditions.

If you’re facing charges after defending yourself or someone else, you need to act fast. The sooner you talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney, the better your chances of asserting your rights and clearing your name.

If you’re accused of a violent crime and believe you acted in self-defense, call KC Defense Counsel now for a free case evaluation. Our affordable Kansas City self defense attorneys serve clients in Kansas City and throughout Missouri and we know how to fight back when your freedom is on the line.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland, Drexel, Fairview, Ferrelview, Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview, Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill, Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy, Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact us if your ticket is not on this list so our experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers in Missouri can be of assistance.