What the Castle Doctrine CoversHome (castle): If someone unlawfully enters or tries to enter your home, you can legally use deadly force if you reasonably believe it is necessary to protect yourself or others from death, serious injury, or a forcible felony (like robbery or assault).Vehicle and Private Property: Missouri law extends the Castle Doctrine beyond your home — it also includes your occupied vehicle and sometimes your business or other private property you legally occupy.2. No Duty to RetreatIn Missouri, you have no duty to retreat from an intruder when you are in a place where you have the legal right to be.If someone unlawfully and forcibly enters (or tries to enter) your home, vehicle, or occupied property, the law presumes you reasonably feared imminent harm — meaning you are legally protected if you use force, including deadly force.3. Legal Justification RequirementsTo legally use deadly force under the Castle Doctrine, generally:The intruder must be unlawfully and forcibly entering or already inside.You must be somewhere you have the legal right to be (home, car, business).You must reasonably believe that force is necessary to prevent

eathSerious physical injuryA forcible felony (like burglary, assault, kidnapping, etc.)4. Important NotesSelf-defense claims can still be challenged. Prosecutors can question whether the force was reasonable under the circumstances.Castle Doctrine vs. Stand Your Ground: Missouri also has a Stand Your Ground law, which generally allows people to defend themselves anywhere they are legally allowed to be — not just at home — again, without a duty to retreat.Relevant Law:Missouri Revised Statutes § 563.031 — Use of force in defense of persons.Missouri Revised Statutes § 563.041 — Use of force in defense of property.