Tennessee “Stand Your Ground” Laws – Everything You Need to Know

By Cesar Arbelaez

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Criminal Defense

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Last Modified on Jun 30, 2026

Using deadly force to protect yourself or others can be a difficult situation for many. It can take an emotional toll, and you may be concerned about how such a situation can affect you legally. It’s understandable to be concerned about what happens next when you stand your ground. The state allows individuals to exercise reasonable force if they are in immediate danger. You should understand the Tennessee “Stand Your Ground” laws and how they can affect you.

Tennessee “Stand Your Ground” Laws

Tennessee’s “Stand Your Ground” laws give individuals who are not in the midst of trespassing or engaged in criminal activity the right to use deadly force in self-defense or in the defense of others if they believe they are facing imminent death, bodily injury, or sexual abuse. In Tennessee, there is no duty to retreat, meaning that you are not legally required to attempt escape before using force.

These laws also apply to the defense of your home. If an intruder is unlawfully present on your property or forcefully enters your home, place of business, or vehicle with the intent to cause harm, you are within your legal rights to use deadly force. According to recent data, around 1,400 people are killed in gun-related incidents every year in Tennessee, including in cases of self-defense and standing one’s ground.

When Is Deadly Force Not Justified in Tennessee?

It’s important to remember that there are currently 24,408 individuals in state prisons throughout Tennessee, many of whom are incarcerated for violent crimes. You don’t want to end up as a prison statistic, so you need to make sure you understand when “Stand Your Ground” laws are not valid:

• Aggressor: If you provoked the conflict that ended with you shooting somebody, or you were engaged in criminal activity at the time, you can’t claim the protections that come with “Stand Your Ground” laws. You need to contact a criminal defense lawyer in Nashville as soon as possible, as you could face homicide charges depending on the condition of the victim.
• Legal presence: To claim protections under “Stand Your Ground” laws, the threat in question has to be unlawful. You cannot legally use deadly force against somebody who has a legal right to be present in that location, such as a law enforcement officer acting in the line of duty. The consequences of that situation could be disastrous for you.
• Protecting property alone: In most cases, deadly force is not permitted if the threat in question is only to personal property, not to anyone’s life or physical safety. Exceptions may be made for cases involving burglary, robbery, arson, actual property damage, or aggravated cruelty to animals.

What to Do After Standing Your Ground

If you are involved in a self-defense situation that escalated into the use of deadly force, it’s vital that you take the right steps to protect yourself and start documenting your version of events. Here are some steps you can take to make sure that happens:

• Report the incident: Call 911 as soon as possible. When the police arrive, calmly state your name, point out the aggressor, and show them your legal weapon and permit. Beyond that, invoke your right to remain silent. Don’t answer any questions about the incident without a lawyer present.
• Secure legal representation: If you haven’t already, contact a defense lawyer with experience in self-defense and violent crime cases. They can help you preserve security footage, speak to witnesses, and build your defense.

Hire a Violent Crime Lawyer at The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez

The most important thing you can do for yourself in a stand-your-ground situation is hire a violent crime lawyer to help you determine the right course of action for your case. If what you’ve done clearly falls under the Tennessee self-defense laws, you may have nothing to worry about.

Regardless, you need to contact a violent crime attorney just to be sure. Cesar Arbelaez has represented over 500 clients and has a strong track record of success.

FAQs About Tennessee “Stand Your Ground” Laws

What Is the New “Stand Your Ground” Law in Tennessee?

A recent expansion of the state’s “Stand Your Ground” law allows individuals to use deadly force in defense of property against certain crimes, including burglary, robbery, arson, and aggravated cruelty to animals. Prior to this expansion, deadly force was only allowed to protect human life from imminent harm. Depending on the details of your case, however, you may not be entirely protected. You should still consult with a defense lawyer.

Can You Legally Shoot Someone for Trespassing in Tennessee?

Generally, you cannot legally shoot somebody simply for trespassing on your property in Tennessee. There needs to be a genuine threat or at least a reasonable, honest belief that there is one. Tennessee’s “Stand Your Ground” law only applies if there is an immediate danger to your life, someone else’s life, or if someone has broken into your home.

Can You Point a Gun at a Trespasser in Tennessee?

No, you cannot legally point a gun at a trespasser in Tennessee. This is considered deadly force. If the trespasser in question is not doing anything to threaten or harm you, pointing a gun at them can be considered aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and you could end up facing felony charges for that. Self-defense laws only apply if the trespasser is an immediate threat to your safety or someone else’s safety.

Can You Legally Hit Someone if They Hit You First in Tennessee?

Generally, you can only hit someone back if you are in immediate danger of being hit again. Hitting someone back simply because they hit you first can be considered retaliation, which can lead to charges of illegal assault. You can only hit someone in self-defense, not out of revenge. Your response has to match the level of the threat. Mutual combat is illegal in Tennessee, and both individuals involved can be arrested.

Set Up a Consultation With Our Violent Crime Attorney

Standing your ground can sometimes mean the difference between life and death, but it’s important that you exercise the right amount of lethal force in proportion to the threat. Otherwise, you could be looking at charges yourself. At The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez, we can help you determine your next steps in a case like this. Our firm is located at 214 2nd Ave N, Suite 100, in Nashville. Contact us to speak to a team member about your options.