There was a shooting at DaBaby’s house. Do NC self-defense laws offer protection?
A person reported shot outside of rapper DaBaby’s home on Wednesday night has sparked a conversation about the rights people have to defend themselves and their property.
Many commenters on social media said what took place at the rapper’s home was justified, suggesting that North Carolina’s self-defense laws applied to the incident.
Here’s what to know about those laws and what you can do to protect your home.
Does North Carolina have a ‘Stand Your Ground’ law?
North Carolinians have the legal right to defend themselves with deadly force and do not have a “duty to retreat” from intruders, state law says.
According to the law, a person can use “defensive force that is likely to cause death or serious bodily harm to another” to protect your home, motor vehicle or workplace if:
Someone is trying to remove you from the premises against your will.
You have a reason to believe that an “unlawful and forcible” entry or act is occurring.
The law, however, says you cannot use deadly force in these circumstances against:
A person who has the right to be on your property, such as an owner or tenant.
Someone who is in your custody such as a child or grandchild.
A law enforcement officer or bail bondsman who attempts to enter a home, motor vehicle or workplace to perform official duties.
A person who has stopped trying to forcefully enter your property and has left the premises.
How to secure home to deter intruders
Install a security system, video doorbell and motion detector lights.
Use a smart garage door opener.
Install deadbolts or smart locks on your doors.
Put locks on your windows.
Only give spare keys to people you trust.
Use a safe to store your valuables.
This story was originally published April 15, 2022 at 2:13 PM.
