2025 Georgia Codes – Page 12

A person is justified in threatening or using force against another when and to the extent that he or she reason-
ably believes that such threat or force is necessary to prevent or terminate such other’s unlawful entry into or
attack upon a habitation; however, such person is justified in the use of force which is intended or likely to
cause death or great bodily harm only if:
(1) The entry is made or attempted in a violent and tumultuous manner and he or she reasonably believes
that the entry is attempted or made for the purpose of assaulting or offering personal violence to any person
dwelling or being therein and that such force is necessary to prevent the assault or offer of personal violence;
(2) That force is used against another person who is not a member of the family or household and who unlaw-
fully and forcibly enters or has unlawfully and forcibly entered the residence and the person using such force
knew or had reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry occurred; or
(3) The person using such force reasonably believes that the entry is made or attempted for the purpose of
committing a felony therein and that such force is necessary to prevent the commission of the felony.

A person who uses threats or force in accordance with Code Section 16-3-21, relating to the use of force in
defense of self or others, Code Section 16-3-23, relating to the use of force in defense of a habitation, or
Code Section 16-3-24, relating to the use of force in defense of property other than a habitation, has no duty
to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and use force as provided in said Code sections, includ-
ing deadly force.