Del. Code tit. 11 § 469

Current through 2024 Legislative Session Act Chapter 254
Section 469 - Justification - Person unlawfully in dwelling

In the prosecution of an occupant of a dwelling charged with killing or injuring an intruder who was unlawfully in said dwelling, it shall be a defense that the occupant was in the occupant's own dwelling at the time of the offense, and:

(1) The encounter between the occupant and intruder was sudden and unexpected, compelling the occupant to act instantly; or
(2) The occupant reasonably believed that the intruder would inflict personal injury upon the occupant or others in the dwelling; or
(3) The occupant demanded that the intruder disarm or surrender, and the intruder refused to do so.

11 Del. C. § 469

63 Del. Laws, c. 276, §1; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1.;