California Castle Doctrine (PC 198.5): Self-Defense at Home

Worried about a home-defense incident in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Newport Beach, Irvine, or Long Beach? PC 198.5 (Castle Doctrine) protects lawful self-defense inside your residence—but limits matter. We explain elements, evidence, and next steps. Call/Text 714-978-9988.

• What PC 198.5 says: presumption when an intruder unlawfully/forcibly enters; how it differs from PC 197/198.
   
• Common issues: who was the aggressor, proportional force, mistaken entry, roommate/guest scenarios.
   
• Defense approach: scene preservation, 911/BWC review, neighbor videos, expert use-of-force analysis.
  CTA: 714-978-9988 • PoseidonDefenseLaw.com • Disclaimer: Not Legal Advice

• PC 197/198 (general self-defense): Allows force when you reasonably believe it’s necessary to prevent imminent harm; no general duty to retreat in California.
   
• PC 198.5 (Castle Doctrine): Creates a presumption you reasonably feared death/GBI when someone unlawfully and forcibly enters your residence. It strengthens self-defense inside the home.
   

Limits

• The person must unlawfully/forcibly enter.
   
• The location must be a residence (see below).
   
• Force still must be proportional.

• Yes (often): House/apartment interior, attached garage, hotel room, mobile home, boat used as lodging.
   
• Usually No: Detached garage, yard/driveway, vehicle (use general self-defense law).
   
• Guests/Roommates: Castle presumption is weaker in consensual-entry scenarios; we pivot to PC 197/198 self-defense.

• Q: What if the intruder used only hands?
  A: Proportional force still applies. We evaluate threat level and any weapons/object at hand.
   
• Q: What if I mistook a roommate/guest for an intruder?
  A: The presumption may not apply, but general self-defense (PC 197/198) can.
   

Questions about PC 198.5 in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Newport Beach, Irvine, Long Beach? Call/Text 714-978-9988 • PoseidonDefenseLaw.com
Disclaimer: Informational only, not legal advice.