Indiana Law Blog
In Indiana, pointing a firearm at someone can land you in handcuffs—or it can be your legal right. The difference lies in self-defense, a principle baked into Indiana law but fiercely debated in courtrooms. At Harshman Ponist Smith & Rayl, we’re your “Trusted Counsel Close to Home,” helping Hoosiers navigate the fine line between protection and prosecution in 2025. Under Indiana Code § 35-41-3-2, self-defense can justify using a gun, but pointing it triggers scrutiny—especially through the lens of “reasonable force.” Let’s explore how the Indiana Court of Appeals interprets this, and what it means if you’re facing charges.
The Self-Defense Statute: What’s Allowed?
Indiana Code § 35-41-3-2(c) says you can use “reasonable force” to protect yourself or others from imminent unlawful force, with no duty to retreat if you’re in a place you have a right to be. For deadly force—like pointing a loaded firearm—the threat must involve serious bodily injury or a felony (per subsection (d)). Pointing a gun isn’t automatically deadly force, but under Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2(b)(2), criminal recklessness with a firearm is a Level 6 felony if it creates a substantial risk of harm. So, when does self-defense shield you from that charge? The courts decide based on “reasonableness.”