What is Assembly Bill (AB) 1333 – The Pros and Cons

AB 1333 proposes changes to California’s homicide laws, primarily restricting the justifications for homicide and clarifying when homicide is not justifiable. Below is an analysis of the pros and cons of this proposed bill.

• The bill removes justifiable homicide in defense of property, ensuring deadly force is only used to protect human life rather than material possessions.
• This aligns with the principle that life is more valuable than property, discouraging excessive use of force in non-life-threatening situations.

• The bill explicitly states that homicide is not justifiable when:
  • More force than necessary was used.
  • The person could have safely retreated instead of using deadly force.
  • The person engaged in conduct likely to provoke violence.
• This could help reduce legal ambiguity in self-defense cases, making it clearer when lethal force is allowed.

• Under the bill, a person outside their residence must retreat if it is safe to do so, instead of using deadly force.
• This contrasts with Stand Your Ground laws in some states that allow individuals to use deadly force even when they could safely retreat.
• Encourages de-escalation and conflict resolution, rather than immediate use of lethal force.

• This bill discourages the use of deadly force in uncertain situations, potentially preventing shootings where alternative responses (e.g., calling law enforcement) could have sufficed.
• Reduces the chance of vigilante killings where individuals take the law into their own hands.

• The bill requires individuals to show they had no reasonable escape before using deadly force.
• Could lead to more thorough legal scrutiny in self-defense claims, ensuring deadly force was truly the last resort.

• Many states and international laws prioritize de-escalation and limit the use of deadly force in self-defense.
• This bill moves away from broad justifications for homicide, reinforcing human rights and due process.

• Removes justifiable homicide in defense of property, meaning:
  • If an armed robber or looter enters private property, the owner cannot use deadly force unless their life is directly at risk.
  • Critics argue this emboldens criminals, as property owners have fewer legal protections.

• The bill states that homicide is not justifiable if the person could have safely retreated.
• Critics argue this forces victims to flee rather than defend themselves, potentially putting them at risk.
• May create legal uncertainty about what constitutes a “safe retreat,” leading to more prosecutions of self-defense cases.

• Some argue that criminals may become bolder, knowing that property owners and victims have fewer legal options to use deadly force.
• Could lead to increased burglaries and break-ins if criminals feel they are less likely to face deadly resistance.

• Removing the right to use deadly force against home intruders could make home invasions more dangerous.
• In high-crime areas, homeowners may feel defenseless against armed criminals.
• Critics argue the bill prioritizes criminal rights over victim rights.

• Some self-defense cases are complex, and this bill may make it harder for defendants to claim justifiable homicide.
• If a person acts in good faith but uses lethal force, they could still face legal trouble under the new restrictions.

• Courts will have to interpret the “reasonable force” and “safe retreat” standards, leading to potentially inconsistent rulings.
• More individuals might face manslaughter or murder charges for self-defense cases that would have previously been considered justified.

AB 1333 represents a major shift in California’s self-defense and force laws, placing greater restrictions on when homicide is justified. The main goal is to limit unnecessary killings, encourage de-escalation, and increase legal scrutiny in self-defense cases.

However, critics argue that it weakens the right to defend property, forces victims to retreat, and could lead to unintended consequences, such as increased crime and unfair prosecutions.

The passing of AB 1333 means:

1. Use of deadly force in property defense is no longer justifiable – Businesses and homeowners cannot legally use lethal force to protect against burglary or looting unless they face an imminent life-threatening situation.
2. Security teams must focus on non-lethal, strategic deterrence – The new law emphasizes de-escalation and reasonable force, making it critical to deploy trained security personnel who can mitigate threats legally.
3. Greater risk of legal liability for individuals using force – Property owners and business leaders face higher legal scrutiny if they attempt to engage intruders or trespassers with force.
4. Increased vulnerability for high-risk locations – Luxury residences, businesses, warehouses, and critical infrastructure will be more targeted by criminals who are aware that property owners have limited self-defense options.

These legal and security changes necessitate hiring a professional, legally compliant, and highly trained security firm like Peralta Associates and Defense

• Peralta Associates and Defense specializes in non-lethal intervention techniques, including:
  • Tactical de-escalation to diffuse threats before they escalate.
  • Advanced surveillance & monitoring to prevent incidents before intervention is needed.
  • Non-lethal weapons training (tasers, batons, pepper spray) ensuring compliance with AB 1333 while maintaining security.
• Security personnel are trained in California’s evolving self-defense and force-use laws, ensuring our actions remain legally justifiable.

AB 1333 Compliance: Our approach avoids excessive force while maintaining strong security measures.

• All Security personnel are:
  • Licensed & trained in force de-escalation, California Penal Code compliance, and active threat mitigation.
  • Certified in emergency response, crowd control, and VIP security protection.
  • Capable of operating in high-risk environments, including commercial properties, residential communities, and critical infrastructure.
• Peralta Associates and Defense Quick Reaction Force (QRF) ensures immediate, controlled response to threats without the use of excessive force.

AB 1333 Compliance: Our security personnel operate within legal limits, reducing liability risks for clients.

Hire Peralta Associates and Defense as your primary security provider to ensure legal, effective, and professional security solutions under AB 1333.