Yes. Self-defense is a complete defense to homicide in Rhode Island when a defendant reasonably believed that deadly force was immediately necessary to prevent death or serious bodily injury to themselves. Outside the home, Rhode Island imposes a duty to retreat when a safe retreat is actually available. Inside the home, the "castle doctrine" generally removes that duty. Key factual issues include who was the initial aggressor, whether the perceived threat was reasonable, whether the force used was proportional, and whether retreat was a realistic option. A Rhode Island homicide lawyer reconstructs those split seconds using witness testimony, physical evidence, crime-scene analysis, and - where needed - experts on the use of force. When self-defense is properly raised, the burden shifts to the state to disprove it beyond a reasonable doubt.