Self Defense

As trusted criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles, our team at The Justice Firm knows that self defense is often a valid defense when someone has been accused of assault, murder, or other serious/violent crimes.

Unfortunately, prosecutors often file charges of manslaughter, murder, assault, or other serious accusations against an individual, regardless of the fact that the individual may have evidence he or she was acting in self-defense. When charged with a violent crime, it is critical you understand your right to assert self-defense. We urge you to contact our office today if you have been accused of, arrested, or charged with a serious criminal offense.

In the state of California, it is acceptable to use self-defense using any means or force you deem necessary to protect yourself from injury or death. If you have a reasonable belief that you may be attacked or feel you are in imminent or immediate danger of attack, you have the right to defend yourself.

That being said, it is essential to understand that you cannot use deadly force in a situation that does not call for it, such as in situation where another individual threatens a fight or punches you. The amount of force which may be legally used is that which is sufficient under a certain set of circumstances. However, if you reasonably believe you are in danger of being killed or are threatened with deadly force, it may be justifiable to use deadly force in self-defense. Under the law, the only instance you may assume there is a threat of deadly force is in a situation in which an intruder confronts you in your own home. Even in this situation, it is only legally justified to use deadly force in the event you are being threatened with deadly force; however, you are legally entitled to self-defense by lesser means.

Ultimately, acting in self-defense which results in injury or death of another individual is justified when three elements are satisfied. You may have acted in lawful self-defense if:

• You had a reasonable belief that you were in immediate danger of being seriously injured, unlawfully touched, or killed
• You believed that in order to prevent that danger, immediate force was necessary, and
• You used only the force you determined necessary to defend yourself against that immediate danger

Even when all of these elements cannot be met, "imperfect" self-defense may be a legal defense which could result in your criminal liability being reduced.

Claims of self-defense are often used in a variety of criminal offenses including domestic violence, burglary, robbery, battery, resisting arrest, battery on a peace officer, and murder or homicide offenses. Self-defense may also be a legitimate defense in situations where you were defending another person or your own property against an imminent threat of danger.

If you have attempted to defend yourself in a situation and it resulted in the serious injury or death of another person, prosecutors will work aggressively to have you convicted for the underlying offense (murder, battery, domestic violence, etc.). This means that if convicted, you will face serious punishment which may include substantial fines, jail or prison time, and more. At The Justice Firm, our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers are dedicated to upholding your claim of self-defense, and ultimately having the charge dismissed or securing an acquittal. We urge you to contact our office today for a free consultation at 310-914-2444.