Can You Go to Jail For Self Defense?

One of the biggest concerns people have is if they can end up in jail for the use of self defense. The last thing that you want to happen is to appear as the aggressor when you are just defending yourself. There are many factors considered by the courts when you defend yourself and there are two bills being considered by the courts also.

 

Self defense is in place to protect people who may be harmed from protecting themselves. This allows someone to defend themselves physically if they have to and not be responsible for any legal charges that may be brought against them in court. The factors that the courts consider include the person who you are defending yourself against, the extent of the defense, and why the fighting is even taking place. These are big factors that are determined if a decision is to put you in jail.

 

Political rounds in the legal arena concerning the concept of self defense include two concepts that may make it easier for people to defend themselves and not have to worry about going to jail. Some states allow you to carry weapons on you and others allow you to shoot and kill an attacker. Find out what the laws are in your state so you know exactly what you can do against an attacker and you will not be convicted of a crime.

 

The Castle Doctrine is a concept that enables any home owner to have the ability to defend themselves and their family members. This doctrine also provides protection on the property you reside on. This bill allows homeowners to use deadly force against a burglar or person that enters your home, from violent attack or an intrusion which may lead to violent attack. You do not have to fear prosecution for killing anyone who enters into your home with the intent of violent attack or an intrusion which may lead to violent attack.

 

There is another bill that is being enacted into the legislature called the “stand your ground” bill. This was brought into Florida in 2005 and is also being considered by 21 other states also. This allows people who are at home or in public to meet force with force in order to defend themselves. This conduct will protect victims against prosecution. As long as the person is defending themselves, they will not go to jail.

 

It is said that states and legislatures are now recognizing that criminals will slow down on their crimes when they are faced with being shot and killed. When criminals know they are protected by laws that won't let people kill them they will continue to commit robberies, rapes, and other heinous crimes.

 

There are many people who have went to jail for defending themselves. The laws are changing and are recognizing the factors associated with self defense and that it is okay to meet a criminal with whatever it takes to protect yourself, your family, and your property from harm.



Before taking any self defense actions make sure you know what the laws are in your local state.