Criminal Law

Self-defense is a type of legal defense that an accused may use to negate a criminal charge.

• Accused admits using force against someone else, but

• Accused’s actions were to protect himself, property, or another person.

Accused justifiably broke the law

California law allows for self-defense or defense of others when accused:

(1) Reasonably believes they are in imminent danger of physical harm,

(2) Reasonably believes that force is necessary to stop the danger.

(3) Used reasonably force necessary to defend against the danger.