Unfortunately, you may have to take measures to protect yourself when faced with a threat. This can be hard, as there are many complex legal matters to consider. Luckily, there are many laws in place to protect those who must take self-defense measures when faced with a threat. If you’ve had to defend yourself, understanding your rights is crucial. Keep reading to discover how you should proceed with the help of a Cobb County criminal defense lawyer.
What Constitutes Self-Defense?
When someone is faced with what they believe to be a credible and imminent threat, they can use potentially lethal force to protect themselves. However, the person must have a reasonable belief that the threat will inflict bodily harm or death. This is also true if the threat poses a risk to third parties in the area. Generally, self-defense includes assault or murder. For example, if someone approaches your child with a knife, you have the right to defend the child using force.
What Self-Defense Laws Can Protect Me?
There are many laws in place to help protect the rights of those who have to face a threat.
Georgia follows the “stand your ground” doctrine. This means that the person facing a threat does not need to make an attempt to retreat before using force. If someone has a reasonable belief that the threat is imminent and credible, they can take measures to defend themselves without making an effort to first escape.
Self-defense laws also help protect those who face threats in their own home. For example, if someone breaks into your home, it’s reasonable to assume they are going commit robbery, bodily harm, rape, or murder. As such, you are protected to take the necessary steps to protect yourself.
It is vital to note that you are not protected under self-defense laws if you provoked the incident. This means if you were the aggressor in the situation, it can no longer be deemed self-defense if you escalated after starting the situation.
What Should I Do if I Had to Protect Myself?
If you’ve faced a situation in which you needed to use force as a means to protect yourself, it’s vital to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Unfortunately, there are many complications that can arise out of instances of self-defense, which can be challenging to navigate on your own. As such, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
When you’re facing charges of assault or murder because you had to use force, the Miller Law Practice can help. Our dedicated legal team understands how unfortunate and complex this situation can be. As such, we will do everything possible to help you navigate these circumstances. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.