When Self-Defense Becomes Your Best Legal Strategy

How to prove self defense in domestic violence requires showing you faced an imminent threat, your belief in that danger was reasonable, and your force was proportionate. Success hinges on compelling evidence—photos, medical records, witness statements, and proof of the accuser’s violent history—presented by an experienced attorney.

Key Steps to Prove Self-Defense:

1. Document the Imminent Threat – Show immediate danger with photos of injuries, torn clothing, damaged property, or threatening messages.
2. Establish Reasonableness – Demonstrate why a reasonable person would have perceived danger, citing history of abuse, size disparity, or prior incidents.
3. Prove Proportionality – Show the force you used matched the threat you faced.
4. Gather Witness Testimony – Collect statements from eyewitnesses, neighbors, or experts on trauma responses.
5. Challenge the Accuser’s Credibility – Present evidence of their violent history, prior police calls, or false allegations.

Facing a Houston domestic violence charge when you were the one defending yourself is unjust. The system doesn’t automatically see your side; you must prove it. While Texas law allows a self-defense claim, the burden is on you and your attorney to build a case that convinces a prosecutor or jury your actions were justified.

Domestic violence cases are complex, and victims are sometimes wrongly arrested. Without the right evidence and legal strategy, legitimate self-defense claims can fail. In Houston, a conviction carries severe penalties: jail time, fines, a criminal record, and loss of child custody and gun rights. Understanding how to prove self-defense is critical.

I’m Herman Martinez. With over 25 years of experience, including as a Chief Prosecutor for Harris County, I’ve seen how to prove self defense in domestic violence from both sides. I know what it takes to build a winning defense and ensure your story is heard.

Understanding Self-Defense in Texas Domestic Violence Law

When facing Assault charges in Houston after defending yourself, you must understand how Texas law views self-defense. Your actions must fit the legal framework established in Texas Penal Code Chapter 9.

In domestic violence cases, self-defense is an “affirmative defense.” This means you state, “Yes, I used force, but I had a legally justified reason.” The key distinction is between protecting yourself from an immediate threat and retaliating after the danger has passed. Texas law only protects self-defense, not revenge.

What is an “Affirmative Defense”?

An affirmative defense means you admit to the act but provide a legal justification. Once you present evidence supporting your self-defense claim, the burden shifts to the prosecutor. They must then prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you did not act in self-defense. This is a high standard for them to meet, which is why a well-documented self-defense case is so powerful. The prosecutor must convince a jury you weren’t in danger or your response was unreasonable, a much harder task when we present strong evidence.

Self-Defense vs. Retaliation: The Critical Difference

This distinction is crucial. Self-defense is reactive—a response to an immediate, ongoing threat. Retaliation is proactive—striking back after the danger has ended.

Texas law only protects you against an imminent threat, meaning danger that is happening or about to happen in seconds. If your partner attacks you and you defend yourself in that moment, it’s self-defense. If the attack stops, they walk away, and you then use force, it’s illegal retaliation.

Think of it as a “cooling-off period.” Once the immediate threat ends, the justification for using force also ends. Prosecutors in Houston will scrutinize this timeline. Did you act during the attack or after? The answer determines if you have a valid self-defense claim. A history of abuse can support your belief of imminent danger, but it must be presented correctly by an experienced attorney who understands how Harris County prosecutors operate.

The 3 Pillars of a Successful Self-Defense Claim

To prove self-defense in a Houston domestic violence case, we must establish three core elements: imminence, reasonableness, and proportionality. These are the practical standards a jury will use to decide if your actions were justified. While the general principles of self-defense law are a good starting point, applying them to your specific situation is what matters.

Was the Threat of Harm “Imminent”?

“Imminent” means the danger was immediate—happening right then or about to happen. You must have reasonably believed physical harm was about to occur. While an active assault is clearly imminent, so are situations like an abuser screaming threats while advancing aggressively or reaching for a known weapon.

This is where the history of the relationship is critical. A pattern of violence, sometimes related to Battered Woman Syndrome or the cycle of violence, can help explain why you recognized warning signs an outsider wouldn’t. We work to show the jury the context that led to your actions—the escalating behavior and prior incidents that signaled physical violence was coming.

Was Your Belief of Danger “Reasonable”?

The jury must see the situation through your eyes. The standard is whether a “reasonable person” in your exact circumstances would have believed force was necessary. Your subjective fear is important, but it must be supported by objective evidence.

Details matter: Was your abuser larger or stronger? Have they hurt you before? Were weapons present? We use threatening messages, prior police calls, and the overall pattern of violence to show your fear was justified. We might use medical records from past injuries or witness testimony to help the jury understand your perspective. This establishes that your belief of danger was a rational response to a real threat.

Was the Force You Used “Proportionate”?

The force you used must be proportionate to the threat. Texas law requires you to use only the force reasonably necessary to stop the attack. This doesn’t mean matching blow for blow; in the heat of the moment, you don’t have time for precise calculations.

What matters is matching the general level of threat. Pushing someone who is shoving you is proportionate. If you face an attack that threatens serious bodily injury or death, Texas law allows for greater force, including The Use of Deadly Force What You Need to Know. The Texas Penal Code justifies deadly force against threats of murder, sexual assault, or robbery. We examine every detail—injuries, weapons, and the severity of the attack—to show the jury your response was reasonable and necessary to neutralize the immediate danger.

How to Prove Self-Defense in a Domestic Violence Case in Houston

When you acted in self-defense against domestic violence in Houston, proving it comes down to evidence. Simply saying “it was self-defense” is not enough. As a former Chief Prosecutor, I know what the other side looks for and what makes them doubt their case. We must build a compelling narrative with every piece of proof available.

How to Prove Self-Defense in Domestic Violence with Physical and Digital Evidence

Tangible evidence is powerful because it does not lie. When we work to prove self-defense in a domestic violence case, this proof is paramount.

• Photographs and Medical Records: Immediately photograph your injuries—defensive wounds, bruises, scratches. These images, along with official medical records from a doctor or ER visit, provide third-party validation of the attack and create a supportive timeline.
• The Scene and Property: Damaged property, broken furniture, or torn clothing illustrate a violent struggle. This physical evidence corroborates your story of chaos and danger.
• Digital Communications: Threatening text messages, manipulative emails, or voicemails can be damning evidence against an accuser. Apologies admitting guilt or aggressive language can turn a case. In Texas, a one-party consent state, you can legally record conversations you are a part of.
• Social Media and 911 Calls: An accuser’s social media posts may contradict their story or brag about violence. The raw emotion and chaos captured in a 911 recording can also be crucial, showing your genuine distress in the moment.

How to Prove Self-Defense in Domestic Violence with Witness and Expert Testimony

Witnesses bring the human element to your case, helping a jury understand your reality.

• Eyewitnesses and Neighbors: Anyone who saw or heard the incident, or even the immediate aftermath, can corroborate your version of events. In Houston’s communities, neighbors are often aware of ongoing issues.
• Character Witnesses: Friends, family, and coworkers can testify to your peaceful nature, creating a counter-narrative to the prosecution’s attempt to paint you as the aggressor.
• Expert Witnesses: A psychologist specializing in domestic violence can explain concepts like Battered Woman Syndrome or trauma responses to a jury. This is especially vital in cases involving False Domestic Assault Charges, where the true victim has been wrongly accused.

Using the Accuser’s History to Build Your Narrative

One of the most effective strategies is to show your actions were a response to the accuser’s ongoing pattern of abuse.

• Criminal History and Police Calls: We investigate the accuser’s background for prior acts of violence or assault. Previous police calls to your residence from the Houston Police Department or Harris County Sheriff’s Office establish a documented history of conflict.
• Contradictory Statements and Manipulation: Liars often cannot keep their stories straight. We compare the accuser’s statements to police, medical staff, and others to find inconsistencies that destroy their credibility. We also expose any history of false allegations or using the legal system as a tool of control.

Common Challenges and How a Defense Attorney Can Help

Proving self-defense in a Houston domestic violence case is challenging. These cases often become “he said, she said” battles where police and prosecutors may be skeptical of your claim. Officers make split-second decisions at the scene and sometimes arrest the wrong person. This is why an experienced defense attorney is essential to steer the system and protect your rights.

Overcoming Obstacles in Your Self-Defense Claim

Even with obstacles, a strong defense is possible. If there are no independent witnesses, we dig deeper for physical and digital evidence to build an undeniable timeline. If you have no significant visible injuries—perhaps because you successfully defended yourself—we focus on the imminence of the threat you faced, not the outcome. The law doesn’t require you to be seriously hurt before you can act.

We also address police bias at the scene by reviewing reports for inconsistencies and overlooked evidence. When facing a skeptical prosecutorial mindset, we present a compelling narrative that forces them to see the weaknesses in their case. We explain any inconsistencies in your story as a natural result of trauma, not dishonesty. Above all, we relentlessly attack the accuser’s credibility, exposing their lies and manipulations.

Why a Former Prosecutor’s Insight is Your Advantage

My background as a Chief Prosecutor for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office is your strategic advantage. I’ve been on the other side, so I know how to anticipate the prosecution’s strategy, spot weaknesses in their evidence, and negotiate effectively. I know what arguments persuade prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges before trial.

If a trial is necessary, that courtroom experience is invaluable. The Role of a Criminal Defense Attorney is to tell your story in a clear, believable way that resonates with a jury. We carefully prepare you and our witnesses for testimony, organize evidence for maximum impact, and confidently cross-examine the accuser. This insider knowledge can be the difference between a conviction and a “not guilty” verdict.

Frequently Asked Questions about Proving Self-Defense in Texas

When you’re facing domestic violence charges and believe you acted in self-defense, you probably have a lot of questions running through your mind. These are some of the most common concerns we hear from clients in Houston, and I want to address them directly so you understand exactly where you stand.

What happens if I successfully prove self-defense in my domestic violence case?

A successful self-defense claim is a complete defense. If a jury believes you, they must find you “not guilty.” It’s a full acquittal. Even better, a strong, evidence-backed self-defense case can convince a prosecutor to dismiss the charges before trial. This is the best possible outcome, allowing you to move on with no criminal record.

Do I have a duty to retreat from my own home in Houston, TX?

No, you do not have a duty to retreat from your own home, vehicle, or workplace in Texas. The state’s “Castle Doctrine” (Texas Penal Code § 9.32) allows you to stand your ground. If you are attacked in a place you have a lawful right to be, you are not required to try to escape before using force, including deadly force, if you reasonably believe it is necessary to protect yourself.

Can I still claim self-defense if I started the initial argument?

Yes, you can potentially claim self-defense even if you started a verbal argument. Starting a verbal disagreement does not forfeit your right to defend yourself from physical violence. However, if you provoked the physical attack, the situation is more complex. You can only regain your right to self-defense if you clearly communicated your intent to withdraw from the fight, and the other person continued their attack anyway. The specific sequence of events is critical in these situations.

Protect Your Rights with an Experienced Houston Defense Attorney

Understanding how to prove self defense in domestic violence is the first step, but executing that defense is the real challenge. It requires gathering the right evidence and presenting a story that convinces a Houston judge or jury your actions were justified. The stakes are too high to face this alone—a conviction can mean jail time, a permanent criminal record, and the loss of your rights.

At The Martinez Law Firm, we use insider knowledge to give our clients an edge. Herman Martinez’s years as a Chief Prosecutor for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office mean we know how prosecutors build cases and where their weaknesses are. We’ve used this experience to achieve “not guilty” verdicts and dismissals for our clients, and we are ready to fight for you.

We will take the time to understand your unique case, gather all available evidence, and craft a defense narrative that shows the truth: you were protecting yourself. Whether through negotiation or a jury trial, we are prepared to do what it takes.

Don’t risk your freedom and future. If you were accused of domestic violence in Houston when you were acting in self-defense, we want to help.

Get help with your Houston domestic violence case or contact us today. We’re here to protect your rights.

What You Need to Know About Deadly Conduct Charges in Texas

Deadly conduct in Texas is a serious offense under Texas Penal Code § 22.05. If you’re accused of recklessly endangering someone or dangerously discharging a firearm, understanding this charge is critical.

Quick Answer: Deadly Conduct Texas Overview

• Definition: Recklessly engaging in conduct that places another in imminent danger of serious bodily injury, OR knowingly discharging a firearm at or in the direction of people or occupied structures.
• Classification: Class A Misdemeanor (general reckless conduct) or Third-Degree Felony (involving firearms).
• Penalties: Up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine (misdemeanor) OR 2-10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine (felony).
• Key Fact: No actual injury is required for a charge—the potential for harm is enough.
• Important: Pointing an unloaded firearm can lead to charges, as the law presumes recklessness.

Many people don’t realize you can face serious criminal charges for deadly conduct in Texas even if no one gets hurt. The law focuses on the danger you create, not the outcome. Actions like firing a gun into the air in Houston, brandishing a weapon during an argument, or reckless driving can all lead to these charges.

The distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony often depends on whether a firearm was knowingly discharged at a person or occupied structure. A felony conviction carries severe consequences, including prison time and the permanent loss of gun rights. In Harris County, these charges are prosecuted aggressively, impacting your employment, housing, and family life.

As a former Chief Prosecutor for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, Herman Martinez has handled deadly conduct cases from both sides. This unique perspective allows The Martinez Law Firm to build aggressive, custom defense strategies for clients in the Houston area.

Understanding Texas Penal Code § 22.05: The Two Types of Deadly Conduct

Texas Penal Code § 22.05 defines deadly conduct in Texas and is part of the state’s “Assaultive Offenses,” showing how seriously the law treats these actions. The statute creates two distinct offenses, with penalties depending on the specific conduct and your mental state—whether you acted recklessly or knowingly.

You can read the full statute here: Texas Penal Code | Deadly Conduct. Below is a breakdown of what it means.

Subsection (a): Recklessly Placing Another in Imminent Danger

This form of deadly conduct is a Class A Misdemeanor. It occurs when a person “recklessly engages in conduct that places another in imminent danger of serious bodily injury.”

• Recklessly: This means you were aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk of causing serious bodily injury but consciously disregarded it. It’s more than carelessness; it’s ignoring a known danger. For example, racing a car through a crowded Houston street.
• Imminent Danger: The danger must be immediate, not a future possibility.
• Serious Bodily Injury: This refers to an injury creating a substantial risk of death, permanent disfigurement, or long-term loss of a body part’s function.

Crucially, no actual injury is required. The crime is complete the moment your reckless conduct creates the potential for this level of harm. This fact often surprises people arrested in Houston, who assume that “no harm, no foul” applies.

Subsection (b): Knowingly Discharging a Firearm

This second type of deadly conduct is a Third-Degree Felony. It applies if you “knowingly discharge a firearm at or in the direction of one or more individuals, or at or in the direction of a habitation, building, or vehicle” while being reckless about whether it’s occupied.

• Knowingly: This is a higher mental state than recklessness. It means you were aware you were firing a gun and knew where it was pointed.
• Firearm: The law defines this as any device designed to expel a projectile through combustion.

The statute covers shooting at people, but also at a habitation (where people sleep), a building, or a vehicle. For these structures, the prosecution must prove you were reckless about whether anyone was inside—meaning you were aware of the risk and ignored it. A conviction for this felony offense in Harris County leads to prison time and the permanent loss of your right to own firearms.

Key Elements and Examples of a Deadly Conduct Charge

To secure a Texas deadly conduct conviction, a prosecutor must prove both a dangerous act and a specific mental state. In Houston, where confrontations can escalate quickly, understanding these elements is key.

A critical aspect of the law is a legal presumption: recklessness and danger are presumed if you knowingly point a firearm at someone, whether you believed it was loaded or not. This shifts the burden in court and makes it easier for prosecutors to build a case, even if no shot was fired and no one was hurt.

The Role of Intent: “Recklessly” vs. “Knowingly”

The line between a misdemeanor and a felony in Texas deadly conduct cases is often the difference between acting “recklessly” and “knowingly.”

• Recklessly (Misdemeanor): You are aware of a substantial risk of serious harm but consciously disregard it. You may not intend to hurt anyone, but you ignore the danger. An example is doing donuts in a car in a busy Houston parking lot.

• Knowingly (Felony): This applies specifically to discharging a firearm. It means you are aware of your conduct—that you are firing a gun and know the direction it is pointed. This higher level of awareness lifts the charge to a felony.

Proving intent is challenging, so Harris County prosecutors use circumstantial evidence: witness statements, video footage, and your own words to police. The context of the act helps establish your mental state.

Common Scenarios That Lead to Charges

Deadly conduct charges arise from a wide range of situations, often stemming from poor judgment. Common examples in the Houston area include:

• Firing a Gun in the Air: Celebratory gunfire is illegal and dangerous. A falling bullet can kill, and firing into the air can lead to misdemeanor charges if it endangers others.

• Brandishing a Weapon: Pulling out a firearm in a threatening way during an argument can be considered reckless conduct, even if you don’t point it directly at someone or fire it.

• Pointing a Firearm: Due to the legal presumption, knowingly aiming a gun at someone—even as a joke or if you think it’s unloaded—is presumed to be reckless and dangerous.

• Road Rage Incidents: Aggressive driving that intentionally endangers others, like swerving at another car or driving onto a sidewalk, can qualify as deadly conduct.

• Shooting Towards a Building or Vehicle: Discharging a firearm at a home, building, or car is a third-degree felony. The prosecution only needs to prove you were reckless about whether the structure was occupied.

Penalties and Long-Term Consequences for Deadly Conduct in Texas

A conviction for deadly conduct in Texas carries penalties that can reshape your life, extending far beyond fines and jail. In Harris County, prosecutors seek serious punishments, and the collateral consequences can follow you for years.

Penalties for a Class A Misdemeanor Conviction

A conviction under Subsection (a) for general reckless conduct is a Class A misdemeanor, the most serious type in Texas. The penalties include:

• Jail: Up to one year in county jail.
• Fines: Up to $4,000.
• Probation: Often called community supervision, it can last 12 months or more and comes with strict conditions like regular reporting, community service, and counseling.

Penalties for a Third-Degree Felony Conviction

If the charge involves knowingly discharging a firearm under Subsection (b), it is a third-degree felony with much harsher penalties:

• Prison: Between 2 and 10 years in a state prison.
• Fines: Up to $10,000.
• Loss of Rights: A felony conviction results in the permanent loss of your right to own or possess firearms and the suspension of your voting rights while incarcerated or on parole.

Beyond Fines and Jail Time

The official penalties are just the start. A Texas deadly conduct conviction creates a criminal record that brings lifelong challenges:

• Employment: Many employers in Houston run background checks and are hesitant to hire someone with a violent or firearm-related offense.
• Housing: Landlords often reject applicants with criminal records, making it difficult to find a place to live.
• Professional Licenses: A conviction can lead to the suspension or revocation of licenses for nurses, teachers, real estate agents, and other professionals.
• Immigration Status: For non-citizens, a conviction can trigger deportation proceedings and prevent future citizenship.
• Child Custody: Family courts in Harris County may restrict a parent’s custody or visitation rights due to a deadly conduct conviction, citing concerns for the child’s safety.

Building a Defense Against a Deadly Conduct Charge in Houston

An arrest for deadly conduct in Texas is frightening, but it is not a conviction. You have the right to fight the charges against you with a strong legal strategy.

At The Martinez Law Firm, we leverage attorney Herman Martinez’s experience as a former Chief Prosecutor for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. This insider knowledge of the prosecution’s playbook allows us to build a powerful defense. We carefully analyze every piece of evidence—from witness statements to forensic reports—to find weaknesses in the state’s case and ensure your side of the story is heard.

Common Legal Defenses

While every case is unique, several common defenses can be effective against a Texas deadly conduct charge:

• Self-Defense: Texas law (Penal Code Chapter 9) allows the use of force to protect yourself from an unlawful attack. As a “stand your ground” state, you generally have no duty to retreat if you are legally present and did not provoke the incident.

• Defense of Others: You may be justified in using force if you reasonably believed it was necessary to protect another person from immediate danger.

• Lack of Intent or Recklessness: The state must prove you acted “recklessly” or “knowingly.” If we can show you did not possess the required mental state—for example, you were unaware of the risk—the charge may be defeated.

• Mistaken Identity: Eyewitness testimony can be unreliable, especially in chaotic situations. We can challenge the evidence to show you were not the person who committed the offense.

• Necessity: This defense may apply if you committed the act to prevent a greater, more immediate harm, and you had no other reasonable option.

For more on how we handle these cases, see our page on violent crime defense.

The Statute of Limitations for Deadly Conduct Texas

The state has a limited time to file charges. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is:

• Two years for a Class A misdemeanor deadly conduct charge.
• Three years for a third-degree felony deadly conduct charge.

The clock starts on the date of the alleged offense. However, do not wait to seek legal help. Evidence disappears and memories fade. The sooner an experienced Houston criminal defense attorney is on your case, the better your chances of a positive outcome. Early intervention can sometimes prevent charges from being filed at all.

Frequently Asked Questions about Deadly Conduct

Facing a Texas deadly conduct charge brings up many questions. Here are clear, straightforward answers to some of the most common concerns we hear at The Martinez Law Firm in Houston.

Can I be charged with deadly conduct if no one was actually hurt?

Yes. This is a critical point that many people misunderstand. The deadly conduct in Texas law focuses on the creation of danger, not the outcome. Prosecutors only need to prove your actions placed someone in “imminent danger of serious bodily injury.” For example, firing a gun into the air in a populated area can lead to charges, even if the bullet harms no one. The risk you created is the crime.

What is the difference between deadly conduct and aggravated assault?

These are both serious charges, but they are distinct. Deadly conduct is about reckless endangerment (creating a dangerous situation) or knowingly discharging a firearm in a dangerous manner. It does not require an injury.

Aggravated assault, on the other hand, requires either causing serious bodily injury to someone or using/exhibiting a deadly weapon while committing an assault (like threatening someone). The key difference is that aggravated assault involves actual harm or a direct threat of harm with a weapon during an assault, while deadly conduct focuses on the dangerous act itself.

Can pointing a toy gun lead to a deadly conduct charge?

Yes, it is possible. The charge hinges on whether your actions caused another person to reasonably fear imminent serious bodily injury. If you point a realistic-looking toy gun at someone, and that person reasonably believes it is a real firearm, your conduct could be seen as placing them in imminent danger. In these cases, the perception of the person being threatened is key. Harris County courts have seen charges filed for brandishing realistic replicas during disputes.

Protecting Your Future

A Texas deadly conduct charge is a serious matter with life-altering consequences. As this guide explains, the law focuses on the creation of danger, meaning you can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor or a third-degree felony even if no one was hurt. The penalties range from jail time and fines to a lengthy prison sentence, along with collateral consequences that affect your job, housing, and fundamental rights.

A conviction for deadly conduct in Texas can result in 2 to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines for a felony, permanently impacting your future. These are not charges you can face alone, especially in Harris County, where prosecutors are aggressive.

You need a defense team that understands the prosecution’s strategy from the inside. Herman Martinez, founder of The Martinez Law Firm, brings years of experience as a former Chief Prosecutor for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. This unique advantage allows us to build a powerful, customized defense aimed at protecting your freedom.

Don’t wait to fight for your future. Evidence and memories fade, and your best defense starts now. If you are under investigation or have been arrested for deadly conduct in Texas in the Houston area, take immediate action. Contact a Houston criminal defense attorney for a consultation at The Martinez Law Firm today. We are here to fight for you.

If you have been charged with the use of deadly force, then you will want to know what kind of allegations you are up against. For one, the use of deadly force is covered in Chapter 9 of the Texas Penal Code with laws regarding deadly force. There are some situations in which you can get away with using deadly force, and these are clearly outlined in the code. Justifications include using deadly force in self-defense, using deadly force in self-defense of another, or using deadly force in defense of property. These arguments are only valid if the deadly force is used reasonably in the context of the situation. For example, if someone was attempting to harm you and you used deadly force in order to keep from being hurt, that would be justified.

If a friend lays a hand on you while you are in a bad mood and you result to deadly force in an act to “defend yourself,” chances are that the context will cancel out your justification in the court. You could be charged with deadly force or assault as a result. An individual is allowed to use any force that he believes is reasonable against another individual in the attempt of self-defense. IN order to declare self-defense, a defendant must prove that his or her attacker was attempting an unlawful attempt such as assault, battery, or rape. Resisting arrest is not grounds for self0defnese, nor is resisting a peace officer. If the defendant is provoked, then the court may declare that the deadly force was criminal, not justifiable.

If someone that you love is in danger, then you have the right to use deadly force in protection of that person. You cannot weld deadly force in an irrational way. For example, if you are a father and see a young man grab your daughter’s hand, you do not have the right to punch and beat him for doing so. If you could prove that the victim of your violence had the intention to rape or harm your daughter, then you would be justified. You will need to prove in court that deadly force was the only way to protect the third person in order to insist that you were doing the right thing.

You may also need to use deadly force to protect your property. Normally this means inflicting violence on a criminal who intends to rob you or burglarize your home. You will have to prove that you could not protect your property by any other means other than deadly forceful violence in order to justify your actions in court. With the help of an accomplished lawyer, you may be able to justify your choices and show that you have every right to walk away from a deadly forces charges without a sentence. Talk to a lawyer at the Martinez Law Firm today if you need more information.