What is Self-Defense?
What is Self-Defense?
When it comes to self-defense in Alabama, there are laws in place where you do have the right to stand your ground. If you need to present self-defense in response to criminal charges, it is imperative that you have representation from the right Montgomery criminal defense lawyer.
The Stand Your Ground Law in Alabama
According to this law, which was passed back in 2006, as long as (1) you are not the aggressor, (2) you are somewhere where you have the legal right to be, and (3) you feel fear of injury or harm to yourself or someone else in the vicinity (such as a family member or child), then you have the right to use as much force as you feel is necessary in that moment to protect yourself.
A person has the right to use whatever is the reasonable amount of action to stop something such as a home break-in. If, for example, there is a child or children in that home when burglars break in, a parents’ natural reaction would be to eliminate the threat - however they decide to go about doing it.
Unfortunately, sometimes that amount of force is deadly. This is an occurrence that our seasoned Montgomery criminal defense lawyers have seen in our community on several different occasions over the years. Seeking legal help before charges are issued might even eliminate the charges against you altogether.
Examples of Self-Defense Cases in Alabama
Self-defense is a complicated legal defense to allegations of violent offenses, such as assault, aggravated assault, or homicide. There are requirements for a successful self-defense claim, including that you were not engaging in unlawful conduct at the time of the altercation. Even if you know you were only protecting yourself or your family, the prosecutor can challenge this assertion, and you can face an uphill battle to defend yourself.
If you are arrested because you used force against someone else and they suffered injuries or died, you might assume that your defense is clear. However, you must present self-defense in an appropriate way, and this might lead a prosecutor to drop charges or decide not to prosecute to begin with. As soon as you are arrested, do not make any statements and request to have an attorney before you speak to any law enforcement. You should reach out to an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately. We can begin working on your defense as soon as possible.
Never risk a wrongful conviction for a violent crime because you could not prove self-defense. Seek help from a trusted legal team today.
Contact Your Local Montgomery Criminal Defense Attorneys
In a case of self-defense, a Montgomery criminal defense lawyer will review all the details of your case, then do everything in their power to prove that your actions were protected and legal under the law. We believe in your right to defend yourself, and we will help in the event you face criminal charges.
If you or someone you know has recently been arrested and accused of a violent offense, then don’t hesitate to contact the Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr. to call 334.398.8408.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. These recoveries and testimonials are not an indication of future results. Every case is different, and regardless of what friends, family, or other individuals may say about what a case is worth, each case must be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances as they apply to the law. The valuation of a case depends on the facts, the injuries, the jurisdiction, the venue, the witnesses, the parties, and the testimony, among other factors. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
The Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr. serves Montgomery County, Pike County, Elmore County, Autauga County, the River Region of Alabama and throughout the State of Alabama, including Montgomery, Troy, Wetumpka Prattville, Selma and Tuskegee. No attorney-client relationship is established by requesting a consultation or emailing Attorney Richard F. Matthews, Jr.. Information submitted in such communication is not privileged and may be subject to disclosure.
