I defended myself in a fight and I go to jail?

You will always have the right to defend yourself. Self-defense will always hold up in court, unless you used excessive force.

goliathntime

Nine out of ten times, the police will arrest both parties until they can sort out the legalities. I doubt very seriously if you have anything to worry about. It's not really up to the police whether or not you will be charged, it's up to the DA.

limgrn_maria

The police weren't there to see how the fight started.. so in most cases they will arrest both parties then investigate...get yourself a lawyer and it will be handled..

copswife

yes i am sorry but it is, it is not their job to tell you that you were correct in hitting the person, that is the judges job. When they get there they need to diffuse the situation immediately then ask questions, if it is found that you were defending yourself then you will have no charges against you. it is the act of hitting is what they are there to stop, just because you got hit first does not mean you did not hit. it is different for different departments, some have leniency with this type of thing others do not. You may have an officer that sees things in black and white and always goes by the book. I am sure when you tell your side of the story in court, if it is the way you say it happened, you should be cleared of all charges.

iamct01

That is true but when it gets to a judge I think you will be OK.

Rob

You both were fighting and its your word against his to a point. The courts will have to figure it out.

Polo

Reasonable force is ok.

Vicky

That is wrong, you had no choice but to defend yourself and it is wrong of them to tell you that you should not have hit that person. What are you suppose to do let him beat you up and he also had a gun.

This is so wrong you need to report this to the authorities... (Good Luck)!!

innocence faded

Morally, no, I do not think it is right. Were you supposed to allow the guy to keep attacking? To kill you?

As for the legal part, you need to consult a good lawyer.

fr_chuck

You need to hire an attorney, if you had a chance to escape and did not, in many states that is illegal.

lomatar1186

wait till you go to court. and the judge shouldn't give you jail time.

Jean Paul

No matter what the cops or the law says, you were defending yourself and you didn't know about the gun!, I am sure if you knew you would have try to avoid a fight. Just be clear and honest most of all!! don't you think?

purple_kathryn_ni

as far as I'm aware you have a right to defend yourself.

Timeless - watcher

Defending yourself is not a crime.

mathborg3691

that was crap in arizona youd be able to shoot him and youd be a hero

kit

No. It wasn't. I'll venture to guess the guy waasn't white which is why you got arrested. And they say we don't have a big problem. This is key. Anyway, all are innocent until proven guilty. Let the judge hear your story, gather your witnesses if any or your security tapes. File your charges and hire a competent attorney. Be prepared to launch a civil suit offensive of your own. It will be a big help.

Pam

depends on your state. in other states you could have shot and killed him with no questions asked since it was on your property

waynekirsten

to us, no it's not right but that 's the world that we live in. I say they will never understand until it happens to them ......when some one walks up to some police officer off duty and beat the breaks off of him then they will start to understand. Sorry that you had to go through that.

Spirit Walker

Sounds like the cops are real stupid to me. Self-defense is permissible in any CIVILIZED country. The the guy was a cop's brother?

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