We all know that self-defense is a legitimate defense for actions used against another person that would usually be illegal. After all, no one deserves to suffer violence at the hands of another. Using violent means to counteract the attack or prevent violence against a third party is allowed universally under the rule of law.
Unfortunately, this principle is invoked so often that self-defense claims rarely are taken as seriously be law enforcement as they should be. Even if your claim of self-defense is legitimate, it may be ignored or dismissed as a defense. Even in court, self-defense is not often heard as a legal defense.
Because of the risks involved in a self-defense case, people accused of a crime that was committed in self-defense should consult a Cincinnati criminal defense attorney right away to figure out the best course of action. When you are accused of a violent crime committed in self-defense, it is important that you build an effective defense above all else, and sometimes this means considering other options. Discussing every detail of the case with a lawyer can often give you the clarity to make the hard choices.
Why Is Self-Defense Rarely Used as a Defense?
Although a legitimate defense for one’s actions, self-defense is rarely used as a defense in court, even when the defendant was truly doing what he thought was best under the circumstances. That’s because self-defense can be a risky move, since these cases are difficult to win under certain circumstances.
Since self-defense cases that are very obviously self-defense based on the objective evidence rarely go to trial, juries can sometimes be prejudiced against the defendant before even starting. Even with juries diligently focusing on trying to weigh the evidence on the case, self-defense as a defense is not a slam-dunk.
Self-defense cases can turn into cases of he-said, she-said without witnesses. Even with testimony supporting a self-defense claim, defendants take a risk, because it’s an affirmative defense. That means you admit to the crime but say it’s justified. If the jury doesn’t believe your actions were fully justified, they have no choice but to convict without leniency, since you are admitting that it did happen.
Cincinnati Criminal Defense
Because of the risks involved in a self-defense case, people accused of a crime that was committed in self-defense should consult a Cincinnati criminal defense attorney at (513) 338-1890right away to figure out the best course of action. When you are accused of a violent crime committed in self-defense, it is important that you build an effective defense above all else, and sometimes this means considering other options. Discussing every detail of the case with a lawyer can often give you the clarity to make the hard choices.
