QUESTION
How do I defend myself without breaking the law?
Asked on Dec 10th, 2012 on Criminal Law - Michigan
More details to this question:
I am 22 my sister is 23 and has anger problems and she assaults me if we get into an argument. So if she attacks me and I am backed into a corner can I hit her to stop her or if she is choking me can I hit her or if she challenges me to a fight can I hit her? What situation can I hit her?
4 ANSWERS
Michael J. Breczinski
You can use reasonable force to defend yourself. That means that a slap can be met with a slap or may be holding her down but shooting her is out of the question.
Answered on Dec 11th, 2012 at 11:31 PM
Appellate Attorney serving Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
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Musilli Brennan Associates, PLLC
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Only in self-defense can you strike another. It sounds to me like you need to find another place to live.
Answered on Dec 11th, 2012 at 4:06 AM
Dennis P. Mikko
You can take reasonable steps to defend yourself. Reasonable steps may be to leave the area rather than fight. You cannot escalate a verbal argument into a physical attack.
Answered on Dec 10th, 2012 at 2:43 PM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Novi, MI
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Law Offices of Stephen A. Barker
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Only hit her in self defense and even then,only if you are in immediate danger of being assaulted. If you can, you have a legal duty to retreat. You cannot hit her if she only makes verbal threats. If you are in imminent danger of being or are being attacked, your first thought should be to call the police.
Answered on Dec 10th, 2012 at 2:39 PM