Self-Defense vs Assault in CA: Legal Distinctions

In California, there is a lot of confusion about the distinction between lawful self-defense and assault. What may start as an attempt to protect oneself can very quickly result in a criminal charge of assault.

Those who have been charged with assault in Sacramento should understand how the law defines assault and how it differs from self-defense. This is critical when it comes to a good legal defense against these charges.

Understanding the legal definitions of assault and self-defense is important, as is understanding how California courts determine if a person's actions were assault or self-defense. A skilled criminal defense attorney like Blair Goss from Goss Law can help the accused person navigate these complex legal cases and explain assault vs aggravated assault in CA as well.

Understanding Assault Under California Law

In California, assault is defined by Penal Code § 240. It says that assault is the "unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, to commit a violent injury on the person of another." It's important to realize that assault doesn't necessarily require physical force or touching at all. Simply the attempt to cause physical harm, or even the threat of harm, can be enough to get an assault charge.

There are three main types of assault defined by California law:

• Battery (Simple Assault) - This is a misdemeanor charge that is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.  

• Aggravated Assault - This includes the use of a deadly weapon or excessive force that is likely to produce serious bodily injury. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.

• Assault on a Peace Officer - Harsh penalties apply when the alleged victim is a specific person, such as a police officer, a firefighter, or another protected person under California law.

In order to convict someone of assault, a prosecutor must prove that the defendant was willfully and unlawfully attempting to inflict harm on another person, even if there was no injury.

What Is Self-Defense Under California Law?

Self-defense is a different situation when compared to an assault case. Under California's self-defense laws, what might be considered assault or other criminal charges may have legal justification. In this state, a person has the right to use force or violence to protect themselves or others from imminent harm. There is a full outline on how to deal with this via CALCRIM No. 3470.

Elements of Self-Defense in California

Proving self defense requires that three elements must be present in the case:

First, the person accused of the crime must have reasonably and honestly believed that they were in danger of being harmed.

Next, they must have used a reasonable use of force. This means that the force used must be proportionate force. If the person believed that they were going to be hit or punched, pulling a knife or gun would not be reasonable force. If, however, they were in a situation where they believed that they were going to be killed, the use of deadly force to eliminate the immediate threat could be seen as self-defense.

Finally, the person must have used no more force than was reasonably necessary to defend themselves.

Working with this criminal defense law firm in Sacramento can help a client successfully claim self defense if all of these elements are met. This is even true if the other person was injured.

Self-Defense Is Not Assault

It's really important to understand that assault is unlawful, but self-defense is a legally justified action. However, many people who act in self-defense ultimately get charged with assault. There are many reasons for this including:

• Misunderstandings of law enforcement officers

• Lack of credible witnesses

• Aggressive prosecutors

• Serious injuries on the other party

For instance, if a fight breaks out outside a downtown bar, one person might claim self defense while another person insists that they were attacked maliciously. Police may arrest both of the people involved, and let prosecutors and the courts figure out what really happened.

The Burden of Proof in Self-Defense Cases

When someone claims self-defense in California, they are using an "affirmative defense." This means that they admit that they did the act they are accused of, but that their actions were justified. It also means that the burden of proof shifts to the prosecution, which must prove that the action was not justified, and they must prove this beyond a reasonable doubt.

A good self-defense argument can raise doubt, which means a conviction for assault can be prevented. This is why it's so important to work with a legal team, like Goss Law, to create a strong and successful self-defense claim. They can advise on domestic violence vs assault in CA.

Real-Life Examples: Self-Defense or Assault?

Here are some real-life examples that highlight the difference between self-defense and assault:

Example #1 - Domestic Case

A man is charged with a domestic assault after an argument with his partner. The woman claimed that he pushed her, and she called the police. The man, however, admits that he pushed the woman, but only after he felt like he was in imminent danger after she threw a bottle at him and pulled out a kitchen knife. In this example, it could be determined that the defendant acted in self defense, especially if there is evidence that confirms these actions.

Example 2: Road Rage Case

Driver A and Driver B get into an argument while stopped at a red light. Driver A leaves their vehicle, and approaches Driver B with fists raised. Driver B then steps out of their car and hits Driver A in the nose, breaking it. Although violence occurred, the punch could be justified if Driver B has a reasonable belief that they were going to be attacked.

Example 3: Bystander Intervention Case

Person A sees Person B assaulting Person C in a parking lot. Person A intervenes and pushes Person B to the ground. Even though Person A was the one who initiated contact, the action could be legally justified because they had a reasonable fear that Person C would be harmed. Defense of another is legal under California's self defense laws.

The Role of Reasonableness

When it comes to self-defense claims, California courts take into account how reasonable the action was. They might look at things like: Was the fear of imminent bodily harm genuine? Would a reasonable person in a similar situation act the same? Was the force used proportional force?

The courts will not look at excessive force or retaliation as self-defense. For instance, if a person gets slapped, and the pull out a firearm, the court would likely not accept that as a self-defense claim.

When Self-Defense Doesn’t Apply

There are scenarios where self-defense doesn't apply. Here are some of them:

• Provocation -- If the defendant provoked the altercation with the intent to engage in violence, the self-defense claim would likely be denied.

• Mutual Combat -- If two people agree to fight, neither of them can claim self defense unless one of them has tried to withdraw from the fight and the other person continued to inflict force.

• Future or Past Threats -- It's not possible to legally use force against another person just because they threaten to hurt you at a future time or have previously harmed you.

Legal Defense Strategies in Assault Cases

A criminal defense attorney like Blair Goss of Goss Law has a number of tactics available to defend clients from assault charges. Here are some of the ways a lawyer can argue for self-defense:

• Proving an Imminent Threat - Showing that the defendant had a legitimate fear that they were in danger can prove self-defense.

• Disputing Proportionality - Proving that the force the defendant used was reasonable considering the circumstances.

• Challenging the Credibility of a Witness - Many assault cases rely on "he said, she said" testimony, but a criminal defense attorney can challenge the credibility of a witness.

• Offer Physical Evidence - Evidence like injuries, surveillance footage, or 911 calls can support the defendants claim in court.

• Background Checks - A history of violence by the alleged victim can be used in certain cases to show that the defendant had a reasonable reason to act as they did.

Consequences of Assault Convictions

In California, a conviction for assault has serious legal consequences. These include:

• Probation

• Jail time

• Fines

• Permanent criminal record

• Difficulty finding a home or job

• Immigration issues, including deportation for non-citizens

The Importance of Legal Representation - Goss Law

In Sacramento, police and prosecutors take a very serious approach to assault allegations. This is why it's so important to have a criminal defense attorney who has a deep understanding of assault law.

An attorney can evaluate the facts of the case, build a strong defense, represent clients in hearings and during court, and work towards reducing or dismissing the charges.

Self-defense cases often involve complexities that aren't black and white. Without representation, a defendant is at risk of being convicted unfairly simply for protecting themselves or someone else.

Goss Law is here for anyone who finds themselves in this situation.