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The North Carolina law allows you to use force to protect and defend yourself when you believe another person’s use of force against you is unavoidable. Under certain circumstances, you can even resort to deadly force to protect yourself from an impending use of deadly force against you. This includes defending yourself or your family against an intruder who illegally enters your home.
Determining when you can defend yourself using self-defense in North Carolina can be difficult on your own. If you are facing charges after an act of self-defense, our criminal defense team can explain when and where self-defense is lawfully permissible and apply this knowledge to your defense. We can help you navigate the criminal justice system to prove that you acted within the parameters of the law when you defended yourself from an assailant.
When You Can Use Self-Defense in North Carolina
If you were in a situation where you believed there was a sure threat of unlawful force, physical harm, or inevitable death against you or another person, and you took steps to defend yourself or someone else, the laws of the state may offer you protection from being charged with a crime. According to G.S. § 14‑51.3, deadly force is justified if you reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to yourself or someone else.
However, the law does not allow you to use force to protect yourself from an on-duty police officer or bail bondsman acting lawfully and within the scope of their duties.
In the aftermath of a physical altercation, it can be difficult to prove self-defense on your own. When we represent you, our familiarity with state law means we can help you build a solid defense and potentially avoid criminal penalties.
If Someone Was on Your Property Illegally
Just as you can protect yourself from a physical assault or attack, the state allows you to defend yourself in your home, vehicle, or place of business. According to G.S. § 14-51.2, you can use self-defense if the person against whom you use force:
- Was breaking into your home, car, or workplace
- Knew their entry was illegal
- Attempted to escape using force or violence
- Was in the process of committing a crime
If any of these circumstances apply to your situation, we encourage you to let a member of our team know immediately. As your legal team, we will collect time-sensitive evidence to help prove a crime was in progress. We will also help you understand how your actions fit within the scope of the law and fight against your criminal prosecution, where possible.
Steps We Can Take to Prove You were Acting in Self-Defense
When our criminal defense team represents you, we conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your case. We listen with compassion and understanding to your story and glean important details that can support your defensive actions. Our team will also collect evidence to prove you were defending yourself or someone else. The types of evidence we collect on your behalf may include:
- Your written and verbal statements
- Witness statements and testimony
- Supportive photos and video footage
- Information about the alleged assailant
- Official police or incident reports
Our case review team will interview you and start collecting any relevant evidence that will help us build a strong case for self-defense. Then, we organize and present your evidence to the prosecutor while you focus on your physical, psychological, and emotional recovery.
Praise from Past Clients
When our criminal defense team handles your self-defense case, we ensure it gets the scrutiny and consideration it needs and deserves. We also make sure you get the attentive, responsive legal support you are looking for during what can be a frightening experience. Previous clients our team has helped say:
- “Hannah Davies appeared in court on my behalf and had a charge of Careless and Reckless dismissed. Hannah was very professional and was quick to put me and my wife at ease and listened with great interest to our concerns. We would recommend Hannah without any reservations whatsoever.” – Russell
- “I have known Mrs. Valentine for a number of years…She is passionate, caring, honest, and extremely hard working. She certainly has her clients’ bests interests at heart and works hard to see the best result for every client. Mrs. Valentine is a persuasive trial advocate and I endorse her without reservation.” – Blake
You can read additional feedback from clients in our testimonials. If you are involved in a legal dilemma because you defended yourself or someone else from harm, our team can help. On your behalf, we will work hard to ensure the best possible result for you so you can get back to your life.
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Call Today for Immediate Help in Your North Carolina Self-Defense Case
Do you have questions and concerns about when you can defend yourself and the potential consequences of self-defense in North Carolina? Review the circumstances of your case with one of our Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, team members by calling (828) 286-3866 today or contact criminal defense attorney.
