Domestic violence charges can be complicated. When the people you love and share a home with accuse you of violence, it can be an emotional situation.
It can often be challenging to recall the circumstances surrounding the situation. It might be even more challenging to get someone to believe your side of the story, especially when trying to defend yourself and your loved ones.
This is what you should know about self-defense in domestic violence situations.
When you can use self-defense in Illinois
The times you need to defend yourself are not always limited to barroom brawls. Sometimes you need to protect yourself against members of your own household.
In Illinois, you can defend yourself and others if you reasonably believe that it is necessary to protect yourself from the imminent use of unlawful force. This means that if someone in your home makes a move to harm you or your loved ones, you can defend yourself.
Does self-defense apply when it comes to domestic violence?
Domestic violence situations can be challenging. By the end, everyone has heightened tempers and a variety of emotions. Often, it can be challenging to determine the truth behind what happened.
The short answer is that self-defense still applies in domestic violence situations. However, it can be difficult to prove since the account is often one person’s recollection versus another’s.
When using self-defense to defend against domestic violence charges, your attorney will look at details such as defensive wounds and the details of the police report.
Domestic violence charges are serious and can lead to lasting consequences. It is essential to have knowledgeable support in building your defense.