Denver Self Defense Attorneys
Several methods exist to help defend against allegations of violent crimes such as assault, domestic violence, and battery. One of the most common of these is self-defense. Often, people charged with crimes had reason to fear for their own safety, which led them to commit the acts with which they have been charged. If you’re facing a charge for a crime and believe that you may have grounds for self-defense, get help from our Denver criminal defense attorneys at Varner Faddis Elite Legal, LLC. We’re committed to helping you understand your legal options and preparing you for the proceedings that come next.
- Our law firm is results-oriented, and we pride ourselves on focusing on every client as an individual. We give your case the time and dedication it deserves. Unlike some other firms, we see you as more than just a case number – you’re a person, and your side of the story matters.
- We keep the lines of communication open, so you always know what to expect. From your very first meeting with us, we take the time to answer every question and keep you informed about the state of your legal proceeding.
- Standing accused of a crime can be scary and unfamiliar. We understand the confusion and trauma associated with these legal proceedings and are committed to helping you navigate the legal landscape ahead.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer?
Any criminal charge is serious, but allegations of violent crimes especially so. These are often felony charges or serious misdemeanors. As such, they carry hefty fines and the potential for long terms of imprisonment, including mandatory minimum incarceration sentences if convicted. If you acted in self-defense, then you are not guilty of the charges against. However, it can be difficult to convince a prosecutor, judge, or jury of this. That’s why you need a skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyer to properly assert your position and obtain the best outcome possible in your case.
Defining Self-Defense
Generally, someone acts in self-defense or defense of another when they use “reasonable” physical force to protect themselves or another from imminent bodily harm from a potential aggressor. The person must have reason to believe that they or another are in serious danger. This is one of the most common defenses for those who are accused of crimes such as homicide, assault, and other violent crimes.
Establishing Self-Defense in Court
Establishing that a crime was actually self-defense requires more than just stating so. In general, there must be evidence that:
- The defendant had a reason to believe he or she, or another person, had a reasonable belief that they were facing imminent bodily harm. In other words, an empty threat is not enough to justify physical violence.
- The degree of physical force a defendant used in defense of his or her, or another’s, safety was reasonable. Even danger from an imminent attack is not an appropriate legal justification for excessive force.
- Self-defense relies on a proportional response – in other words, it must match the threat in question. A person must employ the same amount of force to match the threat – so a person cannot shoot someone that shoves them in a bar, for example. This is often the most crucial aspect of creating a self-defense argument.
- The defendant was not the initial aggressor.
If you are currently facing charges for a violent crime in Denver, pleading self-defense may be an option. The lawyers at Varner Faddis Elite Legal, LLC will examine the circumstances surrounding your case and mount the most vigorous defense possible. To schedule a free strategic review of your legal options with our firm, please contact us today.
Office
6025 South Quebec St.
Suite 100
Centennial, CO 80111
Phone: 720-710-9073