According to Florida Statute Section 776.012, a person may use non-deadly force to defend himself or another person if he reasonably believes that this conduct is necessary.  Deadly force can be used if the person reasonably believes that it is needed to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or another person.  A person can also use deadly force to prevent a forcible felony from occurring. 

In Jacksonville, self-defense does not only apply when a person is actually in danger.  If, in the defendant's mind, he reasonably believes that he is in danger and must use force to defend himself, he can still act in self-defense.  Therefore, if a Jacksonville resident reasonably believed that he was going to be attacked, he is justified in defending himself, even if there was no danger actually present.

Self-defense is a complete defense to the crime.  If a jury finds that a criminal defendant acted in self-defense, than he is not guilty of the crime charged.  If you acted in self-defense in Jacksonville, Florida, speak to a Jacksonville Self-Defense Lawyer.  A Jacksonville Self-Defense Attorney will investigate your case and work hard to prove that you acted in self-defense.  Contact our Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyers by email or by calling 904-685-1200.