In Jacksonville, Florida, a person may protect his Jacksonville residence and has no duty to retreat before using deadly force.  Florida Statute Section 776.013 is commonly referred to as Florida's castle doctrine.  Under this Florida Law, a person is presumed to be in fear of death or great bodily harm when an intruder enters his dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle if:

1. the intruder unlawfully and forcefully entered, or was attempting to enter, a occupied vehicle, residence, or dwelling, or the intruder was trying to unlawfully remove a person from the vehicle, residence, or dwelling, and
2. the person acting in self-defense believed that the unlawful act was occurring.

Florida's castle doctrine does not apply in the following situations:

1. The person against whom the force is used has the right to be in the dwelling, residence, or vehicle and there is not a restraining order or no contact order against that person.
2. The person that is being removed is a child, grandchild, or in the lawful custody of the person against whom the forced is used. 
   
3. The person inflicting the deadly force is committing a crime.
4. The person against whom the force is used is a law enforcement officer engaged in his official duties.
   

In Jacksonville Florida, 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.