Defense of Self
In Maryland, to claim self-defense there are four criteria to be met:
    1    You must not be the aggressor.
    2    You must believe that you are in imminent and immediate danger of bodily harm.
    3    Your belief that you are in immediate and imminent danger of bodily harm must be reasonable.
    4    You must use no more force than is reasonably necessary to defend yourself in light of the threatened or actual harm.

Defense of Property
If someone is trying to rob you, you can defend against your attacker. The best course of action is to comply with the mugger.  You can always replace credit cards and driver’s licenses. However, if you do act, you must actually and reasonably believe that the attacker is unlawfully interfering with your property and you may not use more force than is reasonably necessary to defend against the attacker’s interference with your property.

Defense of Others
If you see someone being attacked, you may defend that person. The same rules from self-defense as to the defense of others. You must actually and reasonably believe that the person is in immediate and imminent danger of bodily harm. You must also use no more force than is reasonably necessary to defend against the attack, and your use of force must be done to aid that person.

If you are being attacked….
Defend yourself. If you reasonably believe that you are in danger of imminent and immediate harm, use your training to fend off your attacker. However, use only the amount of force that is necessary to prevent the harm to your person and to escape whenever possible.

The bottom line is that if you believe you are in danger, act to defend yourself. If your belief is honest the law will likely protect you. Remember it is always better to be judged by twelve than carried by six!

If you find yourself in a situation where you have had to use force to defend yourself call an attorney immediately! As a proud member of the Quest Martial Arts family I will be happy to provide you with a free consultation or refer you to somebody who can help you!
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Law Offices of Joshua Insley, LLC
217 North Charles Street, 3rd Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
 
O: 410.244.0293
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www.joshua-insley.com