Louisiana Self-Defense Lawyer

Self-Defense Attorney in Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, & Ruston, LA

If you’ve been charged with a violent crime, there are a number of different defense strategies you can use depending on your case. One of the most popular and common defense strategies is self-defense. 

People often claim self-defense when charged with a violent crime, but to claim this defense you must first understand how it’s identified in the legal system. By claiming self-defense, does one get cleared of all charges or can you still face criminal penalties? Questions like these are common and can be difficult to answer for someone who isn’t completely clear on the law. Furthermore, self-defense laws vary depending on the state you’re in. If you believe that the actions that landed you in police custody were in self-defense, consult with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.

Eric G. Johnson with the John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC is a seasoned Louisiana criminal defense attorney who has represented numerous individuals facing criminal charges for violent crimes. Eric has a thorough understanding of Louisiana’s self-defense laws and has helped many mitigate penalties and even have charges dropped through efficient application of the law.

How Does Louisiana Define Self-Defense?

All Americans have the right to claim self-defense as federal and state courts accept the claim. The term itself addresses one’s right to protect themselves from harm under circumstances recognized by the courts. For a court to accept a self -defense claim, two factors must be relevant: immediate threat and fear of harm.

An immediate threat can be in the form of verbal or physical threats of violence. Verbal threats, however, do not warrant someone to act in self-defense if a threat of immediate harm did not accompany it. In regards to fear of harm, the law states that for the self-defense claim to be applicable, a “reasonable person” must have seen the same actions as threatening.

Although these are the basics of self-defense laws in Louisiana, one new law has been the center of discussion since it’s implementation: the stand your ground law.

What Is the Stand Your Ground Law in Louisiana?

Louisiana is one of the more than 20 states with “Stand Your Ground” verbiage in their statutes. “Stand Your Ground” translates to one having the right to use lethal force in response to imminent danger. Prior to the implementation of stand your ground laws, one had the duty to retreat. This required individuals to attempt to flee the situation first before using lethal force.

With that duty lifted, Louisianians can now stand their ground and “meet force with force” when placed in the line of danger. However, this doctrine is relatively new, having been passed in 2006. Debates on whether an individual’s actions were justifiable occur daily in courtrooms around the state and unfortunately, many people who’ve acted in self-defense end up behind bars.

Protect your freedom and ensure that your rights are upheld in court by acquiring a legal defense team abreast and experienced at litigating self-defense claims.

When Is Self-Defense a Viable Defense Strategy?

There are many situations when self-defense is considered a viable defense strategy. Some examples of self-defense and the Stand Your Ground law in action include:

• Defending yourself during a home invasion
• Defending yourself during a mugging or robbery
• Defending yourself during a domestic violence attack
• Defending yourself against multiple attackers

No matter what your situation is, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you determine the best defense strategy for your case. At the John D. and Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, we are experienced in creating viable self-defense and other defense strategies.

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Experienced Self-Defense Attorneys in Louisiana

If you’re facing charges for a violent crime in Louisiana, self-defense might be a viable defense strategy for your case. For help determining how to proceed with the fight against your charges, you need the help of a trusted criminal defense attorney in your neighborhood. 

In Louisiana, Eric G. Johnson of the John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC is a seasoned criminal defense attorney who’s represented individuals facing a range of violent crimes and asserted self-defense claims when applicable. Attorney Eric Johnson has more than 20 years of experience providing reliable representation when you need it most and wants to help you too. 

To understand the defense options available to you, reach out to Eric to learn all the possible ways he can bring your case to a favorable conclusion. Contact us today at 318-377-1555 for a free case evaluation.